Melisa R.

Heather, I haven't been on the site for a long time. Just noticed that you are under 200. That is so awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Melisa

I have the realize band. I have been banded for 2 1/2 months. I have lost 40 pounds. This is 40% of what I have to lose. Every one is different and the realize or lapband with be successful for anyone who is really ready. As my doctor explained, the reason the realize has not gone through many changes is because it was basically "correct" in its pressure from the beginning. The lapband has gone through many changes and now has a pressure similar to the realize band. You do not fix something that isn't broke. Regardless of what you read on here, your doctor is generally your best resource. If you follow his/her lead then you will be successful with either band. By the way, my doc recommends them equally and allowed me to choose. Be cautious of anyone in this forum(rockbandster) who try to lessen the effectiveness of the realize band. If you do not have a realize band how can you talk about its lack of success? Getting the band has been the best decision I have ever made!! I am sure that many folks with the lapband would agree.

Both the realize and allergen bands are tools to help you make a lifestyle change. If you are truly ready then your weightloss will be awesome no matter what band you choose. The band alone will not cause weightloss. What you put in your mouth makes all the difference. Plus exercise!

I was banded on July 8th with the realize band. I had done some research on the two bands and found their successes and failures similar. So I chose the realize. Then I found this thread about a week ago and have been very concerned about some of the negative feedback that 1 or 2 people have posted. I was questioning whether I chose the right one. Today, I had my first fill!!! When I was in the office I spoke with my doc about a few specific statements in this thread. First, the the Realize is a first generation and the Lapband is third generation. He stated that the realize band is a low pressure band and has been since it was first introduced. The first generation lapband was a higher pressure band had many issues with erosion. Since then Allergen(Lapband maker) has made changes to the band to make it low pressure. He state the newest AP band is almost as low pressure as the Realize. He believes that Realize hit the nail on the head so to speak when making their product the first time. Allergen did not and now (3 generations later) they have a similar band as Realize. He said that the Realize band may change in terms of tubing or port but the band itself with most likely not require a change because it is correctly made to avoid as many complications as possible Also the discussion about the shape of the band. He said the Lapband is circular and more rigid. Anything slightly too big will get stuck. The Realize band is more oval shape and the pockets have more give and take and will adjust easier to the size the food passing through the stoma. This is an advantage. To say the least, when I left the office I felt very secure that I had made the best decision. Keep in mind that my doctor will place either band and the patient is the one to decide. He is not a Realize doctor only! I hope that any of you who have read this thread and had concerns about your band of choice will be relieved to know that you made a great decision.

Heather, I am glad to hear that you feel better. Hang in there! Melisa

I know this may sound weird but tampons are so uncomfortable for me. Once I put them in they just feel awkward. That has been the case for me since I was young. I would much rather wear them but sometimes it is painful.

Try miralax(over the counter). It is a powder that can be added to any fluid. It is tasteless. Goodluck.

Hello! My name is Melisa and I am being banded on July 8th by Dr. Meyers. What is the website info you are talking about. I would love to talk with you more to find out about your experience with the band. Thanks

Hey Heather. Looks like I might be able to make the meeting. I would also be interested in summer items. Melisa

My surgeon told me no carbonated beverages because it could expand the pouch created by the band. Yet I see all kinds of people mentioning drinking soda? What gives?

Did any of you have medical mutual insurance? I was told today that I must have a 6 month supervised weight loss attempt before I can be banded. Was that your experience?

How do you feel? Much pain? Planning on returning to work soon?

What is PB?

Finally, I found someone who has been looking at Riverside. Has anyone had a lapband with Dr. Myers. I attended a seminar with him. I am scheduled for my full day evaluation in two weeks. I would love to hear from anyone about their experience.

I am considering the lapband at Riverside Hopital and I am looking to find someone else who had lapband there. Help:confused2:

I went to lapband.com and found a seminar schedule in my area. Then I selected a seminar and attended it. The surgeon spoke to the gruop. Did anyone have surgery in Columbus, OH at Riverside Hospital?

I am new to the forums. I have my evaluations in two weeks. I would really like to find someone who has had the lapband done at Riverside hospital in Columbus, OH.