Allergan band

headin_to_mxico · July 8, 2008

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

SpecialK · July 8, 2008

Alot of doctors use the Allergan AP band now, I think its about 50/50 on Realize vs Allergan. The older model Allergan band was replaced with the AP and there is an AP-Large and AP-Small and I have the AP Large and am doing fine. I relied on my surgeon to choose the right band for me.

BansterNYC · July 8, 2008

"I think most US doctors are using Realize..."

"I think its about 50/50..."

Let's get some REAL facts and statistics instead of throwing out random ideas of what you *think* may be the case. Please do research before posting.

One clarification: Lap-Band is the brand name of the gastric band produced by Allergen and Inamed (same company, one is a subsidiary of the other). Realize is the name of the gastric band produced by Johnson & Johnson and is new to consumers in the past year.

bandofhope · July 8, 2008

Banster... don't be so rude with your reply. If we expected "REAL" advice on this lap band information site, we would be discussing these thoughts with our doctors and/or the manufacturer of the bands. This is an internet chat site.. not the doctors office. Your offered information is correct and and has value for this site, but, you would do well in the future to deliver your ideas in a more positive way... unless of course you are a surgeon of lap band placement; in which case your bedside manner would leave much to be desired.

Gracey · July 8, 2008

I concur and said so in a pm earlier. (And if Banster were a surgeon, wouldn't she know the stats?!?)

bandofhope · July 8, 2008

Hello headin to mexico... I do not know which band is used most in the US. My doctor gave me information on both to look over before our next visit and will answer any questions I have at that time. After looking over the information, I decided to leave it up to him. Good Luck with your decision!

headin_to_mxico · July 8, 2008

"
One clarification: Lap-Band is the brand name of the gastric band produced by Allergen and Inamed (same company, one is a subsidiary of the other). Realize is the name of the gastric band produced by Johnson & Johnson and is new to consumers in the past year.

This is what I wanted to know. I am no longer confused. I had heard of Inamed several times when I researched the band several years ago. I now hear Realize a lot. It is comforting to know that Allergen is made by Inamed and not a generic brand of band. I have more research to do, but the quicky answers are perfect to get me going in the right direction so I can get more facts.

greatwhite · July 8, 2008

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

Hi,

I don't have anything yet, I am still trying to figure out which I want band vs sleeve. And I am looking a Mexcio due to cost. Why did you go south? Let's talk, I can not find anyone that gone or going to Mexico.

Thanks Gay

greatwhite · July 8, 2008

:wink2:

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

Hi

I am still trying find out which is better for me Lap band vs gastic sleeve. I am looking at Mexcio due to cost. Why did you pick the band and go south? Please write back, I have been posting these questions for the last 3 weeks and I am getting no feed back or help. Please pass these on if you know anyone or place that could help me.

Thank's Gay

850 322-5628 gdwh1@yahoo.com

Queen of Hearts · July 8, 2008

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

Hi headin_to_mxico! :biggrin2: I have the new Allergan AP band and it is a 12. This band is new and as a matter of fact I am one of 500 people nationwide in a research study program for this band. My band was put on in Feb of this year and so far I can tell you that I have had no problems with it. My biggest problem I have is my inability to remember to chew chew chew!!:wink: I too went through a lot of research and from what I have read about this new band it should prove to be very USER friendly. From what I understand and I'm not a specialist, but the band is made a bit wider to help prevent erosion and slippage which seem to be some of the most frequent problems that occur with a band. I get checked every month and have not had any problems so far. :wink2: I definitely would recommend a band but I have no idea how the sleeve works or what is involved in having the sleeve put on. I can tell you that my digestive disease doctor told me under no circumstances would he approve the gastric by pass so we chose the lapband! Good luck on your research and your upcoming surgery. Keep us posted on your progress! :blink:

greatwhite · July 8, 2008

:confused:Who did your surgery and I know it's very rude but can I ask the cost? Thanks again!

Gay

headin_to_mxico · July 8, 2008

:confused:Who did your surgery and I know it's very rude but can I ask the cost? Thanks again!
Gay

I chose band because I cant stand the thought of cutting my stomich and having parts removed. I am also low BMI so I think that such an envasive surgery is not warrented for me. My BMI is only 32 (But goes between 32-34 depending on how good Im being), so my insurance will not pay. Mexico has experianced surgeons and good prices. I am prob going to use Dr Kuri who has a great reputation and thousnds of band surgeries under his belt. :wink2: I have not gotten my sugery yet and still researching. I have been considering the band for several years, but not been in a financial situation to do it. I finally have more financial stability so I am re-researching (lol) and seeing these new band brands.

SueAZ · July 9, 2008

Check out the doctors and hospitals forum here. There is a lot of info there on people that have used Mexican doctors and how to check out the doctors south of the boarder.

Shamrockgirl60 · July 9, 2008

BANSTERYNC

Yikes glad for the information, this will be my question for my surgeon when I see him in a few weeks. Didn't know there were different types of bands.

Too funny regarding your being perceived as rude, nope not rude your from New York... they tell it like it is. The one thing I like about New Yorkers LOL.

GO RED SOX