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Allergan band

headin_to_mxico

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headin_to_mxico    0

headin_to_mxico
Posted

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

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SpecialK    22

SpecialK
Posted

Alot of doctors use the Allergan AP band now, I think its about 50/50 on Realize vs Allergan. The older model Allergan band was replaced with the AP and there is an AP-Large and AP-Small and I have the AP Large and am doing fine. I relied on my surgeon to choose the right band for me.

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BansterNYC    0

BansterNYC
Posted

"I think most US doctors are using Realize..."

"I think its about 50/50..."

Let's get some REAL facts and statistics instead of throwing out random ideas of what you *think* may be the case. Please do research before posting.

One clarification: Lap-Band is the brand name of the gastric band produced by Allergen and Inamed (same company, one is a subsidiary of the other). Realize is the name of the gastric band produced by Johnson & Johnson and is new to consumers in the past year.

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bandofhope    1

bandofhope
Posted

Banster... don't be so rude with your reply. If we expected "REAL" advice on this lap band information site, we would be discussing these thoughts with our doctors and/or the manufacturer of the bands. This is an internet chat site.. not the doctors office. Your offered information is correct and and has value for this site, but, you would do well in the future to deliver your ideas in a more positive way... unless of course you are a surgeon of lap band placement; in which case your bedside manner would leave much to be desired.

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Gracey    7

Gracey
Posted

I concur and said so in a pm earlier. (And if Banster were a surgeon, wouldn't she know the stats?!?)

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bandofhope    1

bandofhope
Posted

Hello headin to mexico... I do not know which band is used most in the US. My doctor gave me information on both to look over before our next visit and will answer any questions I have at that time. After looking over the information, I decided to leave it up to him. Good Luck with your decision!

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headin_to_mxico    0

headin_to_mxico
Posted

"

One clarification: Lap-Band is the brand name of the gastric band produced by Allergen and Inamed (same company, one is a subsidiary of the other). Realize is the name of the gastric band produced by Johnson & Johnson and is new to consumers in the past year.

This is what I wanted to know. I am no longer confused. I had heard of Inamed several times when I researched the band several years ago. I now hear Realize a lot. It is comforting to know that Allergen is made by Inamed and not a generic brand of band. I have more research to do, but the quicky answers are perfect to get me going in the right direction so I can get more facts.

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greatwhite    0

greatwhite
Posted

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

Hi,

I don't have anything yet, I am still trying to figure out which I want band vs sleeve. And I am looking a Mexcio due to cost. Why did you go south? Let's talk, I can not find anyone that gone or going to Mexico.

Thanks Gay

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greatwhite    0

greatwhite
Posted

:wink2:

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

Hi

I am still trying find out which is better for me Lap band vs gastic sleeve. I am looking at Mexcio due to cost. Why did you pick the band and go south? Please write back, I have been posting these questions for the last 3 weeks and I am getting no feed back or help. Please pass these on if you know anyone or place that could help me.

Thank's Gay

850 322-5628 gdwh1@yahoo.com

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Queen of Hearts    2

Queen of Hearts
Posted

Hi do any of you have this band? I think most doctors in the US are using Realize band and that the old band of choice was an Emnad (or something like this) band. Whats the differences? Im going to Mexico and I want to make sure that Im getting a good band and not a "discount" band.

Hi headin_to_mxico! :biggrin2: I have the new Allergan AP band and it is a 12. This band is new and as a matter of fact I am one of 500 people nationwide in a research study program for this band. My band was put on in Feb of this year and so far I can tell you that I have had no problems with it. My biggest problem I have is my inability to remember to chew chew chew!!:wink: I too went through a lot of research and from what I have read about this new band it should prove to be very USER friendly. From what I understand and I'm not a specialist, but the band is made a bit wider to help prevent erosion and slippage which seem to be some of the most frequent problems that occur with a band. I get checked every month and have not had any problems so far. :wink2: I definitely would recommend a band but I have no idea how the sleeve works or what is involved in having the sleeve put on. I can tell you that my digestive disease doctor told me under no circumstances would he approve the gastric by pass so we chose the lapband! Good luck on your research and your upcoming surgery. Keep us posted on your progress!:blink:

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headin_to_mxico    0

headin_to_mxico
Posted

:confused:Who did your surgery and I know it's very rude but can I ask the cost? Thanks again!

Gay

I chose band because I cant stand the thought of cutting my stomich and having parts removed. I am also low BMI so I think that such an envasive surgery is not warrented for me. My BMI is only 32 (But goes between 32-34 depending on how good Im being), so my insurance will not pay. Mexico has experianced surgeons and good prices. I am prob going to use Dr Kuri who has a great reputation and thousnds of band surgeries under his belt. :wink2: I have not gotten my sugery yet and still researching. I have been considering the band for several years, but not been in a financial situation to do it. I finally have more financial stability so I am re-researching (lol) and seeing these new band brands.

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SueAZ    3

SueAZ
Posted

Check out the doctors and hospitals forum here. There is a lot of info there on people that have used Mexican doctors and how to check out the doctors south of the boarder.

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Shamrockgirl60    1

Shamrockgirl60
Posted

BANSTERYNC

Yikes glad for the information, this will be my question for my surgeon when I see him in a few weeks. Didn't know there were different types of bands.

Too funny regarding your being perceived as rude, nope not rude your from New York... they tell it like it is. The one thing I like about New Yorkers LOL.

GO RED SOX

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Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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    • Doughgurl

      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. 💜
      · 1 reply
      1. Phil Penn

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

    • LeighaTR

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      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      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

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        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. 💗

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        Doughgurl

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    • Alisa_S

      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

        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

      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

        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.

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