Hi, my lap band surgery date is set on March 9th. The doctor wants me to pick a band from Johnson and Johnson or Allergen. Does anyone know which band works better? Johnson and Johnson band has a longer history in the banding surgery.

Does anyone know how to set up a weight tracker?

I started liquid diet three days ago. Before I started the diet, I weighed 241 pounds (high) and I am 5”2. As of this morning, I weigh 236 pounds. My final goal weight is 130 pounds. The liquid diet is very tough. I am starving all the time, especially in the afternoon and in the evening. I am doing the protein shakes that I bought from GNC: max protein. Honestly I do not like the taste very much.

The bands are pretty comparable. Here's a link to a comparison chart:

Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band

And here's a link to a ticker tutorial

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/

I am doing the pre-op for surgery on the 9th as well. I am not hungry-I can have 2 high protein slimfast (using powder with sim milk) or carnation instant breakfast(no sugar), a sandwich, 1/2 cup veggies ...possible snacks.. cukes, tomatoes, 1/2 bannana, 1/2 grapefruit, cottage cheese, yogurt. Both powders taste fine and I add a little instant coffee in the am for the kick. Don't forget the water or crystal lite drinks.

The bands are pretty comparable. Here's a link to a comparison chart:

Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band

Hi, thanks a bunch for the link. Maybe I ask which band did you pick and do you like it?

I am doing the pre-op for surgery on the 9th as well. I am not hungry-I can have 2 high Protein slimfast (using powder with sim milk) or carnation instant breakfast(no sugar), a sandwich, 1/2 cup veggies ...possible Snacks.. cukes, tomatoes, 1/2 bannana, 1/2 grapefruit, cottage cheese, yogurt. Both powders taste

So you are also scheduled on 03/09/2009. Wish us both luck. My doctor wants me to stay on all liquid diet for two weeks before and two weeks after the surgery. It is really tough for me as I am very accustomed to eat a huge meal for both lunch and dinner. Are you going to use the allergen band or realize band? Both seem to be the same.

My surgeon used the Allergen band, but I'm pretty sure they are all the same.

My surgeon used the Allergen band, but I'm pretty sure they are all the same.

WOW, you are losing weight at a fast speed. It's going to take three to four weeks to get my first fill after the surgery. I hope I won't gain all the weight that I lost during the liquid diet back while waiting for the first fill.

The bands are pretty comparable. Here's a link to a comparison chart:

Compare Adjustable Gastric Bands - LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Band

Hi, thanks a bunch for the link. Maybe I ask which band did you pick and do you like it?

My surgeon chose. He uses the lap band because it's what he's familiar with. I have absolutely no complaints!

I have the newest AP style.

Emma, I did a lot of research and I've chosen the LB (have a choice). If you do a search for Lap Band vs. Realize you'll find lots of threads here on the subject. Good luck to you.

I would like to share with you some information on Allergan band as well as J&J band:

As you might know that Inamed was bought out by Allergan in 2006. The bands made by Inamed and Allergan have a number of sizes available:

9.75 cm band - holds about 4 cc (It can hold more if needed)

10.0 cm bad - holds about 4 cc (It can hold more if needed)

11 cm band - holds about 9 cc (used only in Mexico and other countries, but not in the US)

VG Band - holds between 10 and 12 cc

Small AP (Advanced Performance) Band - holds 10 cc

Large AP (Advanced Performance) Band - holds 14 cc

Your doctor can choose any of these Inamed bands for you. They usually have two sizes handy and determine which one fits your anatomy best when they examine your insides and see how thick the fat pad around your stomach is.

The Realize Band is made by the Johnson and Johnson Company and comes in only one size, holding around 10 cc. The Realize Band comes with a website where you can track your progress.

Emma, I did a lot of research and I've chosen the LB (have a choice). If you do a search for Lap Band vs. Realize you'll find lots of threads here on the subject. Good luck to you.

Thanks for the response. Yes I've been reading some threads there regarding the comparison of the two bands. Different people have different opinion on it. But it sounds like allergen band has more choices to pick and has been used in USA for a long time. Realize band is into its first generation of the new band. According to their web site, it is supposed to be safer, with less discomfort and smaller slippage rate. Some also say that with AB, the weight loss has a higher sucess rate. I don't know if this is true.