What is the difference between Inamed, Vanguard, and the Swedish Band? I've heard them all mentioned but am quite confunsed!

What about the different capacities? How do the Doctor's decide on what is the right "size" for you?

What is the difference between Inamed, Vanguard, and the Swedish Band? I've heard them all mentioned but am quite confunsed! :girl_hug:

What about the different capacities? How do the Doctor's decide on what is the right "size" for you?

Hi, in the USA there are currently 5 approved Lap-Bands.

The older models are the 9.75 CM, 10 CM and Vanguard bands.

The above mentioined bands hold 4.0CCs for the 9.75 CM and 10 CM bands, and 10CCs for the Vanguard band.

The newer bands are the APS and APL bands. Their capacitys are 10CCs and 14CCs respectively.

INAMED if the company who developed the Lap-Band. INAMED is now a subsidiary of ALLERGAN.

Lap-Band is a registered trademark of ALLERGAN corporation.

The surgeon determines which band you get based on your internal anatomy, specifically your stomach size.

No Lap-Band is more effective than the others, they all work the same.

Wendell, thank you for your information. I understand that the newer APS and APL bands are perfectly circular vs. the horse shoe shape of the older ones. Is there any data on them being more effective or having a descreased instance of complications?

Great question! I am wondering if it will take more fills to get you to a proper restriction with a 14cc band vs a 4.0cc band or if they will actually fill you with a larger amount at each fill.

Wendell, thank you for your information. I understand that the newer APS and APL bands are perfectly circular vs. the horse shoe shape of the older ones. Is there any data on them being more effective or having a descreased instance of complications?

This is copied from another website, and is really the only information that I have on the AP bands:

Allergan/Inamed has a new band in the US called the AP band. It has not yet been released to the general public but I have put a number of these excellent bands in. There are a couple of differences in this band and the previous ones:

1. Cuff - the cuff on the AP band is 360 degrees around, as opposed to about 300 degrees on the prior bands (there was no cuff around the buckle on the old ones)

2. Cuff length - the cuff on the AP band is 18mm longer/taller than on the previous bands, so the surface area in contact with the stomach is much greater, hopefully increasing the speed of weight loss and maybe reducing the risk of slips

3. Cuff volume - the AP small holds 10cc, the AP large holds 14cc

Note that we do not believe that AP patients will lose MORE weight, just possibly faster. So those of you with the older models, it would definitely not be to your benefit to think about having your band swapped out!

· They are either APS (small, 10cc) or APL (large, 14cc).

· They are considered by some to be "the next generation in AGBs".

· They are considered less likely to cause blockage or obstruction than other AGP types.

· They are considered less likely to slip than other AGP types.

· They are considered to be less likely to cause band erosion than other AGP types.

· Like the VG band it is "Omniform" technology - i.e. the balloon has ribs or baffles and the band itself is curved.

· The AP has more of a 360 inflation around the stomach as opposed to the 10cm or 9.75cm (4cc) bands, which have more like 260 or 280 degrees inflation (the rest being the buckle), and the VG which has more like 280 or 300. It is understood that this was simply an upgrade to the existing band to make it easier and less traumatic to remove.

· The silicone material is much softer than other AGP types.

· They are more concentric (rounded) when inflated than other AGB types.

· The balloon is pleated to 'grip' the stomach better.

· The balloon goes all the way around the inner surface of the band, rather than missing a piece at the locking mechanism.

· The balloon is wider. A sideview of the band shows the balloon protruding top & bottom rather than sitting flush.

· They have an easier release mechanism to remove the band if need be.

· They have the locking mechanism isolated from the stomach.

· AP type bands have been FDA approved for the US, but will not be available until the summer at the earliest.

· We understand that there are NO plans at this time to discontinue any of the bands Allergan already makes. They still plan to manufacture and offer the 10cm and the 9.75cm (the 4cc) bands as well as the VG band.

· new : AP ( Advanced Platform ):

· APS ( small)

· APL ( large )

Wendell, you are a saint! That was above and beyond, thank you so much for your help!

Based on the information Wendell posted (from Dr. Curry's website-a great forum, BTW) and from what I had learned in my talks with Allergan/Inamed about the AP, I actually waited another month for my surgery to guarantee I could get the AP. I also wrote on my stomach in permanent marker AP Band ONLY, and asked for (and received) my AP band box.

Wendell, you are a saint! That was above and beyond, thank you so much for your help!

You're very welcome.