lsuza

No way .... My doctor won't go near it and based on the hours if research I did I feel its not the right choice for me. If I felt it was I would have got another doctor but I couldn't find anything clinically relevant other than a cool website. That's my personal opinion, I've stated all the facts in prior posts.

Thanks! I hope my information was helpful or at the least, interesting enough to raise awareness

I am passionate about this because I was a victim of malpractice from a company who did not disclose everything they should have about their product and don't want anyone else to have to go through what I did. I agree, I got too fired up and I'm sorry if I came off too aggressive. I'm getting banded in the spring

It's hard for people to make an informed decision by going to J&J's website when they are leaving out important facts. My goal was to make people aware of the truth. Do you think they are going to advertise their product is an old band with a new name or that in their comparison vs the lapband it was putting experienced surgeons up against inexperienced surgeons? Wouldn't you want to know that so you can make a decision you feel good about?

I'm just a med student, getting a band, trying to help- that's all

michelle in ca: this is your life and your body that this device is going into. You need to be comfortable in your decision. Do not take anyone's word, get everything in writing and ask to see proof. Any doctor can get clinical proof. Do research like I did and just don' t do something because your doc says its ok. My doc is regarded as a guru of this surgery but I still did my due diligence.

I'm in the same position as many of you and was very confused. I did months of research in order to find this information out. I have no agenda other than to help inform and share my knowledge with others in order to help them make an informed decision. I don't see what changing my username matters to anyone.

YES Both are available - your doctor should wait until he or she is in your stomach before deciding to use a standard or large

My work here is done - GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!!

Ellisa: If you stick to a healthy lifetstyle you will lose weight. My goal is educate people against J&J's unethical practices, not to make people feel bad. Good luck on your journey! The first generation Lapband are precurved - he should have little to no creases and get a great result as well.

Michelle: You are making a wise decision to investigate new technology.. The Realize band is 14 year old outdated technology in a new box. PERIOD. No one can argue that, it's a fact. I challenge any doctor in the world to prove the technology and design of the Realize Band is equal to the LapBand AP. You should not make a decision of a surgical implant that you are going to have for the rest of your life based on a website, that's ridiculous. If it makes you feel better, Allergan is launching a new website called Lifestyle Management later this year that will have all the features of Ethicons site and more. Your surgeon is correct in regards to fills, another reason why the Realize band is challenged. Do this: Get a straw, stick in a glass of Water and bend it twice so its in a triangle. Now try and suck Fluid out of the straw. That is a basic illustration of what the problem is with that product, getting an even distribution of fluid when there are creases and folds. The LapBand APL is the widest, highest fill volume available. Even the standard is larger than the Realize Band. It's 360 degrees with 7 mini reservoirs to ensure an even distribution of fluid and a custom fit. No folds or creases so fluid is easily removed added to the band. The LapBand AP System has been available since the summer with 87% of all accounts nationwide converting to the AP exclusively.

Ellisa: The Realize Band turns into a triangle when fluid is placed in it, not empty

My goal is not to make anyone feel bad- However this website is about support and J&J's website and marketing to physicians is NOT giving you the whole story - Im sorry but doctors should be randomly picking lifelong implants to put in a patients without thoroughly explaining the differences. They are skimming over it like it's no big deal. Trust me, if Oprah Winfrey walked into their office and asked for a band, which one would they use Third Generation Latest Technology or First Generation outdated technology? Why should you be treated any different?

If his scar was larger than that is surgical technique - Again dont take my word for it - go tot the doctors office, pull out the realize port and stick it in appplicator and put it next to Allergans port and see for yourself

