REALIZE BAND VS LAPBAND

HI EVERYONE...
TRYING TO DECIDE WHICH BAND TO USE...
ANYBODY GOT ANY THOUGHTS ON WHICH BAND IS BETTER? i KEEP HEARING THAT THEY DO THE SAME THING...BUT SOMETHING KEEPS NAGGING AT ME ABOUT IF THEY DO THE SAME THEN WHY HAVE 2 KINDS.
THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT

Hi,

I don't know if you're 100% decided on the band, or not. I orignally wanted to get the band myself, but, after sitting through two lengthy seminars and doing a little research on my own, I really think the gastric bypass is the way to go. The initial risk is probably a little greater, but the eventual outcome along with the fact that the band can cause problems later down the line made me change my mind.

I recently had the band.  My doctor told me it was sort of like having the choice between Pepsi and Coke....Not a lot of difference just different manufacturers.  Good Luck

Hi Mamacat,

Thanks for the reply.

Where are you in SC?

 

Oconee. My doctor was in Anderson SC.

My sister had the Realize band placed about 3 months or so ago.  She chose it because it has a lower profile port (flatter) and the "pillow" that fills with saline that is around your stomach is softer and she felt like it was the best one for those reasons.  Also, you can get a fill with the Realize band a little quicker than you can with the Lapband (with her surgeon, at least).  That's very helpful since you may have to deal with a lot of hunger before you can get that first fill. 

I chose lap RNY myself because I felt like it was a better option for me, but I had a lot more weight to lose than she did, my lifestyle and eating habits are different, and I didn't like the idea of going back in for fills.  For her, the band was the way to go. 

And she's lost 36 lb so far, so that's some success right there!

Her name on OH is LearninRN if you want to send her a note -- I'm sure she can tell you a lot more details about her decision process than I can, and she would welcome the questions.

Hi Dena,

WOW..thanks for all the info...i will definitely touch base with her.

Thanks and take care

Tracy