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There are several recent (and long!) threads about this.... if you do a search for "Realize" I'm sure they will pop up for you and you'll have a lot of quick info!

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The official line from most surgeons is that they're equal. The one study I've found on google says they have the same outcome/complication rate. I personally am interested in the Realize band because the port is supposed to be nicer (lower profile, less initial pain). But I don't think it matters much which one you choose.

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I asked the surgeon which one he would choose to put in his wife (who is gorgeous and has a diamond the size of Chicago) and he said the Lap Band.

But he said that the two are very similar in "results."

I liked that the Lap Band seemed to have more substance--the tubing, etc. was a bit thicker. That may seem like a disadvantage to some, but I thought the Realize tubing seemed flimsy.

Just an opinion. I got the Lap Band 5 weeks ago and so far, so good.

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jbflorida -

My surgery date is next week. I see that you're on week 5 post-op. What have you had to eat today so far?

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My doctor said the size of a band sometimes has to do with the size of a person's stomach. He may lean more towards one than the other, but may not have a choice based on the size of someone's stomach. He also said he prefers the low pressure bands as opposed to the high pressure band. the high pressure ones have more of a chance of leaking. I have a 10 cc low pressure band. I think it depends on what the doctor likes, what he's had success with and your anatomy.

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Hi Bas--Here's to a successful and uneventful surgery for you. This journey has been very smooth for me. Yes, I am hungry at times, but I am dedicated!

Today I had a cheese omelette this AM (eggbeaters, 1/4 cup) and for lunch I had a turkey burger with some muenster cheese melted on top. For dinner, I will have some cut-up chicken with peach-mango salsa. I will have a Protein whey isolate shake (vanilla with banana flavoring) later on for a snack.

1 cup of coffee, 1 cup of Decaf and--WATERWATERWATER!

I had 6 weeks of liquid. Did I like it? Did it kill me? Only a few of the 36 days were a problem. The time IS going to go by, why not do the right thing? Now, 5 weeks past surgery--down from 217 to 184, off BP meds, exercising with plenty of energy---and feeling goooood. I am excited about what is to be! Feel free to write me anytime!

Judy

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Judy - Wow, the peach salsa on the chicken sounds really yummy! My doctor restricts exercising until 6-8 weeks after surgery, but you're already exercising! You really must be feeling great!

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the port is flatter with a bigger "injection" port so it is easier to find with a needle. I got the realize band due to being "self-pay" and it is cheaper than the lap band. So far, my weight is plummeting. I have not yet had a fill, I am 20 days past surgery, 17.5 lbs gone. I was back at work in three days, I have a fairly physical job, So, so far, love the realize band!

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    • 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!
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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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