I did not ignore anything - I wasn't by my computer I'd like to throw my 2 cents in here, I'm a proctor for both Lap Band and Realize Band and have a pretty good feel for both products: (Getting paid to proctor by both companies = more money for the doctor) 1. J&J does not pay surgeons $10,000 per month per surgeon to advertise their band. They have a cooperative marketing campaign where surgeons can co-promote their practice along with the Realize band and J&J will pay 45% of the cost up to a total of $10,000 per surgeon total, not per month. Allergan has had 2 programs just like this in the past. (Allergan has never had a program like that, Inamed did and once Allergan fully aquired Inamed it discontinued because it's unethical - you call it what you want, it's a payoff) 2. The FDA trial for the Lap Band showed less than 40% excess weight loss as compared to 42% or so for the J&J band. There is probably no statistical difference between the two. You can't compare a "best of" study like Dr. Ponce's to an FDA trial, which includes both experienced and inexperienced band surgeons. In fact if you isolate out the best center in the FDA Realize trial it was around 60% excess body weight loss to my recollection. (Best of? Ponces trial of 1,104 patients, 980 of which received Pars Flaccida technique - Average weight excess weight loss = 62% I never said every patient. Also, you cannot compare Allergans A trial with no experience surgeons and Peri-gatric technique to Ethicons perfect trial but they seem top e doing that on their website which will be pulled when Allergans DFU is changed. 3. The most recent data comparing the two bands was a meta-analysis comprising thousands of patients. It basically showed equivalent weight loss and complication rates between the two. (Meta analysis is NOT the Lap Band AP nor is it conclusive or a comparison trial) I certainly would not offer both products if I did not think they were both safe and clinically effective. Do you drive a 1994 car, do you have a 1994 cell phone, do you have a 1994 computer? Are you really going sit here and argue and that third generation product is the same as afirst generation product? Let me ask you if BMW went and made a car only the technology that was available in 1994 but it was in 2007 body would you buy it? And futher, Im still waiting for the answer to this question-Ask Ponce and Curry what his criteria is for one band vs the other? Is it eenie, meenie minnie moe? is it whichever rep is in the room - please someone explain to me when a first generation product is a better choice than a third generation product.

I don't have to - my surgeon showed me - Im right and your wrong. period.

Elisa: That IS the exact band you have in you because it's the only one available - The other model not available in the US yet is the VC which the same band precurved. Not certain about the port other tahn it is wider than Allergans and you will have a bigger scar of you use the port applicator. That animation is not an accurate illustration of the band cause they are not showing you the creases and folds. DONT take my word for it- ask the doctor to fill up a sample Realize band and see for yourself how its creased and folded.

OK let me end this once and for all since there are some people who don't believe me- you wanna see a triangle shaped band with creases and folds which leads to band erosion - take a look at this video

and further - I can support every fact I state with Clinical evidence - send me a private message and I will email FDA approved clinical data backing up everything I am saying - its not my opinion- these are facts

Success rate? 1)You call a 43% excess weight loss at 36 months with expert surgeons a success? You need to investigate- and further, 2)The largest or widest band available is NOT the Realize, its the LapBand APL 14cc vs 9cc. also their backing is wider, not the bladder. 3) If your doctor is a proctor - he is getting paid $5,000 per proctoring event and $10,000 per month for advertising from J&J - they offered my doc the same deal and she refused because it' an inferior prodcut. And trust me- she could use anything she wants. 4) If the Realize Band has such great success - please explain why 35 of 36 bands implanted in Canada had to be EXPLANTED. This was such a problem the Canadian FDA sent a letter to doctors asking them not to use it. You can try and make yourself feel better and rationalize it but your doctor did you an injustice by not giving you all the facts and information- don't be mad at me - be mad at him Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band: erosion and other reported incidents leading to explantation The Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB) is an implantable, adjustable gastric band indicated for use in the treatment of morbid obesity in adults.1 It consists of a reinforced silicone gastric band fitted around the stomach and an injection port placed under the skin and connected to the band by tubing. The SAGB is designed to reduce food intake and can be inflated or deflated as needed after implantation to meet weight-loss requirements without the need for further surgery. The SAGB was originally licensed for sale in Canada in November 2002. A modified version of the device, the SAGB Quick Close (SAGB-QC), was added to the licence as part of a device licence amendment in August 2004.2 Although band erosion is listed among the possible adverse events in the device labelling for physicians,2 the device labelling for patients states that the overall rate of reoperation following placement of the SAGB is low and that extensive use of the SAGB has led to a method where failure is uncommon.3 By definition, band erosion is "a situation where a part of the band has eroded through the full-thickness gastric wall and migrated into the lumen."4 This represents a total failure of the gastric banding procedure.5 From Nov. 1, 2002, to June 15, 2007, Health Canada received 19 reports of incidents suspected of being associated with the SAGB and 17 with the SAGB-QC. Thirteen of the 36 reports described cases of band erosion necessitating removal of the band. Other reports described incidents such as band slippage, band leakage, abscess, dysphagia and regurgitation. In 35 of the 36 reports, band explantation was reported as an outcome. Although reported rates of band erosion vary across published studies, evidence in the medical literature suggests that the frequency of band erosion is approximately linear over time following surgery, with erosions still being diagnosed 5 or more years after implantation.4 5 Since band erosion is often asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic initially and since the condition is best diagnosed by gastroscopy, which may not be included in the follow-up of asymptomatic patients, the true incidence of band erosion is underestimated in the literature and its diagnosis can be markedly delayed.4 5 Moreover, band erosion is associated with dense scarring and distortion of tissues, which can complicate revision procedures.5 The complication rates and outcomes associated with SAGB and reported in the literature are variable. Although the authors of some studies have concluded that use of the SAGB demonstrates acceptable levels of safety and effectiveness,6 7 others have reported high long-term complication and failure rates and poor long-term outcomes.4 5 The medical literature suggests that, until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are determined, alternative treatment options should be considered and gastric banding should be performed only in carefully selected and fully informed patients.5 Andrew Gaffen, BSc, DDS; Gina Coleman, MD; Health Canada References Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band [Canadian instructions for use]. Baar (SWI): Obtech Medical AG; 2000. Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band Quick Close [Canadian instructions for use]. Zug (SWI): Ethicon Endo-Surgery in cooperation with Obtech Medical AG; 2003. Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band Quick Close [Canadian patient manual]. Zug (SWI): Ethicon Endo-Surgery in cooperation with Obtech Medical AG; 2003. Gustavsson S, Westling A. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: complications and side effects responsible for the poor long-term outcome. Semin Laparosc Surg 2002;9(2):115-24. [ PubMed] Suter M, Calmes JM, Paroz A, et al. A 10-year experience with laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity: high long-term complication and failure rates. Obes Surg 2006;16(7):829-35. [ PubMed] Steffen R, Biertho L, Ricklin T, et al. Laparoscopic Swedish adjustable gastric banding: a five-year prospective study. Obes Surg 2003;13(3):404-11. [ PubMed] Zehetner J, Holzinger F, Tiraca H, et al. A 6-year experience with the Swedish adjustable gastric band. Prospective long-term audit of laparoscopic gastric banding. Surg Endosc 2005;19(1):21-8. [ PubMed]

