http://events.obesityhelp.com/exciting-things-are-happening/

Exciting news: 8 new speakers added to the Conference line-up, Early Bird (Save $25) extended for 10 more days and another great giveaway added on for the Early Birds!

I have never been able to tell a difference at all after doing lots of reading and asking. I think they are the same thing, just manufactured by a different company. My surgeon only used the Realize Band, but he promised it was not because it was "better or worse" it was just the contract the hospital had. Good luck with whatever choice you make!

Wow, my surgeon requires annual follow ups. I will be five years post surgery in Sept. and I just had a fill last Friday. I still see my surgeon 2-3 times per year but I am closely monitored because I have had 2 major complications. They can definitely give you a fill but they might want to do testing or xrays to make sure nothing else is wrong first (think band migration) or as in my case, hypothyroidism.

I have had the realize band since 2008. Sorry I haven't logged on the site in over a year, don't know what made me think of it today. I have lost about 100 pounds net and yo-yoed some. My largest loss was 130 and I am working hard to get straightened out again. I just got a fill on Friday so I am currently 7.0 ccs I would love to get back under the 200 pound mark before my surgery anniversary in Sept.

Hi everyone! I'm excited to be getting a band, but wonder what one to get? Realize? Or Lapband? 

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Crosspost: Hiatal Hernia repair & Realize band placed: 4/26/10, Hiatal Hernia Repair 4/12/12, tiny Hernia repair & lap band removal 3/28/13. I only did well with my band for the first 4 months. I loved those 4 months. When pool season ended, my bariatric surgeon gave me an additional fill. Those 7 1/2 ccs got tighter until I could not swallow my saliva. Although the fluid was removed the next day, my journey into esophageal dysfunction began. I had over 11 fills/unfills before switching surgeons because I was not being heard. This lead to last years hiatal hernia repair. Again, my esophagus failed to recover. Almost 3 weeks ago, I caught a stomach virus & my vomiting never stopped. I even ended up in ED with positive blood in my vomitus. A scope revealed a highly irritated esophagus with ulcerations. Surgery revealed a very tight band.

I am not a candidate for gastric sleeve. I am considering bypass. Right now I believe my esophagus is not back to normal. I am angry that I had faith in the first surgeon who only wanted me to be able to eat 2 bites & be full. I now know that meant: bite 3 & you will vomit.

So I will be withdrawing from the list & wish you all the best.

Did you get the REALIZE band? That is what I got..there is a message board for Realize Band...but as i said no one goes there much either. But try that one rather than the lapBand page.....worth a try, anyway

I agree with everyone else, just call them. They will probably make you come in for a consult, and not just a fill. But I am sure they will still see you.

I would call your surgeon's office. They should know what to tell you. I wish I had an answer to why there is hardly any activity on this board anymore...there used to be lots..I miss it!