Hello all, hope everyone is doing well. I had my post op appointment today and found out that I have the new AP band instead of the VG band? Does anyone know the difference between these two bands? Or perhaps you can direct me to locate this information. I'm not sure what the differences are or if one is better than the other. I'm so confused.

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreicated.

I also found out that I have an AP band. I have an AP small or 10cc band. I was so excited to hear that because they didn't even come out till this month. My doctors were some of the few to receive the bands early and were allowed to use them. The main difference is that a VG band is only 300degrees around the stomach. Therefore it leaves 60 degrees where the stomach and band can slip. The AP bands are 360degrees and the band itself is wider. This is supposed to help decrease the risk of bandslippage. I also read that the AP may help people lose quicker. My doc says he is going to put AP bands in all his patients from now on. I don't know if a VG band would have been different ,but so far I am doing great. 12 days post op and I have lost 10lbs plus 12 lbs preop for a total of 22lbs.

Here's a link to a thread Dr. C posted on his forum that discusses the AP:

Trace W. Curry, M.D. :: View topic - New AP band

Here's a link to a thread on another forum that has good info about it as well:

Advanced Platform (AP) Band Information - Band2gether.net (b2g) Lap-band Support Forums