Let me ask you a question? What shape is your stomach? its round correct? so you want the band to go AROUND your stomach for the proper fit so you feel full. The Realize Band is NOT round - it blows up to the shape of a very distorted triangle and does not fit itself to your stomach. Ok let me sum up the differences: Realize Band = 1 reservoir , Not pre-curved, cannot fill it past 9cc or it may break, stomach has to adjust itself to the band, blows up to a triangle and creases on itself, must be put in empty so you get little results until the first pre-fill and does not have even distribution of Fluid, 43% weight loss at 36 months, twice the size scar if the port appliciator is used, 100,000 implants, Health Canada (Canadian FDA) sent a letter to all surgeons telling them NOT to use the Realize band because of Erosion, First Generation Product LapBand AP - 7 mini reservoirs, no creases or folds, adjusts itself to the stomach, can be implanted with 3-4cc of fluid to jump start your weight loss, even distribution of fluid, regular or low profile ports, 62% weight loss at 36 months, comes in 2 sizes and is virtually unbreakable, 350,000 implants, custom fits itself to your anatomy, available in to 2 sizes so everyone gets a perfect fit, Third Generation Product The port tacker does not work well - re-operation rates increased 15% once they introduced that device in their clinical trials- plus, who wants a larger scar? Hopefully now you are getting it.

Well doc you know the Swedish Band IS the Realize Band - Poor surgical technique is related to slippage and prolapse - NOT erosion. If your so sure there have been complications with the inamed band please site a study showing compliciations where Pars-Flaccida technique was used. I don't think you'll find one. If the Swedish band is so good - why is your website called Lap-bandinfo.com? Why not change it to realizeband info.com if you don't like the inamed- why are using there name to get hits to your site?- sorry doc that seems a little shady.

