I will be banded on February 24th and need to choose which band (lap or realize). I've done my homework and still can't decide which band. Any suggestions??

Have you had an opportunity to physically compare the bands? I read all the stats, and was leaning in one direction, but my decision was really made once I got to compare the bands myself.

Don't fret too much though. Both bands are terrific tools.

yes, I have actually "held" both bands, looked at website, read user blogs, etc. and still have no clue. Do you mind me asking which band you chose and why?

The reason I didn't say was because I feel like my preferences wouldn't be yours, and the bands are changing. There's a new Realize Band (I have the old style), and at the time I got my band, the Lap Band didn't have a low profile port. Anyway, I picked Realize because I really liked the size and fill of the port and the way it attached. The material of the balloon in the band itself was much softer to the touch, and, for me, that was very important. Also the band was wider, and was a plus. I know I sort of agonized over the decision, and there may have been more reasons I went with the Realize Band, reasons that seemed important at the time, but now, I'm just thrilled I have a band.

Which part of VA are you in, if you don't mind me asking? I went to Richmond Surgical, Dr. Brengman, in Richmond.

Thanks for the input. I'm still debating. I meet with my doctor again on Wednesday and will sit down with him and make my decision then. My cousin has the lap and she is very happy with her choice. My aunt has lap, but she was not given a choice. I've visited both websites and like the realize on-line support and website better than the lap band, but that will not be my deciding factor. I'm from Charlottesville and Dr. Trahan is doing my surgery. I'm approx. 90lbs overweight with many health issues (type II diabetes, high bp, reflex disease, etc).

You're just down the road from Richmond. I love the Charlottesville area.

Dr. Brengman is one of the best surgeons in the Richmond area with a top-notch reputation, and he has been happy with his patients' results with either band.

Good luck on making a decision!!