Do brands matter?

The bands that are out there for surgery, is there a difference in brands?  Is Lap Band the most popular ones, or are there others.  I appologize for all the questions, but I am still learning and all the information is very overwhelming. 

They essentially work the same, creating a small pouch and a stoma (artificial opening) at the bottom of the the pouch.  When we eat 1/2 to 1 cup of dense protein and low glycemic carbs, we should feel satisfied for about 4 hours between meals.

The Realize band is wider, has a flatter profile and is designed to distribute the band's pressure over a wider area (to help prevent erosion) and the port is thinner and wider (about the size of a quarter) vs the Lap-band (port is more like a nickle and a bit thicker).

My brother has the Lap-band and is almost 2 yrs out and has lost almost 125 lbs (325 to just over 200), I have the Realize Band and I am almost 10 months out, down 65 lbs.  He exercises diligently every day and does Triathalons often and is 48, I don't exercise (knee and back problems) daily, and I am 61...

 I assumed they were essentially the same, but you know the old saying, when you assume it makes an @ss out of you and me, I would rather be informed than not.

As for which to choose, I would discuss it with your surgeon. The Realize Band has a website for support, but since it is open to anyone of any type of surgery just use that as an addition to your band.

http://www.wlshelp.com/lap-band-vs-realize-band.html

But for most people, the doc choses!

Kate

 Thanks, I think I will check out both , there is very extensive information there.  I will also discuss it with my doctor next time I go in.

I haven't seen anyone post that there was a recent recall on the realize band ,maybe they where not aware of this but this is true i'm not sure how my people was affected by this and I am not bashing it either they both have proven success rates.

The recall, I understand, only affected unused bands. No-one had to have one removed and I am told that the recall was a just-in-case measure and that bands being implanted now are fine.

Kate

 I was not aware there was a recall either.  that is the worst thing, that things get recalled then it needs to be done again.  That sucks about surgeries, it happens more often than not.

The recall as I understand was because they were having so many problems having the tube come unhooked from the port.  I had to have mine replaced a week before the recall, but the company wouldn't do anything for me.  Then there were still problems with the port and had to have it replaced again.  The doctor just redid the whole system and switched to LabBand.