What's the significance of band size?

[Katy517 1]

From reading threads here it seems like most folks have a 10 cc size band. I am assuming that means that it can hold up to 10 cc of saline. I have a 14 cc Allergan band and was informed by the bariatric coordinator at the hospital that I had my surgery at that all lap band surgeries since 2/1/10 there have been with 14 cc bands. I didn't get a chance to follow-up to ask why.

Am wondering if anybody here would know why that might be the case? Why would using a larger band on all patients be a good thing? Is the fact that my band can hold more saline meaningful?

[JoJo1 0]

The original bands were smaller. They held between 4cc, and 10cc. They started making them bigger with the intent that they would be more durable and last longer. As far as I know they do, but I'm not sure they have been out long enough for anyone to be sure about that. As a non medical person, it looks like they would be worth more money also to the surgeon since you need more visits to the doctor for fills to reach restriction. There may be more reasons. My daughter and I have a 4cc mexican band, and I reached restriction with my first fill. All together I have had two fills. The lasting-longer issue won't be obvious to me for years, so I guess we will all need to hang in there and see what happens. We have to hope the medical community has the health of the patients on the top of their list of reasons to change a product. Everything improves with time, so for your sake and everyone's sake, I hope it is the case.. Hugs!!!

[emjay 8]

My doc puts in 10cc and 14cc bands and what he mentioned at the time is that the size of the band placed on a person is determined by the size of their stomach. But I'm not in the medical field either so I don't know. Logically, I'm thinking if you put in too large of a band in a person with a smaller stomach, it would take quite a few fills to get to proper restriction with the possibility of that person never getting restriction. But again, heck my logic may be flawed for all I know.

[JoJo1 0]

My doc puts in 10cc and 14cc bands and what he mentioned at the time is that the size of the band placed on a person is determined by the size of their stomach. But I'm not in the medical field either so I don't know. Logically, I'm thinking if you put in too large of a band in a person with a smaller stomach, it would take quite a few fills to get to proper restriction with the possibility of that person never getting restriction. But again, heck my logic may be flawed for all I know.

Yes my doc that put in my 4cc band, said the same thing. Not just the stomach size but also the fat concentration around the stomach. I have a friend who got the 10cc band from my doc, and she thinks it is not near enough restriction. I don't think she gets all the fills she needs but she has decided that it will never work, because it is too big. Personally, I think attitude is everything so I don't agree with her. Oh well I can't fix her issues so I just work on fixing my own.

I do think it is interesting though, that the thread starter says her doc does all the same size band now. Gotta hope it is progress!!!! Hugs!!!

[BetsyB 9]

My doctor does one of two thing: 11 cc Realize band or 14 cc Lap-band. He makes the decision based on stomach size.

[Katy517 1]

Thanks for the responses everybody. I would have thought stomach size was the determining factor as well, but given the fact that at least my hospital has made a decision to use only the 14 cc bands, that must not be the case. I'll make a mental note and ask at the next support group meeting.

[Jachut 487]

The decision should be made based on stomach size, but I suspect its a lot more commercial a decision than that in many cases.

I have an older 4cc band and I'm very glad. I had restriction from day one. It was ALWAYS the right restriction at the time, none of this having six fills to even reach restriction nonsense. I dont require constnt fills either, its holding very well for maintenance, and I havent been filled in about 18 months, no plans for any fills in the near future. I've had my band almost five years now.

New designs are supposed to reduce slippage, erosion and increase durability, but of course, the problem with new is there's little data to prove any of that.

[Laura steele 2]

Hi,I have a size14 Lap-Band and have had nine fills to get real restriction.! It has taken over a year and a half!!I have no idea why my Doc.used this size.I don't know if it is standard procedure or not.I have had slow weight loss.Hopefully now ,things wil speed up!Laura

[JoJo1 0]

The decision should be made based on stomach size, but I suspect its a lot more commercial a decision than that in many cases.

I have an older 4cc band and I'm very glad. I had restriction from day one. It was ALWAYS the right restriction at the time, none of this having six fills to even reach restriction nonsense. I dont require constnt fills either, its holding very well for maintenance, and I havent been filled in about 18 months, no plans for any fills in the near future. I've had my band almost five years now.

New designs are supposed to reduce slippage, erosion and increase durability, but of course, the problem with new is there's little data to prove any of that.

I am also very happy with my 4cc band. I do not get the Whole new band stuff, and neither does my doc, but I also know that there is probably a reason they developed them. I am also very happy so far. I am only 7 Mo out at this point but my daughter has had her 4cc band for almost three years. She is also very happy. Time will tell. I don't want to do any bragging or anything yet because I could be the one to complain in the future. I am happy today, and today is what I want to focus on. Cheers!!!!!.