For those who are interested here is a link to a thread on my site detailing the new Realize-C band from Ethicon:

Trace W. Curry, M.D. :: View topic - Pic of new Realize-C

Dr. C

thank you for sharing that, and contrasting the two brands.

I wish I'd seen that before my band, as I would have loved a low profile port. I already have a lump where mine is placed.

Thanks for posting this DrC! Can you tell me how fully inflated these are in the pics...or more importantly, do you have a pic of both of these fully filled? I'm wondering if that gap at the end of the Realize one goes away when full? Also wondering if it develops creases when full, like so many say the old one did? It's so confusing knowing what's true and there are so few pictures out there with good information. I don't want to spark another one of those debates, I'd just like to see fully filled photos.

When will this one be widely available to other surgeons? I'm going in for my surgeons consult in 2 weeks and have a choice of Realize or LB-Allergan (I'm hoping to be banded in May '09). Thanks again!

Thanks for posting this DrC! Can you tell me how fully inflated these are in the pics...or more importantly, do you have a pic of both of these fully filled? I'm wondering if that gap at the end of the Realize one goes away when full? Also wondering if it develops creases when full, like so many say the old one did? It's so confusing knowing what's true and there are so few pictures out there with good information. I don't want to spark another one of those debates, I'd just like to see fully filled photos.

When will this one be widely available to other surgeons? I'm going in for my surgeons consult in 2 weeks and have a choice of Realize or LB-Allergan (I'm hoping to be banded in May '09). Thanks again!

The Realize in the pic has nothing in it - the AP has some air at neutral pressure, probably equal to about 2 cc of saline would be my guess.

The Realize does have those creases in it, but it's really designed for that and I don't see it as a problem. If you inflate it on a stick of clay or something like that it makes indents in the clay that look just like the pre-made creases in it.

I'll see if I can find the time to inflate it on something similar to what a stomach would be.

So the new Realize has "pre-made" creases? The debate as I heard it is that the old one would crease into a triangle-maybe that almond shape you described (like taking a long balloon and trying to make a tight circle it would crease in places) and also that the stomach could pinch into those creases...again, I have NO idea what's true; just trying to make an informed decision since you know what it does.

Thanks again for your time and opinion. Oh, and hello Cincinnati (DH grew up in Anderson and we lived in Mt. Washington for awhile)-great city!

So the new Realize has "pre-made" creases? The debate as I heard it is that the old one would crease into a triangle-maybe that almond shape you described (like taking a long balloon and trying to make a tight circle it would crease in places) and also that the stomach could pinch into those creases...again, I have NO idea what's true; just trying to make an informed decision since you know what it does.

Thanks again for your time and opinion. Oh, and hello Cincinnati (DH grew up in Anderson and we lived in Mt. Washington for awhile)-great city!

Ok here's a link to a great example of both bands and how they inflate. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Realize and AP inflation

Trace W. Curry, M.D.

Medical Director

Center for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio

Lap Band Surgery Ohio :: Lap Band Doctor Trace Curry Ohio Trace W. Curry, M.D. Lap Band, Realize Band, Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Gastric Bypass Surgeon :: FAQ's :: Fast Track

513.559.1222 / 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: Any information contained within is meant to be general medical advice only. Please consult your surgeon on your specific problem!

Wow! That's great! Thanks for going to all the trouble to do that! :ohmy:

The pictures were very helpful and I was happy to see the indentation marks. Thank you for taking the time to post the images.

Out of curiousity and in your professional opinion, do you have any specific preference between the Realize and Allergan bands in general?

Heather, Dr. C answered your same question over on OH (LB over old Realize, new R 'C' is equal). Here's a link:

Ask Dr. Curry?

Edited January 12, 200917 yr by Band_Groupie

For those who are interested here is a link to a thread on my site detailing the new Realize-C band from Ethicon:

Trace W. Curry, M.D. :: View topic - Pic of new Realize-C

Dr. C

What are the differences between the Realize and Realize-C band? When is it going to be generally available.

If you click on Dr. C's link it tells you the differences- right below the first pic (major ones to me are the size and the pre-curved band...old one makes an 'almond' shape as Dr. C says (others say more of a triangle). I asked my surgeon about availability today and he said they don't know when yet, but maybe Dr. C has a better idea on the date? I'll be getting the LB.

If you click on Dr. C's link it tells you the differences- right below the first pic (major ones to me are the size and the pre-curved band...old one makes an 'almond' shape as Dr. C says (others say more of a triangle). I asked my surgeon about availability today and he said they don't know when yet, but maybe Dr. C has a better idea on the date? I'll be getting the LB.

Will not be available until April .. I was just wondering if there were more differences other than pointed out.

Dr. Jaime Ponce is doing my surgery in Dalton, GA (near Chattanooga, TN) on 1/26 and I confirmed today that I'm getting the Realize Band-C. Dr. Ponce was on the Realize band trials and was the first surgeon to place the original Realize Band in the U.S., so I guess he got earlier access to the new band. Thanks, Dr. Curry for sharing the pictures with us!

I just wanted to pipe up here since I was one of the first recipients of the Realize-C from Dr. Curry on Nov. 24th (the FedEx man literally delivered the bands while we were in the waiting room). He just did my second fill yesterday. My experience has been fantastic. No problems whatsoever. I have not had any issues with stuck food. No PBs thus far. About the only trouble I have is with pita bread. Everyone in my support group, all of whom have older version bands, is jealous.