INAMED vs. Swedish Band ? Help

junglejim · May 22, 2006

Hello Everyone... 3 days to goooo, and I get BANDED! I just have one question for the expert banders here. I'm still undecided on which band I want. I'm getiing mine done in Monterry, Mexico. So I have a choice between the Swedish or the popular one here in the States, the INAMED. I have been told that my Dr. prefers the Swedish band over the INAMED. Another bandster that just got banded by my Dr. told her the reason he prefers the Swedish is that the swedish goes all the way around the stomach, whereas the INAMED only goes 3/4 the way around!?? Is this TRUE ?

If it only goes 3/4th the way around, then how the heck does it work!! I have been leaning towards the INAMED, only because the only person I can find to do the fills, only fills INAMED bands not the Swedish. Any help on assisting me on making my Band choice would be greatly appreicated> Jim

3loves · May 22, 2006

Hi Jim ~ I saw your question on the May thread and wanted to respond here. I am preband, but I have read a few threads on the topic so I've included a couple of links for you. Both of these threads have some good info & pics as well. You can also do a search (link above) and type in "Swedish" to get lots of other info.

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=16690&highlight=swedish

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/showthread.php?t=13765&highlight=swedish

I'm pretty sure J&J has not gotten the FDA approval yet for the US, but it is in process. This would definitely have an impact on fills in the US. I am getting the Inamed band myself, but it was the Swedish band that led me to this decision.....my husband used to work for Ethicon Endo-Surgery (a Johnson & Johnson Co.) and had the opportunity to see the Swedish band first hand. We've been talking about getting the band ever since. :biggrin1:

Good luck in making your decision and on getting banded!! I wish you the very best!!

3loves · May 22, 2006

Here's another link I had saved. I can't speak for the validity of the info....use your own judgment.

http://www.waynesmith.net/lapband/why_lap_1.html

GeezerSue · May 22, 2006

Waht 3loves said...I even bought the JNJ stock waiting for the FDA approval...and gave up waiting. It's still pending? Bummer.

Jim, I think it's a VHS vs BetaMax thing. I think that the last wisdom I recall on that debate was that BetaMax held at least minimal technical superiority (which is why it's still used in the film industry) but what good would that do if you culdn't find a movie to play in it?

So, Inamed is all over the place and you won't find yourself in a large city with no experienced band doctor and you won't have to explain the difference in the solutions...but--again, if memory holds--the SAGB is softer and less likely to be involved in erosion issues...or so they say.

I think it's a personal preferences thing. Enjoy Monterrey!