REALIZE® Band Surgery in Jacksonville, Florida

The REALIZE® adjustable gastric band was approved by the FDA and became available in the United stated in 2007. Although only recently introduced into the USA, the REALIZE® Band has a long history of successful weight loss in Europe since it was first used in 1985.

Like all adjustable gastric bands, the REALIZE® band is a restrictive weight loss device that is attached around the upper portion of the stomach. When in place, the REALIZE® band divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and the larger remaining portion of the stomach below. The two parts of the stomach are separated by a stoma or opening created by the band.

The small stomach pouch created by the REALIZE® band dramatically reduces the amount of food a person can eat before they feel full. The stoma between the upper and lower portions of the stomach slows the passage of food through the stomach helping the person feel full for longer.

Working together, the smaller stomach capacity and delayed emptying help the person control the amount of food they eat and weight loss is achieved through calorie restriction.