Hi! I read different comments about what model Lap Band different people have. How do I find out what is the newest, most up to date version? How do I make sure that is what my surgeon uses? I just got approval, but do not yet have a surgery date. I start the nutritionist class next week, which I think is two weeks, and everything else is done, I think. (I have been working on the approval for a year!!) I hope to get a surgery date soon.

Unless there is a newer one, the Lapband AP is the newest of that particular brand. There is a different brand called the Realize band. I think the main difference is in how the inner band inflates, but I am not sure. I had surgery last year and the AP was the newest then.

There is another band, called the Easyband, that is not yet available in the US, only in Europe I believe. Instead of a port that is used to inject or withdraw saline, this one uses an external control device to change the restriction. I work in a cardiology office, and it reminds me of the stuff they use to check and adjust pacemakers.

I know there are places working on single incision banding (you may see stuff on TV about single incision gall bladder surgery, or kidney donation--same idea, but with the lapband) Someone posted on here some time ago with a link, and it led to a doctor in Texas. I don't think it involves a different model other than the two I mentioned above.

Hey, patch. I think that's pretty much it. The Lap Band AP comes in two sizes (10cc and 14cc, but both are new to the marketplace, replacing the old 4cc band). Realize (manufactured by Johnson & Johnson) comes in only one size, works the same way but the port is shaped a little different ... haven't seen one in person but I hear it is a little more flat.

Lose2, the best way would be to ask "What band will you use?" If the doc says "Realize" then there's only one possibility. If he says "Lap Band" then ask what size.....If the answer is 4cc (and I seriously doubt it will be), then ask specifically for the newer version.

The "surgical information kit" I have is for the Lap Band AP System, I just wasn't sure if that was the newest. The rep from Allergan Health (the company that makes the Lap Band AP) came to our support group and brought us the kits a couple of months ago. I didn't know how soon a new model would come out.

Thank you! :grouphug:

Realize has the newest band that has came out. It is larger than the old realize band. It came available to all surgeons in March.

I agree with parrotheadcathy, ask your surgeon. My surgeon had both the lapband and the realize band and asked me if I researched them and if i had a preference. I asked his opinion of both bands and he said they both work the same basically but he liked the lapband better because it was easier to access the port but he would give me either one if i had a preference.

Hi! I read different comments about what model Lap Band different people have. How do I find out what is the newest, most up to date version? How do I make sure that is what my surgeon uses? I just got approval, but do not yet have a surgery date. I start the nutritionist class next week, which I think is two weeks, and everything else is done, I think. (I have been working on the approval for a year!!) I hope to get a surgery date soon.

Keep in mind, this isn't a car. You are asking for the least tested, lowest studied band statistically available on the market.

Really think through this. A great number of people are not losing well because the newer bands are big, mega big and people are not getting restriction for many months. I'm talking like 8-9 months. You lose the best the first six months after any surgery and if you don't even have restriction during those important months, weight loss will be slow.