The Realize Band
iQuest is pleased to offer the Realize Adjustable Gastric Band.
The Realize Adjustable Gastric Band is one of the banding options available in Canada. The REALIZE™ Band-C offers a streamlined, curved design, an expanded adjustment range to accommodate larger patients and a re-lockable closing mechanism for intra-operative repositioning.
While the procedure will have the biggest impact on the patient’s life, it is the post-surgery program that determines long-term success. Along with the Realize Adjustable Gastric Band comes the REALIZE mySUCCESS™ interactive website. The site provides support to the patient before and after surgery. The REALIZE mySUCCESS™ site allows patients to remain constantly connected to their health care providers, who also have access to the site.
The REALIZE mySUCCESS™ program extends the continuum of care through a web-based interactive, one-of-a-kind support system that guides patients on a path of lifestyle changes to help them sustain weight loss.
The program is an integral element of the REALIZE Personalize Banding Solution through which patient and bariatric practice may stay connected pre and post-surgery to help develop and manage conditions specific to each patient.
“For surgery to produce good long-term results it is absolutely essential that as access to surgery expands, so does the pre-surgical selection and education process as well as the access to life-long post-surgical monitoring,” concludes Dr. Kluftinger.
The comprehensive solution helps identify the root cause of obstacles to success, as well as providing tools to overcome them. In addition, the bariatric practice has access to the patient’s information between appointments to help monitor progress. The practitioner can step in when necessary to provide guidance to help keep the patient on track and ensure a successful outcome.
In British Columbia as with most other provinces, LAGB is not an insured service covered under the Medical Services Plan. Therefore patients are required to pay for the surgery. Some extended health plans may pay for a portion of the pre and postsurgical portion. The surgery is also tax deductable as a medical procedure. While the cost of the surgery and the pre and post surgical program is significant, it should be remembered that it provides a permanent solution. In comparison to other common weight loss programs, LAGB surgery is good value. Other savings includes a decrease in the amount spent on food, less reliance on prescription medicines to treat co-morbidities, and decreased treatment costs for joint and other problems associated with obesity.
Patients are encouraged to speak to a physician before seeking advice on weight loss surgery.