I have my date NOV 10th in Mexico, my mom had heres done in Mexico also, when she went down there they gave her the option of either lapband or midband. I've only been reseraching the lapband, cause that wats i wanted. can anyon tell me what the difference is? I've looked both of them up on the internet and they baiscally look like the same thing! So can anyone tell me the difference and pros and cons of each one thank you

I don't know details, but found this while I happened to be browsing on wikipedia:

The LAP-BAND System received food and Drug Administration approval for use in the United States in June 2001. In 2000, the first lower pressure, wider and one piece adjustable gastric band, the MIDband®, was placed in Lyon, France [1]. Unlike many of the early bands, the MIDband® was designed specifically for laparoscopic insertion. It has swiftly become one of the leading bands placed in France.

Don't know if that helps, or not.

You can also go to Midband : gastroplastie, anneau gastrique, obésité morbide, coelioscopie and click "english" and do your own research about that particular band.

LOL...I guess I just keep looking.

Understanding the Different Types of Adjustable Gastric Bands

The Lap-Band band is characteristically shorter than the Swedish band, having a slightly bigger balloon to make the system softer, serving as a cushion between the band and the gastric walls, while theMidBand is the easier to fit due to its extreme flexibility.

Kind of seems to me that with the Lap-Band, you'd have less chance of erosion because of the "cushion" they mentioned. This is PURELY speculation - please don't take this as gospel to make your decision. You could look around for success rates vs complications for these two bands. Just have to google around for it.

Thank You guys! I think Im just going to go with the lap-band!! NOV 10 5 days to go!!!

I had the midband put in. It does not require stitching to stay in place, hence less chance of infection> The theory behind not stitching it in was that it pulled less and fewer slippages have occured. My doctor has done both but now sloely does the midband as he has seen less post op complications. As far as fills etc it's pretty much the same.

Good luck.

I have never heard of the midband but am going to check it out. I assume that if insurance pays for lapband it would also cover midband?

Yea I'm now reconsidering I think I might go with the mid-band but do you guys think a doc in the states will see me for fills and what not? I'm about 8 hour drive from mexico, and I dont want to drive all the way down there for a fill or a question you know what i mean?

I've read quite a few posts in the "Fill Doctor" section and there seem to be quite a few drs in Texas who will fill where ever your surgery is done. I had a hard time finding a dr in the North Va/DC/MD area when I told them I had been banded in Mexico. Finally found one about 2 1/2 hrs away. :)Laura

call your fill doc and see what their policy is on the midband?

I had never even heard of it before... but that is because I am in the states. Interesting!

where did you find your fill doctor? I live in Va - 1 hr from Charlottesville, VA. Tara

I've been offically banded! I stuck with the lapband. I'm 8 hour car ride from mexico, I would rather have a doc see me in the states

I have never heard of the midband but am going to check it out. I assume that if insurance pays for lapband it would also cover midband?

If you are in the US, the MidBand is not an approved band here, thus it is not available.

If you are in the US, the MidBand is not an approved band here, thus it is not available.

Well I guess that would explain why I had not heard of it. :cool: Thanks for the info.

There are doctors in the US that will perform fills on the Midband. My surgeon from Mexico referred me to a doctor locally to do my fills. Fill center USA will not do fills on the Midband because it is not FDA approved yet. It's a great band. My band doctor has the Midband, so does my aunt and sister. Wonderful results and no complications.

Good luck.

Hi Tara, I live in Stafford, VA just above Fredericksburg. I went up to Frederick MD to Dr. Susan Brinkley today for my 1st fill. She was really great. No flouro but she got the port exactly 1st time, no pain. She is a lap band patient also so was great to talk to. There were several drs listed in Richmond at the Fillcentersusa. You might be able to find one closer. Depending on where you had your surgery, a dr around there may do it for you. Over here, they don't want to do the Mexico patients. Dr. Brinkley says it is because they are in a snit about losing the money since they make so much if they do the lapband and fills are minor $$ to them. Good luck. :)Laura