In the clinical trial that led to its FDA approval, REALIZE Band patients lost an average of 40 percent of their excess body weight within the first year of surgery and maintained that weight loss over three years. More than one-third of patients lost 50 percent or more and about 10 percent lost 75 percent or more of their excess weight.  REALIZE Band-C is now being used at only 20 hospitals nationwide, including St. Luke's Medical Center.

"Gastric band patients are able to lose a significant amount of weight and improve their overall health status in a relatively short period of time, considering many have been morbidly obese for years prior to surgery," said Steve Webb, MD. "And while the surgery is among the most effective treatments for morbid obesity, it is just one stop along the patient's journey. Patients must make changes to their diet and lifestyle after surgery to help achieve long-term success."

Robert Swindling is one of three patients to undergo surgery for the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution at St. Luke's on December 8.  Swindling is a 55-year-old Arlington area pharmacist who says he has struggled with weight problems for much of his life. 

"Over the years, I gained five pounds here and five pounds there," Swindling says.  "After years and years of that, I reached my highest weight of 306 pounds.  I have tried many diets, and I was never successful.  Recently, I realized that I had to do something to regain my health."

Like other patients who choose this surgery, Swindling will make use of a unique website called  REALIZE mySUCCESS.  The online site allows patients and physicians to set goals and continuously watch the patient's progress together—especially for the first three years, as the patient adjusts to his/her new lifestyle.  Healthcare providers can step in precisely when needed to keep patients on track.  With REALIZE mySUCCESS, patients establish a tailored progress plan to develop new health habits in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and emotional well-being.

"This is actually not all about making obese people thin," Dr. Webb says.  "This is about making people like Robert Swindling healthy again.  We can relieve patients of a number of medical conditions linked to obesity – including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety and depression and obstructive sleep apnea.  For people who are candidates for adjustable gastric banding, this procedure truly delivers answers that will change their lives for the better."

Robert Swindling says he has been treated for high blood pressure and believes that – after his surgery and future weight loss – hypertension will no longer be on his list of worries.  After reaching a weight of 306 pounds, Swindling's ultimate goal is to get down to 165 pounds.

"I guess that means I want to be about half the man I was before," Swindling says and notes that he is well aware that reaching that goal will take time.  "I am looking forward to reaching my goal and taking my wife, Harriett, for a vacation in the mountains.  We'll be doing a lot of hiking.  I feel great about this decision and great about my future." 

Dr. Steve Webb will lead an informational session on Weight Loss Surgery and options for patients on Wednesday December 10 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Hospital.  Information is available at 904-296-5880.  Dr. Paul Chappano will lead an information session on Weight Loss Surgery and options for patients on Tuesday December 9 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Vincent's Medical Center.  Information is available at 904-308-LINK. 

About the Realize™ Band
The REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band is a device 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 kg/m2, or a BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 with one or more co-morbid conditions.  It is for use in morbidly obese adult patients who have failed more conservative weight-reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Realize™ Band patients in the U.S. clinical study experienced a 22% increase in good cholesterol (HDL) and a decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol and triglycerides 36 months after surgery. In addition, patients experienced a statistically significant reduction in the key indicator for type 2 diabetes (HbA1c). The REALIZE Band, which is marketed under the name Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB) outside the U.S., has been commercially available outside the U.S. since 1996 and has been used by more than 100,000 patients worldwide to help manage their weight. For more information visit www.realizeband.com or call 1-866-REALIZE.
About St. Vincent's HealthCare