Hi everyone first thread since surgery - Thursday 4/28 feeling really good today - hardly any pain now - and doing ok - just wanted to know my doctor Dr. Caylor - said he put in the new VG band instead of the regular - have no idea what that is - and why he felt I needed a different band any answers from anyone would be appreciated -have been reading the threads and love them all - so helpful - getting a little hungry - but know my nutritionalist said what i would actually be craving would be something to chew - AND she was correct - so tried of the mushy - want something i can get my teeth into -she suggest crunchy peanut - well maybe that would work -NOT- - but hanging in there-

was kinda worried abt the VG band - like was there something wrong once he got in there etc - ya'know just wondered -you with all that I had read i was prepared and I think that is way I have appreciated these threads - upfront is always better lets you know what to expect - know i am rambling but just real excited that the pain was nothing really did not take any pain meds in hospital but once and only once since home - will stay in touch b/c feel will need guidance once the hunger really strikes - evryone keep up the good work this will and can work - it's an instrument that will help but not a miracle worker the hardest part is up to us - and as heavy women or men we already know the meaning of hard work - in the house and out - in fun and play - IN LIFE IN GENERAL-so lets all "band" together and make this work for each and everyone of us -b/c in our hearts "It's what we want" what "we always wanted" to be slim and healthy- Thank You so much for all help

Hi Tippytoes,

Congratulations on your banding and welcome back! The VG band is just a different version of Inamed's Lap Band, and there's nothing wrong with having one. The doctors I know say they decide which band to use only when they actually get into the person's abdomen and see which the anatomy dictates. Doctors may have an idea which band they're going to use beforehand, but circumstances will decide only on the operating table. The VG band is a little larger and has a greater fill capacity.

Greater fill capacity - is that bad - will I not losing as quickly as others - oh well to late to cry abt it now LOL - Thank you for answering

Welcome to bandland! My doctor's office has started to use that band now and they really like it! Good luck!

Welcome to Bandlandia!

Greater fill capacity - is that bad - will I not losing as quickly as others - oh well to late to cry abt it now LOL - Thank you for answering

I don't think there's anything "bad" about the greater fill capacity, at all! The greater capacity might mean that it will take more Fluid to reach a good restriction level, but that doesn't have to take any longer than the smaller band to reach. Presumably your doctor knows how to fill this band so it will be effective.

This band may be gentler on the body, so see that as a good thing. I know of patients who have had problems with their initial banding and had the smaller one replaced with the VG band after a second surgery, and had no problems with the new band. Chin up!! Your doctor knows what he's doing.

From what I've read and heard, the larger Inamed VG band is a low pressure band versus the 4.5 Inamed. The low pressure bands are softer and the smaller band is more rigid. Not sure how that translates into anything other than it takes more saline to fill the larger band. The results should be the same no matter which band you have