I read some posts, but still don't get it. What's the differences between the Realize vs the lap band?

Thanks

What? I use the website all the time? Go to lapband.com and register for mylapband, there's tons of stuff on there. Please be aware J&J's website push is only because their product is antiquated (14 years old) and cannot stand on its own in regards to technology against either the Lapband AP in the US or the other 5 bands like the Midband available in the Europe and overseas.

My surgeon has put in Realize Bands too but if your under the impression he is going to sit there and read emails from patients all day, you're sadly mistaken. That whole "connected"thing isn't realistic for a any busy surgeon in today world when they spend half the time fighting with insurance companies just to get paid.

The reality is websites although a nice little tool have zero effect on your weight loss. Support should come from the practice - if you fall off track you need to call the office, nothing can replace human interaction no matter how "interactive" a website seems to be. Its a nice thing but don't hang your hat on it. Which group would you rather be in: The group that loses more weight faster or the group with a cool website?

Also keep in mind there is NOTHING on either the lapband website or the Realize Band website ( I have been on both) that you cannot get free from dozens of other websites like sparkpeople.com.

Feel good about your choice and focus on your lifestyle changes, that's what will help you lose and keep it off.

Oh my God!.

this site is pure comedy. you ask 1 little question and all Hell breaks loose. I really hope someone is being enlightened....because i'm going to check back more often for the comedy routines...lol..unbelievable....

MacMadame..you rock! Continue to fight the good fight

The reality is websites although a nice little tool have zero effect on your weight loss. Support should come from the practice - if you fall off track you need to call the office, nothing can replace human interaction no matter how "interactive" a website seems to be. Its a nice thing but don't hang your hat on it. Which group would you rather be in: The group that loses more weight faster or the group with a cool website?

You can be a real jerk you know that? OMG You think too highly of yourself and you need to stop looking for op's to bash people. What I said was nothing wrong and if you think that website has no effect you got your head in the sand. Why are you here then? Why is everyone else here? FOR SUPPORT DUH! Of course people are going to have what you call "human interaction" but being motived through others you meet online can empower people.

The Realize site reports back to your doctor. You can't get that from Sparkspeople.com. It's a great idea and it's bound to help. Studies have shown that after care make a significant difference in outcomes and that journaling your food and exercise makes a difference too.

That's why once J&J came out with Realize My Success, Allergan started working on a similar site ... because they realized what a great idea it was and how it would help their sales.

Rock this question is NOT for you...

OK so I seen the realize band on TV, I have never looked into it because I already have a band from 2001, so the RB has a site but is there other website programs to help track progress, ect... like the RB site? If so are they free sites?

I use The Daily Plate. There's a link in my signature. I track my weight, what I eat every day, and I could track my exercise, but I track that in a spreadsheet. If I track it on TDP, it subtracts the calories it thinks I've burned from what I've eaten and that throws off my stats.

There are other sites, but I think TDP has the best database of foods. I hardly ever have to enter a food -- if anything there are too many foods in there. Also, the UI is pretty easy to navigate compared to the others I've tried.

Obesity Help lets you track your weight and you can check to share it with your doctor, if you want, and he's on there too. I have no idea if my doctor really gets my weights though. Plus you can't track food and exercise.

OH ok thats sounds good. I just found out i have pink eye from my lovely nephew so I will check it out when my eye is clearer, lol. THanks :tongue_smilie:

P.J., sorry about the pink eye. I got that once years ago when my kids were young and in daycare, it can be quite miserable.

I also use the Daily Plate. I think it is the best one out there as well. I like that I can also access it via mobile phone as well, so wherever I am, it is available to me.

thanks susan, yes pink eye sucks lol. However my son looked at me this morning and said mom you look normal now lol :wink2:

I think tracking and keeping up with fun little tools will in some way help this be a little funner. I havn't check it out yet, i was just checking in here before we go sledding we got a foot last night and that hardly ever happens anymore here. So we are off to the hill side to sled. :tounge_smile:

BTW I love your avy! Where did you get it? I am a gamer so it caught my eye. :smile:

For what it's worth. . .I'm now 3.5 months post up from the Realize Band and am doing amazing. 61 pounds lost since surgery, which is about 50% of excess body weight. I have great restriction and could not be happier. I also couldn't imagine how a different band could be better for me. But the for me part is important-this is an individual decision that each person must make on their own in conjunction with their docs. Lots of opinions on here and lots of battling studies. If you trust your doc, work with him/her to make the best decision for you. If you don't trust your doc, find another doc.

Good luck everybody!

Bryan