I went for all my pre-ops yesterday, and I got a chance to look at the orginal Lap-Band and the Realize band. My surgeon told me that I could choose between the two. Having done my own research I felt comfortable in choosing the Realize band. Then seeing them together I was sure. The Lap-Band is more rigid and the difference in the actual access area on the port is soo much larger. The actual port is significanlty lower as well. The claims for Realize are less erosion and fewer chances of slippage. The big advantage to me was that the port is placed by metal barbs verses sutures. It cuts down in port pain and can more easily be re located. It also cuts the operating room time in half. Less time for me under = less complications. I think for me it was a no brainer! Tamara

I chose the Realize band for many of your same reasons. Also, I liked how wide the R. band is (as you said, less chance of slippage), which I hope, will reduce the chance of prolems with it down the road.

Edited September 5, 200818 yr by kiz

I had the choice too but went with what my doc preferred. he likes and uses both but he told me due to me being overweight majority of my life, he wanted to use the original Lapband AP. Since he doesn't do any fills at time of surgery, he said it provides a tighter restriction. I did like the smaller port of the Realize, but from what I heard of concerns, the clips that suture it down can possibly slip or break and come undone. I wanted to actual suture to hold it in. Just like the concern of a wider band...less slipage.