New Band

Hi there, I have not been on this site in a very long time but I truely do miss chatting with y'all.  I am 3 years banded and will have to be rebanded soon due to a leak. :(  My question is, has anyone been banded with the Realize Band and had a leak, then switched to the Lap-Band?  I am thinking of switching to the Lap-Band and not going back to the Realize Band but need more info on making that change.  Thanks for all of your help.

April

Revising from band to band, (no matter the manufacture) has a high failure rate when it comes to restriction. This is due to inaccurate positioning of the replacement band due to scar tissue from the old band,  The new band will have to be placed in an undesirable position. I know several people
( myself included ) who were unable to acquire restriction after a band to band revision.

Have you considered the sleeve ?

hmmm.  I have not thought of that but will have to really do some thinking now.  I was not aware of the higher failure rate when it come to replacement of the band.  Have you had the sleeve?

I was sleeved in May after my second band slipped and eroded. My weight has started to come off again and I'm very happy with my sleeve. The sleeve is a lot less painful to live with then my band's were.
I know you said you were happy with your band, I lost weight with my band and kept all of it off, but it was a very painful experience. I'm glad that you were successful with your band and your band was good to you.

Just wondering why you would want another band if you have just lost 50 in 3 years???

Actually that is a very old tracker and I have not updated it. :(  210 was my highest weight and then I was banded in 2008.  I lost 65 with the Realize band but with the leak I have gained back 25 pds.  Just was wanting to see if someone has been rebanded with success of the new band and losing weight again.  Or did they change to the sleeve.

Can't the leak be repaired? Kate

Good question.  I should of asked the Dr. but didnt know that that was a option.  I will call the doctors office on Monday.  Thank you.

How did they repair your leak?

It all depends on where the leak is. I beleve that if the leak s in the band itself, it cannot be repaired ( but I may be wrong! ). But most leaks are either in the tubing or where the tubing connects to the port.

Mine was about 6 cm away from the port. I had a short (20 min) op under general. The surgeon cut out the leaking area and reconnected it. There was enough spare tubing because there isn't much fat there these days!

Kate