Lap-Band vs Realize Band?

Went to my final appt today before surgery.

Met with anesthesiologist and surgeon.

I asked the surgeon the merits between Lap-Band and Realize. He said, "You're the first person who's ever asked me that."

He said they do both. That I should research and decide which one I want. Most of it seems to be about web-based after care.

Any thoughts / experience? Surgery is Jun-3.:devil:

mscarly,

I had the same question and was told pretty much the same thing. Here is a website that I used to help me make my decision. Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band

I hope that you find this information most helpful, it help me decide. I was banded on May 21st.

Here is a post I did in response to the same question (Realize is supposed to have a great site. I've heard that LB is improving their online support site, but that wasn't a factor for me as I don't use it.).

AP Lap Band vs. Realize Band

If you do a search there have been lots of posts comparing the two. I did my research and ended up picking the LB, but I know the end results for both as far as weight loss are almost identical. The new Realize C is supposed to make them more equal, but I didn't have access to the new one as it was in trial stages. Many docs are still using the old Realize, not the ‘C’ so make sure you know what you're getting. I still would have picked the LB.

Here's another thread on LBT

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/pics-...-c-band-83453/

And Here Is a Post- Question and Answer to it from Dr. C (same doc), from the OH site

Post Date: 1/2/09 7:50 am

On January 1, 2009 at 12:20 AM Pacific Time, Spoken4 wrote:

Hi Dr. C,

I am scheduled for my banding next week and my doc offers both the lap band and the realize band. I'm having a hard time finding differences between the two and was curious as to your opinion. Of course I would want to chose the one that would offer the best results with the least rate for complications!

Thanks in advance for your expertise!

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Currently I'd probably recommend the Lap Band, I like it about 55%/45% over the 1st gen Realize band. There is a new Realize-C band coming out soon, we have already put it about 20. I think it makes them both equal in my mind as there are some improvements to the C. Your surgeon probably does not yet have access to the C however.

Trace W. Curry, M.D. -- Lap Band, Realize Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy

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Pic/Difference between (Dr. Curry site)

http://www.thebanddoctor.com/messageboard_BB/viewtopic.php?p=1501#1501

Differences between Realize-C and Realize:

-new pre-curved circular design as compared to previous model which is a straight piece of silicone with a balloon on it, which results in almond shape when locked

-larger band accommodates wider variety of BMI's

-wider adjustment range, from 0-11cc (roughly 4cc in Realize-C equivalent to 0cc in Realize)

-band extender for ease of passage behind stomach (this is tab protruding from the end of the Realize-C, which gets snipped off and doesn't stay in)

-unlockable design for easier revisional surgery

-radio opaque tubing can be seen better on Xray

-one way valve at end of tubing makes testing and preparing band easier for surgical tech

I did my own research and decided on the LB (I had a choice of LB or the old Realize that most surgeons still offer, I did not have an option of the new Realize C). Do your research and pick whatever is right for you, obviously they all can work well.