Well, I've been over weight for as long as I can remember..... at least since 4th grade, maybe sooner. 

ABOUT MY BAND.......

Allergan/Inamed has a new band in the US called the AP band.
AP stands for Advanced Platform.

There are a couple of differences in this band and the previous ones:

1. Cuff - the cuff on the AP band is 360 degrees around, as opposed to about 300 degrees on the prior bands (there was no cuff around the buckle on the old ones)
2. Cuff length - the cuff on the AP band is 18mm longer/taller than on the previous bands, so the surface area in contact with the stomach is much greater, hopefully increasing the speed of weight loss and maybe reducing the risk of slips
3. Cuff volume - the AP small holds 10cc, the AP large holds 14cc
Note that we do not believe that AP patients will lose MORE weight, just possibly faster. So those of you with the older models, it would definitely not be to your benefit to think about having your band swapped out! 
·         They are either APS (small, 10cc) or APL (large, 14cc). 
·         They are considered by some to be "the next generation in AGBs". 
·         They are considered less likely to cause blockage or obstruction than other AGP types. 
·         They are considered less likely to slip than other AGP types. 
·         They are considered to be less likely to cause band erosion than other AGP types. 
·         Like the VG band it is "Omniform" technology - i.e. the balloon has ribs or baffles and the band itself is curved. 
·         The AP has more of a 360 inflation around the stomach as opposed to the 10cm or 9.75cm (4cc) bands, which have more like 260 or 280 degrees inflation (the rest being the buckle), and the VG which has more like 280 or 300. It is understood that this was simply an upgrade to the existing band to make it easier and less traumatic to remove.
·         The silicone material is much softer than other AGP types. 
·        They are more concentric (rounded) when inflated than other AGB types. 
·         The balloon is pleated to 'grip' the stomach better. 
·         The balloon goes all the way around the inner surface of the band, rather than missing a piece at the locking mechanism. 
·         The balloon is wider.  
·         They have an easier release mechanism to remove the band if need be. 
·         They have the locking mechanism isolated from the stomach. 
·         AP type bands have been FDA approved for the US, but will not be available until the summer at the earliest. 
·         We understand that there are NO plans at this time to discontinue any of the bands Allergan already makes. They still plan to manufacture and offer the 10cm and the 9.75cm (the 4cc) bands as well as the VG band. 
·         new : AP ( Advanced Platform )
·         APS ( small) 
·         APL ( large )


Meet My Surgeon!! - Robert Michaelson MD, PhD, FACS

Dr. Michaelson completed his Ph.D. in Neuroendocrinology at the University of Illinois in 1991. While a member of the faculty at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, he earned his M.D in 1995. He completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of California, San Diego Medical Center in 2000, and went on to fellowship training in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, at the Texas Endosurgery Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Michaelson has performed over 3000 laparoscopic operations, and has trained over 300 surgeons in advanced laparoscopic techniques in the United States and China. Prior to devoting his practice to helping those suffering from obesity, Dr. Michaelson was on staff at Providence Everett Medical Center where he introduced many advanced laparoscopic operations. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and Seattle Surgical Society. 



Northwest Weight Loss Surgery Center (NWWLS)
125 130th Street SE
Everett, WA 98208
(800) 979-8982
www.nwwls.com