I heard that too. I don't know if it has been released yet. I was worried too. I talked to my doctor and decided that I will welcome that problem when it comes. I know when I get to goal I will need a major tummy tuck. I figure they can reposition it then. The lap band and the realize band had the same weight loss at about 18 - 24 months. I knew I needed results sooner than later for my own psyche. The realize band seems to need more fluid for restriction. Now my doctor doesn't have a problem putting in quite abit for each fill. Some do so it may take more time to feel restriction. I liked a lot about the Realize band. My doctor has a lot of experience with the lap band so I went with that. Either one is a great choice and some with both will lose weight quickly and some will lose weight a little more slowly. I was worried about the port too. Like I said....bring on that problem!

My understanding is that the Realize Band has a standard low profile port and that the AP Lap Band has a low profile one available (the standard is larger). I'm sure one of them is smaller than the other by at least a little, but I haven't found that info. anywhere yet. I've been trying to research as much as I can about each as I also have a choice. I've got my surgeon consult Dec. 23 so I'll report what I've found out then. Like J.A. said, I can only hope that any port will show, but it's good to plan ahead!

Hi did you find any info about the bands. I have to soon choose and I am having a hard time.

I heard someone was in a trial with lap band that had a low profile port. I don't know if the port had anything to do with the trial. I thought about it and I have heard about better initial weight loss with the Lap band. After talking to my doctore I decided that if my port sticks out after I have lost SO MUCH WEIGHT then that is a fabulous problem to have and I will have it repositioned when I have plasitic surgery. (I'm sure I will need a TT) Good luck it is a hard decision.

Ps: The realize band was about $100 more expensive. That isn't why I chose Lapband, but I thought I would mention it.

So sorry fit & peach, I forgot to come back here (PM me if you have more questions). The LB low profile is not out yet. (wish you could subscribe to individual posts on blogs)

TMI, but in case you're interested: The new Realize band is in trials now but won't be widespread for awhile (port is the same). They fixed the problems with the shape by making it precurved like the LB and the increased the volume (9 to 11cc) so it's like the LB- a bigger range so they can tweak your sweet spot more accurately. But they kept the single balloon (I like the multiple ones the LB offers).

I chose the LB (my doc offers both LB/Realize) and the doc will decide which size of LB when he does the surgery (APS or APL). I did a lot of research and prefer the LB. He also let me pick the placement of the port (he said it can go almost anywhere as long as it's not too far from the band. I chose a little L of center between my ribs and belly button line, his default is on the right). -BG