I had my surgical consult this past Wednesday, which was also the day I got my surgery day (YAY!) and the surgical coordinator asked if I'd be interested in using a new version of the band. She said that it was made by a new company, but just like the original and they were looking for people to try it out. I freaked, and told her no way, I wanted to stick to something that I know works well and that has been used over and over. Now that I am thinking about it, I regret not asking more about it before immediately saying no. I mean, why wouldn't I want a newer more improved version if it is available? But I also don't really know if this option is actually a better choice or if it is sort of like a generic? I know I should call my surgeon and discuss this further, but I'd love to hear from experianced and soon to be bandsters. THANX!

Do you think it could have possibly been the Realize band? They are starting to pop up everywhere, I think it's made with different material, fits different, trying to combat erosion. You could always call them back and ask and then check it out.

From what I understand the new band made by Johnson & Johnson is basically the same thing only they offer a new online support program that is suppose to be pretty helpful! I would ask more questions if I were you, but either one will work the same.

Allergan is planning to release a new type of band that is fulled and unfilled via remote control instead of needle. Maybe thats what she was talking about. The trial study hasn't started yet, they are pending FDA approval.

There are a few other bands out there. The "Lap Band" as well as the "Midband" and the "AMI Band". commoly used in Europe and Australia respectively, or the "Swedish Adjustable Band" that is currently in the FDA approval process. they all have their own stange little foibes, you need to watch your intakes no matter which one you do.

I got the Realize band and am happy with it. Let us know if this is what they were talking about.

Allergan is planning to release a new type of band that is fulled and unfilled via remote control instead of needle. Maybe thats what she was talking about. The trial study hasn't started yet, they are pending FDA approval.

While that sounds convienent, it's a little scary. Does it run on radio frequency? I could see like when the Navy changed radio frequencies and started opening everyone electric garage door openers. I don't think I would want the military taking control of my Lap Band LOL!

Im not sure what it runs on. you can google it. they use it in other countries and I guess have had lots of luck so far

If you are in the US, there are no bands in use here that haven't been used in other countries for years. So it's really quite safe to use a "new" band.

As for the radio controlled one, I've been watching the various clinical trial websites and there doesn't appear to be clinical trial going for it just yet. The FDA only recently approved it to go into clinical trial so I assume they are setting up the programs now. So it shouldn't be too much longer.

amazing . One of the reasons I originally considered bypass was because of the fill situation I've learned now to accept that but hearing this is super exciting is it even possible to fill of axciswntall so much that it would damage you? Aren't they made to not hurt you even if they are completely full? And what is the name of this new thing

I'mon the waiting list for it but if the study hasn't started by the time I'm approved for surgery Imjust going to go with the injectable

Riv who is your insurance? Wish mine had a waiting list, cause at this rate it's going to be late late Holidays of 08 for my surg anyway!

How did you get on the waiting list? I've been looking at the clinical trial web sites weekly and haven't seen anything. I want to sign up!

My doctors office gave me the option

I found the page about the EasyBand study!!

EasyBand GOAL Trial - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

It looks like they are looking for 300 patients but they aren't actively recruiting yet.

Edited April 27, 200818 yr by MacMadame

I am scheduled for May 9th with the Realize band...which was approved in the US last year sometime. The main difference is less erosion and less chance of slippage. The support system they provide is also supposed to be great! My surgeon is actually being proctored by the manufacture on my surgery. You should look into it.