Hello all, new comer here and probaly about 60 days or less before having the lap band surgery. In my research between the lap band and the realize band I am not sure of the diffirence but my doc wants me to choose which one. can any one tell me the diffirence? Thanks Ken

When I asked my doctor the same question he said there really wasn't a difference. He said that he kinda makes the decision when he gets in there. I have the Lap Band one.

I have the same questions. I am scheduled to be banded in June. I went to both the LapBand and RealizeBand sites and compared notes. The lap has been around longer. the realize has less of a slipage rate. Everyone I know personally that has been banded (4 people) have the lap band. My dr. will choose if I do not and think he leans towards the lap; although, I am not sure why. Please post your decision.

Kelly:confused:

:tongue_smilie: I had to make that decision also. And I chose the band, because I don't want to have to take a bunch on vitamins for the rest of my Life. I don't mind taking a multi-vitamin and calcium daily, but you should see what Gastric Bypass patients have to take. So even if they are not successful w/ their gastric bypass, they are stuck having to take all of the vitamins for the rest of their life, and some you can't take w/ others. I knew that I would have to take some vitamins w/ lap-band, but not nearly what gastric bypass patients have to take. I also didn't want a Quick fix for weight loss, so chosing the lap-band, It may come off slower, but It will stay off FOREVER, with the life-style change.

Ok. I am totally with you on this most puzzling question... On my post-op consult that's the day my Doctor even mentioned the Realize band so I am really glad that you know about the options so far out from your surgery date. But I FREAKED OUT! I freaked out because I had all my research done etc regarding the LapBand... So when he said Realize Band, I just felt completely overwhealmed. I mean, my surgery was a week away! I did go ahead and did some frantic last minute research on the Realize Band and compared the two.

This is my experience and the choice I made...

I chose the Realize Band. My doctor informed me that the huge majority of his patients experience less restricted foods with the Realize band. For example, the people I know with the LapBand can't eat salads, most breads and a lot of meats (And I know some people can, I'm just mentioning the ones I know and I know everyone is different).

Personally, I have not experienced any major problems eating any of the above mentioned foods. In fact, I do enjoy each quite a bit now after the surgery and haven't had any problems keeping them down. I just wanted to feel that I was eating as normal as I possibly could. One of my friend has had the LapBand for 3 years and she still can't eat a lot of foods.

My doctor also mentioned that with the LapBand having so many more restricted foods could aid with faster weight loss. I do see that those with more food restrictions loose more. But again, for MY EXPERIENCE, I just felt that I didn't want to feel so unhappy about not being able to eat salads and meats- I mean, it's my favorite. But that comes at a price for me since my weight loss has been very gradual and in my mind slow. So there IS A TRADE OFF. HOWEVER, I am still VERY, VERY, VERY happy with my decision.

Edited March 29, 200917 yr by bunnygirl