Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Realize Band or Lap Band



Recommended Posts

Hi All. I just came from my preop meeting with my suregon and he went over both the lap band and the Realize Band and wants me to decide which one I want?Does anyone have any information on which one is more comfortable and or works better? I have no clue.Any information would be greatly appreciated.jackieStarting 260Preop Meeting 253

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery 3 weeks ago today and the surgeon didn't give me a choice, she put the realize band in. The surgery was done at NYU, and I feel that they know what is the best option for me, although, I had no opinion one way or the other. So far so good.

I have noticed that there is one poster on this forum who is strongly against the realize band - - from reading the threads, it seems as if he might work for lapband.

Good luck no matter which band you or your surgeon chooses.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery 3 weeks ago today and the surgeon didn't give me a choice, she put the realize band in. The surgery was done at NYU, and I feel that they know what is the best option for me, although, I had no opinion one way or the other. So far so good.

I have noticed that there is one poster on this forum who is strongly against the realize band - - from reading the threads, it seems as if he might work for lapband.

Good luck no matter which band you or your surgeon chooses.

I had mine done at NYU too. Who was your surgeon? I did have a choice and selected the Realize band because it had the online support and coaching. I asked Dr. Fielding what the difference was he said their really wasn't one they were basically the same thing except that realize had a suport group website. However believe it or not i have yet to go on that site NYU never gave me the welcome packet. I couldn't log on with out the surgeon ID before the surgey. After leaving the hospital I didn't get the ID card either which has the key to open the rest of the site. I thought it was strange and started calling and asking around. I know my friend has the lap band and she had a ID in her walet. I have yet to recieve mine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't have a choice either and my surgeon used the Lap-Band. All my paperwork from my seminars and the post op paperwork was all from the Lap-Band company. I am just over 2 weeks post-op and haven't had any problems. I tend to believe it is a surgeons preference.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I LOVE MY "RELIZE BAND".Doc told me to deiced and let him know, i started out thinking i'd go the other way.On day of my new journey just before falling asleep doc and i talked once more, he said after much thought i was going with "Relize" great i said. I did look on the web and understood why he choice it for me.check out the relize website it's great.Was band on aug5th last year and down almost 60 pounds, best gift i've ever given myself. you will lov the new u.good luck keep us posted.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I asked this of my surgeon before operation day. He said it was his choice, and the choice of his partner not to use the Realize band. He said that the main reason they chose not to use it, is because it's shape is more square (rectangular) and he felt like it would fill incorrectly and have possible greater long term erosion affects. He also said that there is no long term proof and/or testimonials regarding the new band, that was just his preference. Just my .02

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ditto my doctor stated the same! he also mentioned one held 14cc and the other (Lap-band) was 10cc He liked the lap-band over the Realize:tongue2:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Working Mom, I also saw that poster who is completely against the realize band and I also agree that he works for lapband because of all the information he has. I am getting the realize band on Thursday this week because that is the one that my surgeon uses. I have a lot of information from them and their website is great. It does seem like it is a personal choice for the doctors though which one they go with.

Julie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

On my first visit to my doctor they showed me a model with the lapband attached to a stomach. Then on my last visit he showed me the realize band he was going to use on me and I said that's not the same band you showed me to begin with--so what is the difference and he said the 1st model is the "lapband" and the 2nd is the "realize band." So I asked the differences and why he was switching. He said the realize band was made by the sweds(i think) and now offered in the u.s. by Johnson & Johnson and the sweds are very well known for their advancements above the americans in the medical fields. He said the realize band had a wider width the the lapband. He also said the bladder in the realize band on the inside where your saline fill goes is one whole bladder. The lapband is like 6 or 8 little compartments. He said the realize band should give you a better fit when you are filled. He said he felt the realize band was a much better made band with many more benefits and that's why his team of doctors chose to use the realize band instead of the lapband. If you have a choice and choose the realize band it does come with online support and it is great!! But remember you have to get a number from the doctors office to be able to make your profile and then you should get another number after your surgery to unlock the part you can only get into after surgery. I had a friend who had the lapband and had some complications and they had to take it out and her doctor called the lapband the model t of lapbands. She now has a realize band and her doctor calls it the cadillac of lapbands. We go to two different doctors who are not even in the same practice. I find comfort to know these 2 doc's recommend the realize band.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was banded with the new version of the Realize Band (Band-C 11cc version) 1/26/09. I had to chose between the two bands and what made the difference for me was that the Realize Band has a low-profile port that wouldn't stick up as much when I lose weight (the Lap-Band has an optional low-profile port but my surgeon doesn't use it). Also the Realize Band uses a special staple tool to attach the port instead of suturing the port to the muscle beneath the skin. I believe this contributed to me having virtually no incision pain after surgery. My doctor says there is no difference between the two as far as losing weight is concerned.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you all so much. I am 90% toward the realize band and will make my final decision after a little more research. I read in a few places the realize band takes much longer to feel restriction and I don't want that at all...Boy I wish this was an easy decision for me...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×