Ok wise group, I need your help yet again, half of my program refers to the band/function of creating a "pouch" -- whereas the other half, of the same program, no less, describes the band/function as a "funnel" -- (truthfully it bothers me my program is so divided on how this band/tool functions) so I turn to you -- what do you think??? How best can I and should I think about the function of this new tool ??? How did your doctor describe it to you??? How does INAMED characterize it???:help:

It creates a pouch for the food to be held in and a funnel for the food to exit. That is how I would characterize it. Its important to eat solid foods as soon as you can. They fill the pouch and exit the slowest. Mushy foods like soft cheeses, yogurt, eggs leave the pouch faster making you hungrier sooner. Hope this helps. Good luck.

I agree it's both. When you eat the food fills the pouch, then slowly the food passes through the stoma like a funnel.

There's really no difference. It forms the esophagus into a pouch, and causes food to funnel through the stoma.

Why be so worried? Regardless of what you call it, it's still going to do its job, right?

I have no idea how Inamed characterizes it. Maybe call them and ask. They've been very informative when I've called them in the past.

its not the characterization/name that I am really asking about -- it the mechanical function of the band. When my surgeon described it to me he said it is a tool that simply adjusts the rate at which you take in food that's it. The coordinator/nurse however believes in the pouch/reservior idea and that food must sit on top of the band, so to speak, for it to work. I only ask so that I know how best to think of this tool, not having been banded yet.

Healthyny, your doctor is correct sa well as the nurse. When the pouch is full it moves out of the pouch at a slower rate thus you feel full faster. That is why it is very important to eat solid protein. It sits in the pouch the best and has the highest rate of holding. Mushies and liquids move right through. Julie