Realize Band Forum

by Rebecca Erdman, RD LD

1. How does the Realize Band help me lose weight? The Realize Band limits the amount of food you can consume at a given time. You will feel full sooner and stay full longer with less food. With a change in eating habits and a routine exercise program, the Realize Band will help you to achieve your weight loss goals.
2. How will my meal pattern change with the Realize Band? The meal pattern will be 5-6 mini meals and each mini meal will be ½ - 1 cup in size. This is due to the 4 ounce pouch created with the Realize Band. The mini meals will help to keep your metabolism running efficiently.
3. How will my diet change with the Realize Band? The life long maintenance diet is a High Protein, Low Fat, Low Carbohydrate Diet. After surgery the focus will be mostly on protein at all meals. Protein foods are meat, dairy, eggs, soy, beans/legumes, and nuts. High fat/high sugar foods such as, candy, cake, chips/snack crackers, white breads, sugary cereals, potatoes, and other starchy foods will be limited.The food consistency will progress slowly to maximize tolerance and minimize post surgery complications. Although this is surgeon specific, the most common consistency stages include: Clear Liquid Stage, Puree Stage (baby food consistency), Soft Solid Stage and Regular High Protein/Low fat/ Low Carbohydrate Stage.
4. Are there any foods I will not be able to eat with the Realize Band? All foods are allowed in moderation. There are some foods that may be difficult to get through the stoma (area of the stomach where food passes through the band from the upper stomach to the lower stomach) especially as you get adjustments to the band. The most common food intolerance's with the band are usually chicken/beef, bread, pasta, rice, scrambled eggs, and lettuce. Not all patients experience food intolerance's. Eating slowly, taking small bites and chewing thoroughly will minimize the risk for intolerance's. Although all foods are allowed, high calorie foods will cause your weight loss to slow down.
5. Will I be able to drink alcohol with the Realize Band? Occasional alcohol consumption is acceptable.  Alcohol is considered a liquid calorie. Liquids will always move through the band with no problem, so the calories can add up quite quickly.  The best choice to make would be a red wine or a clear liquor (vodka, gin, rum) with a diet mixer.
6. Do I have to exercise to lose my weight? Exercise is a vital component with any weight loss plan. The Realize Band alone is not enough. Exercise will increase the rate of your weight loss. It will also build muscle mass which will in turn increase your metabolism. However, most patients find it hard to exercise at first, due to joint/back pain. Beginning with something low impact will make exercise more tolerable. Try something like biking, water aerobics, yoga, or pilates. As you continue to lose weight, exercise will become easier and more enjoyable.
7. Will I need to take vitamins and minerals after I get the Realize Band? Yes, you will need to take a multivitamin with iron after surgery. Although this is surgeon specific, chewable multivitamins in the first 3 months are usually recommended to promote tolerance. Labs are usually recommended at 6 and 12 months to test for any deficiencies. While deficiencies aren?t extremely common, with the decreased intake you are still at risk.
8. Do I need to journal? Yes, with the Realize Band you should journal and track your progress. Journaling makes you take a close look at your eating patterns and habits. By journaling you can look at how and why you eat. You can also identify problem foods and even certain times of the day when you have a harder time following the program. It will also be a great tool for your dietitian to help you identify dietary changes to help improve your success. 

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This information has been provided by Dr. Trace Curry and his team at the Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. To learn more about the Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, please visit http://www.thebanddoctor.com/.