REALIZE Solution for sleeve gastrectomy

[Janis]

I'm going to a consultation meeting with a local surgeon's nurse on Friday. I'm so glad it is a one on one visit rather than an informational meeting like many surgeons hold. This way, I can ask questions pertinent to me and not have to listen to questions about other types of surgeries.

I received a questionnaire to complete and a pamphlet from REALIZE. I thought REALIZE was a type of band which it is, but they also have a site for gastric sleeve surgery patients. I figured out that the same company, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. , that makes the REALIZE Band also makes the staple gun that is used in the sleeve surgery. From a video I watched, the tool appears to cut and staple in one step. Here is the website if anyone wants to check it out: www.realize.com/gastric-sleeve-surgery.htm
Has anyone had gastric sleeve surgery using this method? I think I remember someone writing about a surgical complication because the staple gun broke during surgery. I wonder if it was this type of cut and staple tool.

Anyone with input I'd love to hear from you, Janis

[Deleted]

I am guessing here but I think ALL VSGs are done with a tool that fires staples - 6 rows - while it cuts inbetween so three rows one side and three on the other.

I don't know if only one company makes all of the the staple guns.

I saw a video of Dr. Alverez (not my surgeon) who demo'd it on ham slices (!) so you could really see it well.

this might be the one - worth watching - he says there are two major makers.

[Deleted]

yes, this is the one - good to watch- you can see how the staples gun works.


there are other videos that better show how the actual operation works in your abdomen but this is good for the staple gun.

[Brandilynn]

Dr. Alvarez and I think a good many doctors us the EndoGia gun.

I have to say I might be leary of a REALIZE gun. :S

[Janis]

Jackie,

Thanks for the link. I really didn't think about how it was done. I guess with sewing sheers and embroidery thread!

Brandi,

I am leary of anything even remotely related to a band but I'm going in with an open mind and I'll ask plenty of questions.

Janis

[Brandilynn]

Right on sister!! I am thinking good solid things for you!!

Dr. Alvarez.. sigh. If only the videos were in SmellOVision. :} What a talented, groovy, and nice smelling human.

[Carolyn H.]

Yes, my surgeon uses the Etho-endicon staple gun, and give out the Realize pamphlet. I actually track stuff of Realizemysuccess.com. You can track calories, exercise, weight, measurements, etc., and your surgeon can see it if they work with Realize.

Just as a note, Dr. Kim is on the research commitee of the ASMBS and travels the world training bariatric surgeons. He also did DS as his main practice area before moving to Florida. He does more than 50 VSG's a month. I think he's literally done thousands and has a very low complication rate.

[Deleted]

Janis, I remember when I first learned about the VSG - I was SURE I could never do it because "they cut your stomach open" - once I saw videos (not that one, but ones where they show the actual surgery) and realized it was never "open" I felt much better about it.

[mooney]

That video was good. i will share it. thank you