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

Thanks

My doctor does both bands. He said they aren't really that different, but the Realize online support is very good. I chose the Realize band, but haven't accessed the support site.

Same here as with Elissa. The Dr. really had no preference and uses both bands. I was allowed to chose and picked the Realize because of the online support and the lower profile port.

Does anybody mind sharing their surgeon # so I can at least get into the system? I'd like to check out their support system. Thanks!

Does anybody mind sharing their surgeon # so I can at least get into the system? I'd like to check out their support system. Thanks!

You can't really get onto the site unless you have the surgeon's number AND another special number that goes along with your band.

The dr.'s office is supposed to give you that info based on the physician and band type. My dr. gave me his number, but not the "band" number. I'll find out today when I go for my fill.

But ( I found out!) the Realize Band site only offers it's support to US patients who had their band placed by US doctors. I have written them about how short-sighted their action is, since there are far more who have the band from outside the US--INCLUDING the patients who are shown on their site!

But ( I found out!) the Realize Band site only offers it's support to US patients who had their band placed by US doctors. I have written them about how short-sighted their action is, since there are far more who have the band from outside the US--INCLUDING the patients who are shown on their site!

I just emailed them as well, I'm up in Canada eh?

Maybe if enough of us email them, they will "realize' the mistake they have made in that decision. They told me it is because they can't offer the direct contact with the doctors outside the US that they can inside. I told them I didn't NEED their support with the doc--I have my doc's cell phone # and get a lot better support than I have from any doc I have ever had surgery done by here. I was just interested in the other aspects of the site--the diet & exercise information, etc.

These are some graphics I have been collecting to explain to family and to have for myself. I am basically going to allow my surgeon to pick the right one for me since I've heard they are both equally good.

AP New Band Type picture.bmp

Bands filled and unfilled.bmp

My doc said the same as most on here, that they are similar but Realize has better online support.

I don't have my access number yet either, my doctor just told me to call 1-866-Realize and ask for the code. I haven't tried it yet.

I don't have my access number yet either, my doctor just told me to call 1-866-Realize and ask for the code. I haven't tried it yet.

FYI, the people that answer the number can't give you the surgeon code. They can only deal with the surgeon's office. So when you call, they will call your surgeon's office and give them the info. Then the surgeon's office has to call you back with it.

My surgeon's office is supposed to be sending me an information packet with that stuff in it....still waiting........

Thanks Nikki! Although, I'll surely not hold my breath for my surgeon. He's supposedly one of the best in my area, but his office staff....I'm not so sure about them.

I just received this response from them:

-----Original Message-----

From: customersupport@eesus.jnj.com [mailto:customersupport@eesus.jnj.com]

Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2008 4:09 AM

To: bert99

Subject: RE: Technical Question Request from www.RealizeBand.com SR1-3LC6EO

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Dear Roberta:

Thank you for visiting us at www.RealizeBand.com. In regard to your inquiry about logging in to Realize mySuccess™, Realize mySuccess™ is available only to US resident patients who have their Realize™ Adjustable Gastric Band surgery performed in the US by a surgeon that has completed the US based professional training program.

However, it is possible, if you have aligned yourself for post-op care with a US practice that has been REALIZE™ trained to get you enrolled. You will need to request a New Patient Code from the REALIZE™ trained practice to get access to the pre-op part of Realize mySuccess™. Then, if you do not have the Patient Card ID number which came with the Realize™ Adjustable Gastric Band, you would need to call us to obtain another Patient Card ID number by calling us at 1-866-REALIZE (1-866-732-5493). We would need to verify that the US practice is responsible for your post-op care.

<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>

Please call 1-866-REALIZE (1-866-732-5493) for more information or to request a free REALIZE™ Patient Guide. The REALIZE™ Patient Guide contains information regarding the REALIZE Band and how it helps you lose weight, as well as information on what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

<o:p></o:p>

Sincerely,

<o:p></o:p>

Bariatric Technical Support<o:p></o:p>

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc

Phone: 1-866-REALIZE (1-866-732-5493)

Email: customersupport@eesus.jnj.com

Website: www.RealizeBand.com

Kinda short-sighted on J & J's part--don't ya think

Realize is a much wider band and low presuure, it appears if patients follow the rules they are losing weight a little faster, Realize also offers the my sucess program for free, which is an as will help added bonus, this will help you track your sucess

Realize also offers the my sucess program for free, which is an as will help added bonus, this will help you track your sucess

BUT--only IF you live in the US and had the band put in by a US doctor. Never mind the fact that docs from other countries have been putting them in longer than any US doc--and of course Realize uses the patients of docs from other countries for their success stories-and uses docs from other countries to teach US docs how to do it! I think J & J should re-evaluate their position and realize that ALL their patients are equal!!