Can anyone out there tell me the difference between the j&j band and the allergan band? I was told by a friend that the allergan band has been around longer than the j&j. She also thinks its the first to be fda approved in u.s. an that its easier to get docs in U.S to fill because its more familiar to docs. Any thoughts on the subject? What kind of band do you guys have? what about port size?

There have been several gastric restriction bands, but the Allergan (Inamed) Lapband (and Lapband is a brand name) has been the most common for a few years. About a year ago they came out with a 'new and improved' Allergan AP. It is very similar to the J&J Realize Band, which just came out a few months ago in the US (altho it has been used in EU and Australia for years under another name). Many doctors are certified by the manufacturers to do both, some one or the other.

a band is a band is a band. They are slightly different in shape, but they all function the same. The band is a tool. One will not cause you to lose more weight. The weight loss is up to you. You can fail even with the band, and that is up to you. Some people will continue to eat sweets, chocolates, soda, and can even gain. Your doctor will choose a band that he is comfortable placing, and the weight loss is up to you! You'll do it! Good luck

My doctor says the Inamed (spelling) is the better band. I have it and he says he can put up to 14cc in my band. He says it is better and has more room for adjusting vs the Realize band.

My dr uses both the allergan and the realize, and somehow knows which to use on each patient. I got the impression he thinks I'll get the allergan. Won't know for sure until I have my surgery.

Teri

Thanks to all you guys, everyone has been so helpful.

My surgeon told me that they both had the same data/outcome during clinical trials and they both do the samething...it's really just a matter of preference. The Realize has online tools...the lapband is working on it. The port in flatter on the Realize, but it's plastic. The Lapband is all silicon. The Lapband port is sutured to the muscle whereas the Realize band has these little "feet" that punch into the muscle. I personally picked the LapBand. I like the fact that it's all silicon except for a little titanium on the backside and I like that it was a little less expensive :smile:. The Realize band is straight and the LapBand is precurved. The lapband has little divets in the band to allow it to fit a little better right away whereas the Realize band is just plain and straight...it's up to you...niether is better...just different design...good luck

I would like to share with you some information on Allergan band as well as J&J band:

As you might know that Inamed was bought out by Allergan in 2006. The bands made by Inamed and Allergan have a number of sizes available:

9.75 cm band - holds about 4 cc (It can hold more if needed)

10.0 cm bad - holds about 4 cc (It can hold more if needed)

11 cm band - holds about 9 cc (used only in Mexico and other countries, but not in the US)

VG Band - holds between 10 and 12 cc

Small AP (Advanced Performance) Band - holds 10 cc

Large AP (Advanced Performance) Band - holds 14 cc

Your doctor can choose any of these Inamed bands for you. They usually have two sizes handy and determine which one fits your anatomy best when they examine your insides and see how thick the fat pad around your stomach is.

The Realize Band is made by the Johnson and Johnson Company and comes in only one size, holding around 10 cc. The Realize Band comes with a website where you can track your progress.

For more help please visit this thread as well...