I'm glad you didn't have problems but please read below because in Canada A LOT of people did..35 out of 36 people had to have the Realize Band removed - I copied and pasted this from Health Canada's Website Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band: erosion and other reported incidents leading to explantation The Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB) is an implantable, adjustable gastric band indicated for use in the treatment of morbid obesity in adults.1 It consists of a reinforced silicone gastric band fitted around the stomach and an injection port placed under the skin and connected to the band by tubing. The SAGB is designed to reduce food intake and can be inflated or deflated as needed after implantation to meet weight-loss requirements without the need for further surgery. The SAGB was originally licensed for sale in Canada in November 2002. A modified version of the device, the SAGB Quick Close (SAGB-QC), was added to the licence as part of a device licence amendment in August 2004.2 Although band erosion is listed among the possible adverse events in the device labelling for physicians,2 the device labelling for patients states that the overall rate of reoperation following placement of the SAGB is low and that extensive use of the SAGB has led to a method where failure is uncommon.3 By definition, band erosion is "a situation where a part of the band has eroded through the full-thickness gastric wall and migrated into the lumen."4 This represents a total failure of the gastric banding procedure.5 From Nov. 1, 2002, to June 15, 2007, Health Canada received 19 reports of incidents suspected of being associated with the SAGB and 17 with the SAGB-QC. Thirteen of the 36 reports described cases of band erosion necessitating removal of the band. Other reports described incidents such as band slippage, band leakage, abscess, dysphagia and regurgitation. In 35 of the 36 reports, band explantation was reported as an outcome. Although reported rates of band erosion vary across published studies, evidence in the medical literature suggests that the frequency of band erosion is approximately linear over time following surgery, with erosions still being diagnosed 5 or more years after implantation.4 5 Since band erosion is often asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic initially and since the condition is best diagnosed by gastroscopy, which may not be included in the follow-up of asymptomatic patients, the true incidence of band erosion is underestimated in the literature and its diagnosis can be markedly delayed.4 5 Moreover, band erosion is associated with dense scarring and distortion of tissues, which can complicate revision procedures.5 The complication rates and outcomes associated with SAGB and reported in the literature are variable. Although the authors of some studies have concluded that use of the SAGB demonstrates acceptable levels of safety and effectiveness,6 7 others have reported high long-term complication and failure rates and poor long-term outcomes.4 5 The medical literature suggests that, until reliable selection criteria for patients at low risk for long-term complications are determined, alternative treatment options should be considered and gastric banding should be performed only in carefully selected and fully informed patients.5 Andrew Gaffen, BSc, DDS; Gina Coleman, MD; Health Canada References Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band [Canadian instructions for use]. Baar (SWI): Obtech Medical AG; 2000. Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band Quick Close [Canadian instructions for use]. Zug (SWI): Ethicon Endo-Surgery in cooperation with Obtech Medical AG; 2003. Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band Quick Close [Canadian patient manual]. Zug (SWI): Ethicon Endo-Surgery in cooperation with Obtech Medical AG; 2003. Gustavsson S, Westling A. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: complications and side effects responsible for the poor long-term outcome. Semin Laparosc Surg 2002;9(2):115-24. [ PubMed] Suter M, Calmes JM, Paroz A, et al. A 10-year experience with laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity: high long-term complication and failure rates. Obes Surg 2006;16(7):829-35. [ PubMed] Steffen R, Biertho L, Ricklin T, et al. Laparoscopic Swedish adjustable gastric banding: a five-year prospective study. Obes Surg 2003;13(3):404-11. [ PubMed] Zehetner J, Holzinger F, Tiraca H, et al. A 6-year experience with the Swedish adjustable gastric band. Prospective long-term audit of laparoscopic gastric banding. Surg Endosc 2005;19(1):21-8. [ PubMed]

I'm not getting paid by Allergan- Im trying to educate people because I am very familiar with J&J's clever marketing tactics that dupe consumers into thinking they are getting a better product than they really are. You are right, name calling is inappropriate so I apologize for that. However - I do challenge anyone getting a band when a physician says these are equal products to explain why. BMW's and Kia's both drive - there are many reasons why BMW's are more expensive if you get my drift. It's YOUR body and you should know if your getting a first generation product vs the latest in medical device technology and have this info so you can your doctor can make a decision

There are major differences: When you inflate the Realize band it creases and folds on itself in 3 spots like a triangle. The LapBand AP form fits itself to your stomach with 360 degrees of even Fluid distribution. The "artists rendition" pic on their website is a scam - the Realize Band is not pre-curved, it's straight - The LapBand AP is pre-curved. In other words your stomach had to fit itself to the Realize Band over time because it has no curves and is folded on itself. The LapBand AP immediately fits itself to your stomach when it's implanted since it's pre-curved. This makes the Realize Band: 1) highly susceptible to crease-fold failure and erosion 2) impossible to get an even distribution of fluid so your entire stomach is fitted to the band 3) its only has one fluid reservoir, the LapBand AP has 7 mini reservoirs with indentations in between so it doesn't crease on itself and erode. $) It comes in 2 fill volumes 10 and 14cc depending on the patients anatomy. It says clearly in the Realize Band directions NOT to fill it past 9cc or it can erode or break. The LapBands are virtually unbreakable. The Realize Band only comes in 1 size and will burst if you overfill it. 5) When Allergan did a study which was similar in design and technique to The Realize Band - their outcome was 62% excess weight loss at 36 months, the Realize had 43% The Realize band is not even as advanced as Allergans first generation band which came out 7 years ago. Allergan is already on their third generation band. The Allergan band is also available with a low profile port as well. Their port applicator is not a great device, re-operation rates increased 15% when that item was introduced into the study. The doctors overseas don't even use or stitch on top of it because unless they hit it at the perfect angle, the ports don't stay in place. If you look at both bands inflated you will see what I mean. There is a reason why J&J does not have one picture on their website showing the band inflated - it is abnormally shaped and creases