Which band to use?

I am being banded on March 25th and I am very concerned about what band to use. I've heard pros and cons about Realize band. That's actually the one I was going to use and now I'm just now certain, so I'm trying to get some info from those of you that have the experience with the bands. Please let me know which band you have and how it's worked for you. I know the band is a tool, but I need the restriction. If no or very little restriction, I'm afraid I won't stick to it. With the proper restriction, I know I will.... I don't like to be sick! I've got 250 pds to lose. I appreciate any comments and all the help!!!! I love this site! You are all so awesome!!!

I too struggled with this but ended up going with the realize. I heard a nurse that works with multiple surgeons at the baratrics center at the hospital say that the drs seem to be going toward the realize band more and more and that maybe will end up being the only one they use. I guess that is the tid bit of information that finally help me decide on the realize. I was about 50/50 back and forth until then. What ever you decide I wish you luck.

When I was banded 5 weeks ago I really did not have a choice in which band to get because my doc said it all depends on what size will be right for me. so i ended up with the lapband that is a size 11. and 2 of my family members one had it done 2 months before me n the other 4 months before me both got the lapband but a size 14. one has lost 35lbs and the other lost 65lbs. and they both have had fills. i have not had a fill yet and have lost 22lbs. so best of luck to u! and see what ur doctor recomends.

yoco28

This is the BIG question most ask before banding. I asked it to. My doctor used the Lap Band more but would have used the Realize Band if I prefered. I figured that if he had more experience with the Lap Band then I would do that. I have also heard that it takes longer to get restriction (I hate that word.) with the realize band. I knew I needed to see results to keep me moving forward. I liked some parts of both. They say the results are the same by 18 month out.

Good Luck!

If you haven't already, you can do a search for this topic and you'll find lots of threads and opinions. I have a choice of either LB or Realize. I did my research and I will be getting the AP Lap Band (he'll decide Standard or Large when he does the surgery). Supposedly the new Realize C will make them more equal (according to Dr.Curry- suregeon that posts here and on OH), but it is in the trial stage now (I believe it will be widely distributed by summer), so most docs are still using the old Realize now. If you want some links to info, just send me a PM. They both have very equal results in the end. -BG