HELLO ...I HAVE A ? WHICH IS THE MORE PREFERRED BAND THE INAMED BAND OR THE JOHNSON N JOHNSON?:smile:

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!

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.

yea in the pictures the j&j band's port looks flatter.

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.

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?

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.

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

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!

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!