We have extensive LAP-BAND® and REALIZE® Band experience; our surgeons have participated in over 5,000 laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedures and have helped thousands of patients lose hundreds of thousands of pounds. In fact, they were among the first in the country to perform gastric banding following FDA approval in 2001.

The best way to determine if the LAP-BAND® or REALIZE® Band is right for you is to come in and talk to us.

The decision to recommend surgical treatment for weight loss requires a careful assessment of the risks and benefits in each individual case. Almost two thirds of the US population is overweight or obese. Obesity places you at increased risk for multiple serious, potentially life-threatening medical conditions, but there is universal agreement that substantial, long lasting weight loss should be the treatment goal for these patients. We know that many obesity-related medical conditions will resolve or significantly improve if we can achieve significant, sustained weight loss. Some obesity-related conditions are:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and stroke
• Sleep apnea
• High cholesterol
• Joint disease
• Heartburn/GERD (esophageal reflux)
• Loss of bladder control (incontinence)
• Infertility/erectile dysfunction
• Reduced life expectancy, early death
• Increased risk for cancer
• Prone to accidents
• Gallstones
• Liver disease
• Joint Pain/arthritis
• Back pain

Ideally, patients are well informed, motivated, and have acceptable operative risks. They should be active participants in treatment and long term follow-up.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria for weight loss surgery include a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with presence of serious co-morbid conditions. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revised their criteria to allow more patients to benefit from the LAP-BAND® and REALIZE® Band. The FDA suggests considering gastric banding for patients with a BMI of 35 or greater, or a BMI of 30 or greater with one co-morbid condition.

Synchrony Chicago Weight Loss surgeons follow both NIH and FDA criteria in evaluating patients for LAP-BAND® and REALIZE® Band procedures.

Since childhood obesity is a growing problem, Synchrony Chicago Weight Loss has developed programs to meet their needs including gastric banding. We know that 75% of obese children become morbidly obese adults so it makes sense to consider a low risk surgery that could prevent serious health risks in the future. Contact the office for more information about our adolescent program. With some of the most experienced and skilled gastric band surgeons in the country, we have performed gastric banding on patients with a wide range of conditions, including:

• BMI 30-84
• Weight 182-608 pounds
• Ages 16-76

Have questions? Ready to discuss your options? Please contact us.