In the consult with the doc, he told me he will use the smaller band unless he absolutely cant - his words were that the will always "cheat down" on the size. He felt positive that he would use the small on me.

However, in talking to the nurse, I found that I got the larger one. The APL 14cc band.

Does anyone know if this makes a difference? LIke will I get more or less restriction with this band.

I am self pay, to the tune of 17,400 and I want as much bang for my buck as possible.

Thanks in advance for any of your help.

Good post, you know, I have no clue what determines which size band they use. Everyone chime in on your BMI and size of band..perhaps that will help out.

My bmi was barely 30 and I got the 9.75

I am not sure why they use the different sizes on different people-I have the 10cc- I would think with the smaller you could get restriction quicker-but then what do I know??lol.. it would seem to take more fills on the 14 cc band unless you have a very aggressive doc.

My doc said size doesn't matter because they can lock you down no matter what. It pays to go larger, so that they can loosen you if needed.

I have the smaller 10cc band. My doc's PA said that it depends on the size of the opening to the stomach to determine what size band they end up using. Initially my doc was going to use the newer/larger band but apparently I was smaller. Who knew?!

My highest weight was 264 (I'm 5' 1") and my BMI I think was 50.

I hope this helps. Have a good night!

The size of band used is determined by the anatomy of the patient when the surgeon can see the size of the stomach and ammount of fat around it

I'm 5'9" and had a starting BMI of 50. I received the AP Standard (APS).

I'm 5'5" and received the 4cc band, go figure. At Banding I was 333.

Siriusman, you're the 2nd person I've read who's been banded in Belgium...I'm so curious, why Belgium??

Becky

why Belgium??

Put my two cents in, ... lap-band's history goes back to Belgium, very first surgery was in Huy, Belgium in September of 1993...

(my surgeon is from Hungary, he went to Belgium to get his training)

Belgium possible must have very experienced superb lap-band surgeons.

5'8" 248 lbs and was banded with the large band (I don't yet have all the details from my doctor). Stomach & liver looked good (or so I was told). Like they said - it's all unique to the person.

I agree, I was 280 and 5'8" and got the smaller band with the mini port and am glad I did because although I'm only about 30 pounds from goal and my stomach is small now the port doesn't show through yet. I had 3 friends that all got the bigger band and where small than me but they had bigger stomachs so I guess that's why. It did take them longer for restriction though. I think everyone is just different but I think everyone ought to pay a little extra and get the low profile port in my opinion.

Katalin.e, thanks for answering my question. Living in CA, I can see why people would go to Mexico to get their band, but Belgium seemed pretty far (esp. for the fills?).

Thanks!

Becky

I was 312 on surgery date and got the 14 cc band put in.

I was anticipating the new AP band and had called my doctors office prior to surgery to be sure thats what he would be using. Instead they ended up putting in the 10cc band. He said they punctured the AP putting it in and that they didn't have any more left. I just found this out and I am very upset. I actually think they should replace my band! People seem to need many more fills with the 10cc. Im self pay and it has ruined this for me. HELP

I was anticipating the new AP band and had called my doctors office prior to surgery to be sure thats what he would be using. Instead they ended up putting in the 10cc band. He said they punctured the AP putting it in and that they didn't have any more left. I just found this out and I am very upset. I actually think they should replace my band! People seem to need many more fills with the 10cc. Im self pay and it has ruined this for me. HELP

The APS and APL bands are 10cc and 14cc respectively. Whichever band you got, if it's 10cc it still holds the same amount as the smaller AP band. Sorry that happened to you, but would you really want to go through re-operation?