I learned that the surgeon for my upcoming WLS does not routinely use the new Allergan AP Lap Band system. He will order it if the patient insists but it costs more. Is that a big deal and is it worth the extra cost? Does anyone have any information on the Allergan AP Lap Band vs other models? I called the Allergan information number but got no information specific to this question. Thanks for your advice.

I would be a bit concerned with your Dr. Like any product newer models have improvements that are added based on research etc. The older Lap Band may be perfectly adequate but if so why did they bother changing it? There must be very valid reasons any changes.

I would question why your Dr is using the older model. Its probably a case of using up old stock but aren't you better than that? Shouldn't you be getting the latest and best model available. I know I wouldn't be happy with my doc putting old parts in me unless there was a very very valid reason. To my mind cost saving is not a valid reason - I am worth more than that - I want the best!

I couldn't agree more with the above. My doc offered both the Realize and both sizes of the Allergan LB-AP (APS or APL- he picks the size based on anatomy when he does the surgery). All of them are the new versions. It was my decision which brand I chose. He doesn't even carry the old styles from either manufacturer (at the time I started reasearching this it was spring of '08 and I'm not sure how long they'd been out, but they weren't brand new then). I would wonder about any doc that's still putting in older versions (I'm sure it's a $$ thing for him).

Edited October 25, 200916 yr by Band_Groupie

I believe that the new bands have less slipage & erosion. The surgery for the old & new bands is probably similar, but you might want to check on that, as if there is some difference, your surgeon might not be experienced with working with it. Just a thought, but worth checking out.

You might also want to check on other surgeons in Mexico that use the newer bands. I saw someone post on this site that they got a new model Realize band from Dr Ortize.

Good luck with whatever you choose. The band has definately changed my life, and I am so glad I had it done.