Adjustable Gastric Band for Morbid Obesity

A new surgical implant is being used for weight reduction and improvement in obesity related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, in individuals suffering from morbid obesity.

The Realize Band is intended for use in weight reduction for patients with morbid obesity and is indicated for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, or a BMI of at least 35 with one or more co-morbid conditions. It is intended for use in morbidly obese adult patients who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise, and behavior modification programs.

In the gastric band surgical procedure, a soft, adjustable silicone band is wrapped around the stomach to create two chambers connected by a narrow opening. After the procedure, the upper stomach can only hold about 115 grams of food, which limits food intake, makes patients feel full faster and for a longer period of time, and slows digestion. Once the band is in place, an injection port is attached to the abdominal wall underneath the skin. The Realize injection port allows doctors to inject or remove saline to tighten or loosen the band. The tighter the band, the more quickly the upper stomach fills up and the less food a person can eat. Adjustments are made periodically based on the patient's individual needs. The Realize Band is a product of Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Cincinnati, OH, USA), a Johnson & Johnson company (New Brunswick, NJ, USA), and has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"Obesity is a serious disease, and as a company we're committed to providing more than products to address this worldwide epidemic; we provide bariatric solutions that can help people realize their health goals and live longer and healthier lives regardless of which surgical option may be right for them,” said Kevin Lobo, president of Ethicon Endo-Surgery.

The two most common procedures in bariatric surgery are gastric bypass and gastric banding. Most of these procedures are performed via a laparoscope, typically resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and quicker recovery from surgery compared to traditional open surgery. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is also reversible, if necessary.


Related Links:
Ethicon Endo-Surgery
Johnson & Johnson