Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Hello..

I have been reading ALOT..and the only thing I cant seem to understand is how do you know the size band you need.. I see some have a 4cc band and others talk about a 10 and 12cc band.. I dont get it?? I want to have some info about this to talk to my doctor about. OR is it just up to the doctor?? Any info on this would help ALOT it really is the only part I am not understanding of this whole lap band thing.

Thanks.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My understanding is that it is up to your doctor. The way it was explained to me was that they do not know what size they will put in you until they do the surgery. It is based on the size of your stomach (internally) and the surrounding fat. My surgeon said he has some patients that come in with a lot of belly fat from the outside, but when he gets in there is relatively little on the organs, or vice versa.

I hope this helps!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest ZenGarden

It basically all boils down to which band the doctor and/or hospital is using at the time; it's all a huge marketing ploy. I have the original Inamed LapBand system and was banded in March 2007. I don't think there are many people on here with this original band. The newest trend is the Realize band and that is what most people are getting.

PS - The original Lapband comes in three sizes: 9.75 cm, 10 cm and 11 cm. Regardless of the size of each of these, they all hold a maximum of 4cc's of saline. I believe the Realize band only comes in one size, but can be filled up to 12 c'cs of saline. Regardless of which SIZE of band you have, the particular BRAND of lapband your doctor uses all depends on which company has a bigger advertising/marketing campaign with him.

There are a couple of slight differences between the original Lapband and the Realize band:

Lapband: port is sewn/stitched onto the abdomen wall, where as the Realize band clamps down like a claw.

Realize band is taller and covers about 10 CM more of the stoma than the Lapband does. I also believe the buckle on the Realize band completely wraps around and snaps differently than the original Lapband.

Edited by zengirl227
omission

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just went in for my first fill and was curious as to the size of my band and asked my doctor. He said the Realize Band (which is the one I have) is a "one size fits all type of band. Also, just an added note, he said the ports are much deeper in the skin so more comfortable. While I have nothing to compare it to, I have to say my port is really unoticable so thats a plus! :thumbup:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I also have the Realize, and it is one size, 9 cc's, I hadn't heard though that it could hold up to 12 cc's, that'd be cool. Also, Zengirl, I think you might have meant it is 1 cm taller, 10 cm would be about 5", and yes, the doc told me it has a smaller buckle, and a port that can't flip, I thought it was attached to the band differently, but they could have meant the claw, which is another good thing.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The band size is determined by your physician when he operates on you. The band size that is right for you is the one you will get. You do not get to vote on it or have a say in it nor should you. They put in what they know to be best for you and then you work with that. Later you will not notice nor care about what size band you have! It's not even a conversation or a thought once it's done.

Some of the online impressions you get will not be right for you nor true in your case. For example, my doctor insisted that I spend one night in the hospital, the night after the surgery, and initially I thought that that was just a bit overdone after reading all the stuff online about how easy this was. Once I was in the situation I was darn glad I stayed overnight where they could give me medication instantly for nausea and headache! The following day I was great, but having medical professionals around for the first 24 hours was a good thing. This is a major, life changing event. All for the good, but it's a big deal, this surgery. They keep you very comfortable but there is recovery involved and probably about 6 to 7 days after it you feel closer to normal than at first.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

:thumbup:Thank you everyone for the info. I TOTALLY miss understood as I read the post on this website. I thought that it would have to know what I wanted when I saw my doctor.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are so cute! The doctors are very bossy when it comes to this surgery so many things are well out of your hands. Just carefully follow what they tell you and all will be well! Best of luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • 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!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×