Question:
Lap Band or Realize Band?

Okay, so I have decided to have gastric banding surgery to help with the extra 110 pounds I am carrying around. I have done the pychiatric, dietician, and initial doctor visit. I have to go to a cardiologist and pulmonologist still for clearance but I am left with one question from my doctor visit to answer. DO I want the Lap Band or the Realize Band???? Any suggestions from anyone and reasons why will be greatly appreciated... Thanks Kristyn    — nursekristyn (posted on August 23, 2008)

August 23, 2008
Kristyn I think it is a personal decision and I do not want to get into a debate in any way. I have done a lot of research and I spoke to a couple doctors who refuse to use the realize band. It is stiff and is really an old version. EVERY doctor that didnt like it said J&J makes good products and they are looking forward to the newer version but did not like the current REALIZE band. I have a 10cc LapBand and could not be more thrilled .. I also have the most amazing doctor and office staff. I wish you the best of luck .. you will do amazing. :)
   — ItIsMyTime

August 23, 2008
I can only speak for myself. I'm having surgery 8/26 and I chose the Realize Band for several reasons (My surgeon had both on hand for me to examine to help me decide): the band itself is one long band rather than being compartmentalized, so there's an even distribution of pressure once it's inflated; the band is also wider and softer - these 3 things make it more pliable when food's passing through and theoretically (in my mind) food would be less likely to get stuck; the port is the same size as the Lap-Band but the injection site is larger; and the port is not sutured in - there are little "clips" that the surgeon activates to attach to the muscle - so this both reduces anesthesia time and eliminates the risk or suture leakage or failure. Good luck with your decision!
   — obeseforever

August 23, 2008
I am with Amy, my doctor told me the same thing about the Realize band. I have a band and it is 13ccs and I am very happy with the results. Sometimes the old and no good is better than the new and improve versions of anything. I am talking about my knee replacements but I have been told that on a many of things. Just do your own research and what ever you decide, will be done with everything you know. Regardless you will be fine with either of them. Good Luck Diane
   — dyates2948

August 23, 2008
Realize Band is the new design from Johnson and Johnson. It was found to have less slippage on the posititioning then the Lab Band. The surgeons that did the initial test all have switched to it. I also understand there is less chance of flipping on the fill port. It is so recently released they have not started to advertise it yet, but if I was considering the two rather than RNY WLS I would have gone with Realize Band. Best of Success to you.
   — William (Bill) wmil

August 23, 2008
My doctor put in the Realize Band on Aug. 4th. The only thing I can add to what the others have posted is that the port has a lower profile and as you lose more and more weight, that might become important to you. Marti in San Jose
   — Marti P.

August 24, 2008
My doctor was one of the first 25 to start using it in the country. He is the top doctor in my area. Regardless, he explained that once he "went in" he would decide which band was better for me. The after surgery care is a little easier though. You are able to start your new life sooner by eater soft foods. My bands is 9.5 cc so I dont know how this is an issue? not sure...Good luck....just be dedicated to what you do. 6-8 months ago one asked about the realize band and noone heard of it! Linda
   — Linda R.

August 25, 2008
Go with the realize band, this is the one I have, so does my sister. It is softer, no/minimal slippage, easier to locate the port. Good luck with your decision!!!
   — savoy7658

August 25, 2008
Kristyn, I don't think the realize band was an option a year ago when I had my band done.. or maybe my doctor just didn't do it. I had to choose between lap band, gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.. those were the main ones. I know several people that had gastric bypass and several that had lap band. And in both cases, it seemed to be sucessful for most of them. So that really wasn't too much help on which to do. Since I have always been able to lose weight when I stayed on a program.. like weight watchers (I have never been able to keep it off though).. I decided to go with lap band. Also, in the past, I always did some exercise along with dieting and this time I was confined to a wheelchair full time due to knee problems. ( I have since had knee surgery and am walking again too!! Hurrah). With that, even my recent attempts at doing weight watchers had failed..and I deparately needed to do something as I had to lose weight to be able to get my knee surgery. I decided that I liked the idea of my food digesting the way it always had. I heard too many stories of things my friends with gastric bypass could not eat to be comfortable with that. And I liked that lap band could be done laproscopically.. although I guess since then they can do a lot of things laproscopically now. Lap band has worked really good for me. It's been just a year since I was banded and I have lost 106 lbs as of this morning. My problem was with carbs.. pasta, rice, pizza and eating fast foods because I was too lazy to cook. So I decided on lap band and it was a good choice for me. I feel pretty confident that I can keep the weight off too with the help of the lap band. Maggie
   — Maggie E.

August 25, 2008
I had the same dilemma. I was leaning toward the realize band because it is new and I like the online support webpage you can set up. My doctor wouldn't choose for me but after my consult with him and further research, I read that the realize band has metal clips that hold it in place and I also read that the regular lapband design proves for more steady weight loss. I ended up choosing the regular lapband because it is tried and true. The realize band has been tried and is working too, although it is newly released in the US. So, I went with my gut (no pun intended) and chose the one that doctors are most familiar with right now. In talking to my doctor, he said both are great, just different manufacturers.
   — joi-joy

August 26, 2008
I have to admit I have never heard of the Realize Band. My doctor will only use the Lap Band. I was banded on 4/29/08 and am thrilled with it. I have lost 53 pounds since being banded - - and have had absolutely no problems. The only way I know where my port is, is if I press on my side - - it does not protrude or anything - - and the fills have been very easy and painless. Best of luck to you.
   — Monte57

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