Lose Weight

How the REALIZE Band Helps You Lose Weight

When the REALIZE Band is implanted, it molds the stomach into two connected chambers: a small upper stomach and the lower stomach. The place where the band is wrapped around the stomach creates a junction between the stomach chambers. This junction is called a stoma. The amount of restriction (tightness) at the stoma is controlled by using the REALIZE Injection Port to increase or decrease the amount of saline in the band. The ability to change the restriction is why the REALIZE Band is called an adjustable gastric band. You will learn more about restriction in the section on REALIZE Band Adjustments.

The REALIZE Band limits the amount of food you can eat at one time. The new upper stomach can only hold about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of food. For this reason, you will feel full sooner than usual. The lower stomach does not need to fill for you to feel full. The stoma created by the band also slows the flow of food from the small upper stomach to the lower stomach. When the stoma is made smaller (restriction is increased), you can eat less food during a single meal and food will empty more slowly to the lower stomach. This means you will feel full sooner and stay full longer with the REALIZE Band and will have better control of your appetite. Although the REALIZE Band can help you feel full faster and stay full longer, it will not eliminate the emotional desire to eat.

Normal Stomach	Stomach with REALIZE Band

If you try to eat more than 4 ounces at a meal, you may feel uncomfortable and may regurgitate. This reaction is common, but is due to inappropriate eating behaviors. You quickly will learn how to eat to avoid discomfort and regurgitation. As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and it will begin to use its fat energy stores. The goal is to lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds a week.

In general, you only notice the band’s presence around your stomach when you are eating. However, there are times when some people temporarily feel increased band restriction. These times may occur in the morning, during allergy season, when under extreme stress, during a menstrual cycle, or with a significant increase in altitude.

The REALIZE Band provides you with a powerful tool to combat hunger and overeating. It helps you feel full faster and longer. But if you eat high-calorie foods or drink highcalorie liquids, the REALIZE Band will not promote weight loss. For this reason, you will need to follow specific eating and behavioral guidelines to lose weight. Your healthcare team will provide you with specific guidelines to help you accomplish your goals. General guidelines are discussed in the section The REALIZE Band Lifestyle.

Glossary Terms

• Regurgitate: To cause backward flow of food from the upper stomach.
• Stoma: The location where the band is wrapped around the stomach. This placement creates a tight junction (passage) between the upper and lower stomach chambers.