Hi all,

I had just started to look into getting banded, found this terrific group and then had to stop for a while due to some family issues. But I am back and I still thank heaven you all are here.

I have been reading some back posts and found some info on vanguard type of band. I am totally confused. Is there 2 types of lap band companies or brands? Are they both available in the the US (I am choosing a Boston hospital since I live outsid Boston)? Is one supposed be more up to date, hard to erode?

And one more question, if your insurance pays for the surgery do they usually pay for the fills or unfills? I know all insurance are different but generally speaking. Do they pay for the surgery and then let you sink or swim with fill fees?

::eek:: There is so much to know.

Thank you all very kindly for answering and thanks for being here

Love,

Diva

The VanGuard band is one model of Lap-Band. My surgeon uses two bands, the VanGuard (holds 10cc) and the 10cm (holds 4cc). I don't think he'd use both if the stats were different, it depends on your organ size. And some docs use only one, regardless. The VG band has an innately larger opening, suited for larger organs. The ones I have seen also fill with "pillows" instead of a ring. I thought I was getting the VG band and enjoyed the thought of the pillows, come to find out I have the 10cm.

Here are those two bands compared (I THINK they're the most frequently used):

Thanks so much! Are they both made by the same manuf.? Iamed? Is one better than the other when it comes to erosion?

-diva

Yes they are. As for erosion - not sure. I have my own personal theories, but they're just that and not based on any numbers, just reasoning. I don't know if by-band erosion statistics have been run, you might want to peruse the Inamed literature and see if you can find anything there.

I've not heard of a Swiss band, though I have heard of the Swedish band referred to as the Swiss band. There may be a Swiss band... but my guess is it's Swedish. (I think it's just something about those two countries. My husband is Swedish and people are constantly asking him to "say something in Swiss".)

What is the difference between the LAP-BAND and the Swedish Band?

A. From a strictly scientific point of view, both the LAP-BAND and the Swedish Band function in the same manner. From a surgical point of view, if the patient wishes, we can apply either one since the costs are practically the same. Obviously, our preference is the LAP-BAND for a number of reasons:

1). Because it is the type of prosthesis that will be used in the USA, as soon as the investigative trials are completed by the FDA. Moreover, our group has been asked to participate. The Swedish Band will never be utilized in the USA.

2). Because even if a non-expert in the field were to examine the two bands, they would note differences in the design, as well as the quality of silicone in favor of the LAP-BAND.

3). Behind the reputation of the LAP-BAND is a solid multi-national American company, BioEnterics.

4). In Europe, more than 60,000 LAP-BAND procedures have been done. while the Swedish Band totals a few thousand.

Also might want to see if you can find this:

Ponce, J, Sanchez, R, Rodriguez, A. Swedish Band vs Lap-Band: A

Comparison Study of 200 Patients with up to 24 Months follow-up. Obesity

Surgery, 13, 199, 2003 (ASBS Abstract).

The "Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band" (SAGB) adheres to the same functional principles as the LAP-band. It was used for the first time in 1984 in Sweden and was implanted openly by vertical gastroplasty (see Vertical Gastroplasty). The band is wider and has a larger fill volume; however, the additional volume should not be filled with more than 8.5ml liquid. The stoma diameter ranges from 0 to 30mm, a wider range than that of an LAP-band, which can be advantageous. At larger fill volumes it works as a "vacuum system," thus making the precise adjustment of the stoma diameter somewhat easier. Due to its width, texture, and closing mechanism, the Swedish band is not as comfortable as the "Kuzmak band," while the surgical techniques differ only slightly. Documented studies have been conducted proving the effectiveness of both bands.

Both the LAP-BAND® and the Swedish Band are "Adjustable Gastric Banding" devices and function essentially in the same manner. We use the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System because it has been approved by the FDA for use in the United States (June 2001).

Search google for keywords "lap-band" and "Swedish". You're sure to find many more hits and information.