I found out that my surgeon used a REALIZE C BAND on me. I asked for the AP Lap Band. I have read great things about both bands and am just thrilled to be banded. I am doing well... lost 27 pounds so far... had my first fill yesterday... life is good. I am just disappointed that my surgeon didn't do what I asked him to do. Will I have the same results regardless of the kind of band he used? Looking for answers and advice.:bored:

The band really won't change how much weight you lose. One is newer than the other, but your surgeon probably choose the one that he saw to be the most fitting for you. I wouldn't be upset as he/she is the expert.

I think when the surgeon gets inside of you - he or she can tell which band will be better suited for your unique anatomy. That's what my doc said. He said he'd use the lapband if that was my first choice, but I "gave him permission" so to speak - really just respect his expertise - in his decision as to which band would fit me the best.

I would think the surgeon should have explained to you why the other band was used.

Which band did your surgeon choose for you? I forgot to mention... the reason we were going to use the AP Lap band standard was so the surgeon could do a small fill at surgery. When he came in to check on me the night of my surgery... He told me he put 2 CC's in my band. That led me to believe he used the AP lap band as the Realize does not allow a fill at surgery. Then... I got a copy of my operative report and it stated he used the Realize C Band. Confused! Did he lie about the 2 CC's at surgery or what? Anyway... I am just happy to be banded and doing so well. Thanks for your advice.

I don't think there is that much difference between the two. They are made by two different companies (AP - Allergan, Realize - Johnson & Johnson) and while the sac around the band and the port may look a little different, they do the same thing.

The weird thing is - is my sister had all her Fluid taken out and then put back in and just doing that made a difference in her restriction. Her doctor explained that sometimes the band readjusts around the stomach and you feel more/less restriction with the same amount of fluid.

If you were adamant about wanting the AP band, then the physican should have complied. Maybe there were other reasons he didn't mention. He may have a personal preference in finding it easier to place the Realize band or it's cheaper or he gets an incentive for using it - I don't know. But you should have gotten what you paid for.

Is there a reason you had a particular preference?

I ask, because when I asked my surgeon which he'd use, he did ask if I had a preference (no)--then went on to explain how he chose the band (based on stomach shape/size).

I would imagine that if you ask your doctor, he'll be more than happy to share his rationale for band choice with you.

It's not something that would shock me---I would assume the decision had been made for a reason. Still, you are certainly entitled to know that reason!

The same thing happen to me. When I went for my consult with the surgeon I also told him I wanted a Lap band. The day after my surgery when I was leaving the hospital they gave my a card with the # of my realize band. I said to my husband it must be a mistake but I also said it was to late to do anything about it. When I went for my follow up appointment I did not see my surgeon because he was on vacation and the dr I saw really did not know what to say. He said they only use Lap band if you request it, I said I did. He was not sure what to say next. To make a long story short, everything has worked out great and I'm very happy with my realize band. I'm sure you will be fine, but I no it can be shocking at first. Good Luck!!