Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Realize vs. Inamed



Recommended Posts

Does anyone have the Realize band yet? I'm interested in anyone's discussions with their Dr's about the Realize band.

Thanks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the realize band. I don't know that its much different. Do a search and look at a previous thread that was started. I think the biggest difference is the port. On the other bands the port is stiched into the fascia (sheet of tissue/fat over abdominal muscles), in the realize band the port has a self anchoring system, which basically means they kind of rivet it in. At this point in time J&J's research states that there is a lower occurrence complications with the port (flipping and so on). I'm pretty sure that the REalize band also has a low profile port standard. I can feel mine (I don't have much fat in the area they placed my port) and it feels pretty small. My surgeon placed mine so that it shouldn't show up too bad, its kinda hooked to the edge of my ribs.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I read somewhere that the "pillows" reduce erosion, and that it has less slippage (but don't know what is different to back that up). Thanks for you're info!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Nuke how many CC's does your band hold ?

Thanks

Mindy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also have the realize band. I think NukeChik pretty much summed things up. The only other thing I can add about the realize band is that they have an online support website that is pretty neat. You can track your meals, weight loss, etc and you can give your Dr. access to that info. The site has alot of info and recipes. You can look at parts of the website pre band, but unless you actually get a realize band you dont have access to everything it offers.

The realize band holds 9cc.

I can barely feel my port, in other words I have to push down kinda hard to feel it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for answering the cc mamato. My doc still hasn't figured out what his code is for the website so I haven't gotten into that yet. They gave me a little card when I was at the surgery center but the number on it is 16 digits and the website wants 12. Oh well, maybe they'll figure it out. My surgeon is one of the docs on there doing all the little videos, Jaime Ponce.

From everything I've seen, during the surgery they don't stitch the band on like the others. Thats probably the reason I woke up from surgery hungry. I don't think that I had much swelling at all.

I have an appt to get my first fill on Feb 5. I think that the amount of time to the first fill is less than the other bands. I think most bands are 6 weeks for first fill. The realize literature says you can get a fill after your first week of solid foods (week 4). I start solids tomorrow. I was banded Jan 7.

Oh another fun fact about the Realize band, the port is only 1/2 inch tall. I'm not sure what the other bands stats are, but I'm thinking that is much smaller.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My doc's office did not know the 12 digit code either. I had to throw a little fit. hahha The website support is one of the reasons I chose the realize. (also the shorter profile port) I ended up calling a customer suuport number for the realize band and they called the Dr's office to let them know what number to give their patients.

I had know idea they did not stitch the band in to place. I am definately going to ask my Dr. about that. I knew about the port having the self anchoring system, but I thought the band was placed and stitched exactly the same.

As far as hunger, I had surgery the same day as you (Jan 7) and I have hardly felt any hunger at all. Maybe like 3 times. They did not schedule me for my first fill until Feb. 25! Seems like an eternity away. I dont really feel like I have much restriction, but I have forced myself to stick to the 1/2 cup of food 3 times a day. It seems to keep me satisfied so far.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'll have to try calling that number cause I would like to get on the website. I'm not positive about the no stitching thing. Its just what I've gathered from my research.

I could eat a lot at a time if I let myself. I get hungry after about 4-6 hours on about a cup to a cup and a half of food. I'm following all the doctors rules. I haven't started exercising regularly yet. I plan on it though. Time to dust off the old treadmill. I do get really, really hungry. I'm trying to hold myself back from snacking right now. I've only actually been full once. I usually just measure out a small portion of food and work on that. If I'm still hungry after about 10 minutes of finishing I'll have a little something else. I'm usually "satisfied" though. Thats how I'm trying to live my life now, eating till I'm "satisfied" not till I'm full.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have the REALIZE and I set myself up on the website just yesterday. The anchoring system is awesome and helps prevent port flips. The Realize is also the first band to cover more stomach surface area by making it wider (now other bands are doing the same thing) since that is believed to prevent PB's, prevent slipping, keep you feeling full longer, and offers greater restriction on average. It really is the best band out there at the moment. I'm sure another one will eventually take its place down the road...but right now we are all so lucky to have the greatest band technology. :eek:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just called the ethicon people to get my surgeon's id number. They are supposed to call my surgeon's office and tell them all they need to know to support their patients. Pretty bad that my surgeon is one of the guys doing all the little video snippets on their website and his staff doesn't know their identification code:confused:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That is pretty funny! It was acutally quite irritating to me when my doctors office didn't know. I mean, they were the one that sold me on the whole idea of the realize band in the first place. You will hear from them soon. If you dont, call ethicon again. They will get the Dr's office in gear. It took only a couple hours for me to get a call from the surgeon's office. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Your initial topic was "Realize vs Inamed". It is strange to me that a patient would "chose" which band they want. In my humble opinion, I wanted the doc to put in the band that HE was most comfortable with and that HE thought would do the best job! He's the expert, not me!--I see it like the diff in driving a Chevy and a Ford--both will get you from a-b-c--just personal preference what you want to get there in.

I have the Realize band--because that is the one my doc likes the best. He said it provides him with more flexibility. AND yes, he is a proctor for the band. The way I look at it-the easier it is for him-the easier it is for me!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I Pretty bad that my surgeon is one of the guys doing all the little video snippets on their website and his staff doesn't know their identification code:confused:

I know!! My doc is the one who did most of the patients on that site!(though the site doesnt tell you that)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Actually my surgeon chose the Realize, I didn't get the choice. I wanted to choose, but the girl that did the pre-op class at the office said that he chooses on a case by case basis. I think that he's probably doing them exclusively though due to him also being a proctor.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree that I think the doc should choose which band a patient gets , I dont think it should be based on whats the "Newest" on the market though. I think it should be based on what fits the patients needs. If that happens to be the newest one the market then thats the one they should get.

But i dont think the patient should be choosing which band they get based on the newest or price either.

Just my input

Mindy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×