ok everything has been going smoothly, I was approved and have a surgery date for Oct 6th. But I still can't decide which band to go with:cursing: it is so aggravating I went on the website for the realize band and they compare the realize to the old lap band not the new lap band AP. Good marketing , so how do you decide has anyone gotten the new lap band AP? And how can you choose a band when their comparing it to a band that doctors are no longer using, if there using the lap band it is the AP not the old one, please someone relieve my stress levels. :sad:

I have the old 4cc, but curious about the new bands... just in case I decide to switch over.

My doc only places the "lap band". He said he's waiting for more science on the "realize" band. He feels the lap band is tried and true; I have the AP band and feel pretty good about it. Don't know if that helps you or hurts but I see his point...I always want to buy a car with technology and an engine that's been out a while, etc. They iron out the kinks, THEN I'm ready. Are you an experimental "cutting edge" or a "this better work or I'm gonna be furious" type?

Trust me, I feel your pain... I was told that I could choose either one too... the realize band website is amazing and it is sooo cool that you have all of that online support and weight tracking, you can also track your weight, food, etc on fitday.com which i discovered today.... I decided to go with the lapband... I guess I thought:

1: My doctor is very skilled with it, he's done and does more lapband

2. Both my parents had the lapband

3. It's been tried and true

4. I like that the band is more "structured"

Of course, these are my opinions, but you will have to just really think about it and keep researching for your self. Best of luck to you!

Boomski~

I am right there with you. I need to decide VERY soon. The other day I was leaning more toward the Realize and today I'm thinking Lap Band because that is the majority of what my Dr. places. Figure he has more experience with it. The Realize site is cool but I wouldn't base my decision on it as there are other websites out there. If I'm not mistaken I believe Lap Band also has started one. Good luck with your decision!

My dr decides based on the information they get from the endoscopy, and phsyical finding they find when they get in there. I only get to decide HIGH or LOW profile ports. I'm thinking low.

teri

I had the choice but left it up to my surgeon. He does both, likes both, but with my weight history (all life), he used the Lapband AP 10cc's. He said it gives more restriction at time of surgery than the Realize band. I do wish I would have thought about the port profile though. Mine sticks out like a hernia when I stand. Itches a little at times, but doesn't bother me to the point of hating it being there!

I had to decide too. I finally just flipped a coin (I know, big decision made with a coin toss:blush:). I finally picked the Lap-Band. I am happy with my decision because my surgeon has more experience with it. It is tried and true like others have said. Supposedly there really isn't a huge difference other than the way the port is attatched to your body. The lap band is sutured (sp?) in place and the realize band is stapled some how. Also, the realize band has a lower profile port. I hope this helps.

I have the realize band and dont have any problems with it. I hear lot of people talk about pain in their port area but I dont have any pain in my port area so far. I was banded Aug. 22. My doctor told me he uses the realize band because it is wider than the lap band and it wont slip as easy. Good luck to whatever you decide to get!