Hi everyone I just joined and have a few questions
I was just wondering if there is a big difference between the two types of bands and if the recovery time is about the same? Any help would be great I have my first appointment with Dr. Giovanni on July first. Also does anyone know how long it takes to get in to get in to the
RI Hospital for the psych evaluation? Thanks Deliah
RI Hospital for the psych evaluation? Thanks Deliah
Hey there, Deliah, welcome!
As far as all my research is concerned, the only difference between the two bands is the port -- the Realize port is lower profile, and is attached via metal clips. Go to the LB board and the Realize board here on OH. To the right of each board is info about each type of band. Read about each. On each board, you'll see people who have to decide themselves which band they want. I left it up to my surgeon -- she's got the MD after her name, not me.
As far as the psych eval, I didn't ask for the next appointment, so I don't know what the lead time is. I had days farther out that I was looking at, and they were able to schedule according to my desire. What you do need to know is that you need to go for a 3 hour appointment in the morning, and then back that same afternoon for a 1/2 hour appointment. They will not make the appointments on different days. That was a HUGE schedule killer for me!
As far as all my research is concerned, the only difference between the two bands is the port -- the Realize port is lower profile, and is attached via metal clips. Go to the LB board and the Realize board here on OH. To the right of each board is info about each type of band. Read about each. On each board, you'll see people who have to decide themselves which band they want. I left it up to my surgeon -- she's got the MD after her name, not me.
As far as the psych eval, I didn't ask for the next appointment, so I don't know what the lead time is. I had days farther out that I was looking at, and they were able to schedule according to my desire. What you do need to know is that you need to go for a 3 hour appointment in the morning, and then back that same afternoon for a 1/2 hour appointment. They will not make the appointments on different days. That was a HUGE schedule killer for me!
Debbie 
Includes 47.5 lbs. lost during 7 month pre-op period
Includes 47.5 lbs. lost during 7 month pre-op period
Hello,I just had lap band surgery with Dr. Giovanni on June 12th. The recovery for the bi-pass is a lot longer and the after math is more delicate than the band. They don't let you eat or drink ANYTHING after the 1st day of surgery, my roomate thought she was going to pass out! (she had the bi-pass) The next day you can only dring a 1/2 cup of water every hour and it has to be sipped, The following day you can start to drink your shakes. Wtih the band they brought me in a shake the first day and I could drink all the water I wanted! The next day I got a shake, jello, chicken broth and a sugar free pop. 4th day in and I am starting to feel myself again, a bit soar from the procedure, but nothing major.
As far as the evaluation, they will have you fill out a million paperwork about your life, eating habits, fears, every possilbe question about your life! So what they do is first paperwork, then someone actually asks you all the same questions that you just spent a hour filling out/ They make you come back after they have accessed the questions. I don't think that you can make it for another day. What I did was, because I had requested the day off from wk. I made appt. in between, nutritionist, primary care so it worked out perfect.
I started to make all my appts. in Feb. and had my surgery date for June. Well I hope this helped!
Good luck!
Chastyty
As far as the evaluation, they will have you fill out a million paperwork about your life, eating habits, fears, every possilbe question about your life! So what they do is first paperwork, then someone actually asks you all the same questions that you just spent a hour filling out/ They make you come back after they have accessed the questions. I don't think that you can make it for another day. What I did was, because I had requested the day off from wk. I made appt. in between, nutritionist, primary care so it worked out perfect.
I started to make all my appts. in Feb. and had my surgery date for June. Well I hope this helped!
Good luck!
Chastyty
I did a lot of research on the two bands also before I got banded in March and the most significant difference is the size/shape of the port. They both work the same though. I opted for the Realize band because thy have a more robust website that can be used for support and tracking post op.
My doctor is Dr. Vithivanthan but I did go to Dr. Pohl and Dr Giovanni's information session back in April (for my husband who is now also banded with a Realize band) and I believe they said that they don't normally do Realize bands. They don't have a problem with it, but they tend to stick to Lapband. Dr. G also did say that if someone really wants Realize though, they would do it.
Hope that helps a bit.
Good luck.
Robyn
My doctor is Dr. Vithivanthan but I did go to Dr. Pohl and Dr Giovanni's information session back in April (for my husband who is now also banded with a Realize band) and I believe they said that they don't normally do Realize bands. They don't have a problem with it, but they tend to stick to Lapband. Dr. G also did say that if someone really wants Realize though, they would do it.
Hope that helps a bit.
Good luck.
Robyn
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