Has anyone had to choose a band??

[agw504 0]

My doc leaves the choice of which band to use up to his patients. So I have to choose between the "Lapband" and the "REALIZE" band. What are your thoughts on this and do you have to choose also??:teeth_smile:

[georgebals 0]

I had the Realize band installed in me 1/15/08. You are the 1st person I heard of that has a choice. I can't spell the new lap-band brand (something like Alergen). My clinic does both. To my understanding Realize is a 9cc band, & lap band brand has 2 sizes. Realize has been permitted in U.S. for about a year & 1/2 + the new lap-band brand band about a year. Even though they have been used over a decade. I talk to doctors, fill nurses & company reps about successful weight loss. Bands have different ports. Lap-band has compartments in band. They don't or can't give details or percentages. I've lost over 122 pounds, no fills. One lady at my clinic out a year with no fills. Dr. Curry of Ohio reports several males w/o fills with realize. Your surgery is the same day as Vegas Girl. Good Luck to you both. It's a coin flip choice. You will do well either way. Be ready for the fastest changes in your life(style). Hasta Pronto, George:thumbup:

[Annabell1 0]

George,

You really havent had a fill? I would love not to have a fill. I havent had one yet but am going on the 13th. I am scared. I still have plenty of restriction just from the surgery. I am just now getting a little hungry. I dont know what kind of band I have. I really didnt think to ask but I will. You are an inspiration.

Edited August 4, 2008 by Annabell1

[georgebals 0]

Hi! Once the band is in it's our job to know when we need a fill. Thats the hard part. I mostly say I have not had a fill yet. Ask your Doctor what kind of band you have. If it's Realize you can go to RealMySuccess.com & have personal weight loss site. I think you can do this with lap-band also. Learn to know everything about fills. If you need it, get it. I have several support groups. I go to support group meetings over 5 x a month. This is a brand new science. Buy this book " Weight Loss Surgery with the Adjustable Gastric Band". It has Helped me a lot . I hope you reach all your goals. Good Luck. I think in 5 years time our bands & book will be history and weight loss will be different. Now I think it's 80% band 20 by-pass. 3 years ago opposite. I'm just starting on my weight loss journey. It's been fast,slow,hard,easy & lots of fun. Again Good Luck, Hasta Pronto, George:thumbup:

[krtork 0]

Angela~

I also had the opportunity to choose a band. I went with the Realize band. I like the online support. I researched both and that was the decision that I made. The office I go to uses both bands more people seem to be going with the Realize band.

[heather113076 0]

My surgeon's office uses both bands as well and the insurance co-ordinator told me that the decision would be mine to make. I have been researching lapband for a year and just started my research on realize a few weeks ago. I am leaning more towards the realize band because it is a wider band with less chance of slippage. I haven't had my pre-op visit yet but will discuss this more with my surgeon then.

[georgebals 0]

I just found this site today. It features all that Realize site does, plus a 7 day a week phone number. It's ad is right here on LBT.com. I hope this helps in choices. I will try calling in the morning. Good Luck, Hasta Pronto, George:thumbup: