Weight loss surgery patients who had a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedure now have access to the REALIZE mySUCCESS online support program, originally developed only for patients with the REALIZE adjustable gastric band. Read the full story

As weight loss surgery continues to prove effective as a treatment option for obese patients, some market analysts say to keep an eye on bariatric surgical devices as a growth industry. Read the full story

In the July 10, 2009 edition of WLS News, find out what life-threatening condition weight loss surgery patients should be on the watch for up to a year after surgery. Also, stats that say weight loss surgery can help women bear healthier children post op. Plus, an investment tip that may surprise you.

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New Gastric Band Debuts

Lap-band fans, move over — there’s a new kid on the block: the REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band-C, the newest addition to the REALIZE portfolio.

The latest offering from Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., the REALIZE-C features an aerodynamic design – hmm, not sure why that’s important – but in any case a design that helps it go in easier and work better for the larger patient.

The REALIZE Band-C carries over the classic high-volume, low-pressure system as the original REALIZE Band, but in addition to its new styling, it boasts a stoma adjustment range a full 14% greater than before to accommodate larger patients. And that’s not all — the REALIZE Band-C dominates all other gastric bands with its “Wide-Trak” size – a burly 23 mm — making it the biggest band available. Who says size doesn’t matter?

Other standard features on the REALIZE-C include an unlockable/relockable closing mechanism for intra-operative repositioning, a removable band extender with a pre-lock position, making placement a snap; multiple locking techniques and greater grasping area; radiopaque parts that show up under X-ray; plus optional pinstriping, 2-tone paint, and heated cupholders front and back.

Okay, I might have made some of those up.

But, in an interesting marketing move that is very pro-patient support, patients who pick the REALIZE band for their laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery gain full access to the REALIZE mySUCCESS™ program, a Web-based support tool that helps identify the root causes of problems you may encounter as you start your new life, then sets you up with tools to fix ‘em.

Intrigued? Ask your doctor whether REALIZE-C or some other band is best for you

In the May 15, 2009 edition of WLS News, we’ll fill you in on the new REALIZE-C adjustable gastric band, report on the controversy surrounding high fructose corn syrup, and tell you why an Irish airline has reconsidered its proposed fat tax. We’ll also explain why weight loss surgery may be good for patients who aren’t morbidly obese, and share some promising statistics about the overall safety of bariatric procedures. Finally, we’ll discover a tasty, pouch-friendly treat, brought to us by bariatric cooking expert Chef Dave. Read the full story