A Possible Solution to Obesity
Obesity is a problem that can be very hard to manage, and can lead to other serious health issues. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression are just a few of the complications that arise from being severely overweight. Sometimes diet and exercise aren't enough, or because of associated health issues, diet and exercise can be almost impossible to maintain. The Realize Band is a specific type of gastric bypass surgery that can help you lose weight at a healthy rate and keep it off.
How the Realize Band Works?
A Realize Band is one of the safest weight-loss surgeries available. The procedure is performed by creating an incision in the abdomen and placing the gastric band around the stomach. The gastric band separates the stomach into two parts, and only the top part, a four-ounce pouch, holds food. The small size allows you to eat less and feel full faster and longer.
However, the Realize Band is not for everyone. Surgeons recommend that candidates for the gastric bypass have a body mass index of at least 35 and have suffered serious health risks from their obesity. Also, the realize band is not recommended for people who have problems with alcohol abuse or depression.
Recuperating After the Operation
Recovery from a gastric bypass generally doesn't take any longer than five weeks. Initially, you'll stay in the hospital four to six days after the Realize Band surgery, to ensure there are no complications. After being discharged from the hospital, it will take two to five weeks before you're fully recovered. The stomach sometimes has trouble adjusting to the surgery and can take time to properly extract nutrients from the food you consume. It's important to not eat high-calorie foods and make sure you have a high vitamin intake.
How Much Does Realize Band Surgery Cost?
The surgery for the gastric band ranges from $16,000 to $25,000, depending on the hospital where the surgery takes place and surgeon's fees. In some cases, your insurance carrier will cover the costs of surgery if a doctor recommends you for the gastric bypass because of health issues or as a preventative measure.
Potential Problems with the Surgery
One risk that always accompanies weight loss surgery is that of infection at the point of incision. In addition, blood clots in the lung and gallstones can be associated with these surgeries. One complication that gastric bypass recipients should be vigilant for is vitamin deficiency. It's a good idea to consult with a nutritionist either before or directly after the surgery to avoid this problem.
