So I am new to all this and am trying to decide between the Realize Band and the Lap-Band, but from the description on OH I really don't see much of a difference.  The surgeon I am hoping to work with is at Magee Hosp in Pittsburgh and she does both types of surgeries.  I will be going to an information session but can anyone here shed some light on this for me?

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

The differences are, in my opinion, ones which are meaningless to people other than medical professionals and, for most of us, it is the surgeon who makes the choice.

The way in which we live our lives and the way in which the band heps us lose weight are the same for both bands.

Kate

 Did anyone here choose one over the other and if so, why?

My surgeon had both and let me physically check each out. I preferred the way the Realize felt & that it wasn't multi-chambered, the way it attached, but mostly that the ports had a thinner depth. They even confirmed my choice on surgery day. I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you. As far as how they each work -- I think they're essentially the same, a tool -- not a magic wand. Good Luck!

My doctor does both and is participating in a study of the Realize band.  At my pre-op appointment, he showed me both and we discussed both bands and how the Realize was slightly different...wider and flatter band (to spread the pressure of the band out over a larger area) and flatter port, about the size and thickness of a quarter vs lap band port which is the size of and double thickness of a nickel.  My brother has lap-band and his port shows through his clothing and I didn't want that and due to the lack of current banding studies, opted for the Realize band.  It also seems that those of us with Realize bands get fewer fills...that might just be me, but looking at all the different experiences on here, that is the impression I have...just my humble opinion.
Good luck!!

Differences between REALIZE and ALLERGAN bands:
Clinical outcomes (slip rate, erosion rate, weight loss, etc) are very similar between the two bands. The Allergan band is the original band (Allergan bought the Inamed band company which bought Bioenterics company - these are the old names of the same band)
Surgically, there are subtle differences such as:
The Allergan band comes in many sizes, REALIZE band is one size.
Allergan has two port sizes; REALIZE is one port size.
Allergan ports are stitched to the muscle fascia (the tough white stuff on the outside of the muscle); REALIZE port has neat technology that attaches itself to the muscle fascia and may have slightly less port pain the first few days after surgery. The REALIZE ports have a neat tool that places the port and secures it with a handheld instrument making it really easy on the surgeon. (Don't tell anyone but they could teach monkeys to do this stuff.)
Allergan band tubing has little arrows printed on it pointing the surgeon to the tab end of the tubing which is a nice feature in the operating room.
Allergan ports are smaller around (circumference) and taller - perhaps easier to palpate for fills.
REALIZE ports are bigger around and less prominent. Think small stack of silver dollars versus taller stack of quarters to create the mental image.
Allergan tubing is closer to the septum (the area that you aim for with the needle for adjustments/fills) and perhaps more susceptible to needle sticks requiring port replacement.
REALIZE ports have the septum farther away from the tubing - the tubing is a little more protected.
Both bands are now easier to unbuckle in the event a surgeon has to reposition the band.
The REALIZE band comes with a neat instrument that helps to pass the band around the upper stomach.
The Allergan AP bands have "pillows" in the inflatable portion of the inner balloon that prevents balloon-to-balloon contact. The REALIZE band does have balloon-to-balloon contact. Some people think that this contact may cause issues years later but long-term studies have not shown this to be the case.

The Band sizes are as follows:
Realize Band (Swedish Band) Fill up to 9cc
Realize Band -C (Swedish Band VC) Fill up to 11cc
LapBand APS Fill up to 10cc
LapBand APL Fill up to 14cc

Wow, that was interesting stuff!

It's really asking what's better Nike or New Balance...McDonald's or Burger King.  Everyone has their opinions but in the end they are very much alike.  I let my surgeon decide what brand to put in me.  I couldn't make up my mind.   

 I was thinking the same thing, like does the camera make the great photo or the person taking the picture? It is what you do with the band you have. I would want my surgeon to pick the band he thinks will work best for me. He is the expert.

I have the Lap-Band.When I had my surgery they had a recall on the Realize-Band so my Dr.decided to put in the Lap-Band.