Desperate Help needed...

rcruz · 05-22-2008, 11:48 AM

I am so confused I am new to this site and I am looking ofr answers like yesterday, actually yesterday I went to pre-op and was told I could chose which band I wanted I was like what the heck?!?!?! He showed them to me and one looked like the one I have seen like forever but another one was wider and the port was smaller I am trying to find out which one is which and maybe better, I have been reading tht one may show a little more restriction and that is what I want or feel I want can anyone help with this? I need to make my decision in the next few days. One I have read is less likely to erosion?!?!?! Thanks!

Brian · 05-22-2008, 12:19 PM

Hi, I am in something of the same boat, scheduled June 30th. I don't think the answer is known; i.e. the better band. J&J no doubt wants to cash in on the market and has come up with their own product. They made it a little different, wider band, (don't know how much) and the port is same diameter, but apparently a little "shorter". And the materials are different. My office nurse says our doctors have looked at both and are still opting for the Allergan band. Stated reason is what they think is the superior material, (long lasting). They are not impressed with any studies on slippage and erosion, no significant statistical difference. Ok, that may or may not be all true. What is true is that you are "buying" a 2008 model, (yes it was used in Sweden first...) new models are always riskier than tried and true established models, (think of cars). My doctor also thinks the securing mechanism is better on the Allergan LB. But what seals the deal for me, my doctor has never put on a Realize Band, and is not "factory trained", as he was for the LAP-BAND®. I don't care to be the guinea pig on his learning curve. I would change doctors, do anything, (I'm self-pay) if I thought the Realize was clearly superior,etc. If I change my mind, I'll write back.

rcruz · 05-22-2008, 12:24 PM

Hello Brian thanks! So your saying you might go with the Allergan band? I actually saw the 2 bands and well the realize one looked more flexi, and wider PLUS the port was thinner and the thought of that huge plastic round thing around the other band well, sounds painful!! I am not sure I am going to do more research, keep me posted on your thoughts though ok!

Lunabeane · 05-22-2008, 12:30 PM

Hmmm...that is an interesting predicament. I left that decision up to my Dr. I figured that he was the professional and was used to using one product over another. I have no idea what type of band I have.

kathystrick · 05-22-2008, 12:33 PM

Here is the link to a thread posted by a doctor here on the LBT site about the Realize band: http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f17/new-b...realize-47058/. Hope this helps and good luck making your decision!

**coltonwade** · 05-22-2008, 01:02 PM

Honestly this is just my opinion but I have real issues with doctors allowing patients to chose their band.
At least the size . Manufacturer that's one thing . But size that's another. I think my response to him would be " Your the professional you need to decide which band is BEST For MY ANATOMY "
I was told that the docs do not know what size band they will place until they get into the surgery and see your anatomy .
Hence why I have issues with docs having pts chose the size band they get.
Also the "Claims" of less erosion I do not think are 100% found yet .
they are more for marketing right now . So I am not sure i would put too much in that on either brand .
really I would tell the doc he needs to decide for you !
mindy

**coltonwade** · 05-22-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lunabeane

Hmmm...that is an interesting predicament. I left that decision up to my Dr. I figured that he was the professional and was used to using one product over another. I have no idea what type of band I have.

I know what type of band i have , I was told AFTER the fact by my doc once he went in and saw what kind i needed.
But I agree the docs are the ones that know
I just have big issues with this .
Mindy

rcruz · 05-22-2008, 01:42 PM

I agree however he did say they work exactly the same so that I don't stress myself out I will mark no preference so that if he does get in there and decided on previous operations that one in paticular would be better is is able to make that decision.

Putty · 05-22-2008, 03:53 PM

My husband and I both had LAP-BAND® surgery in November. We have different bands. I have the LAP-BAND® and my husband has the realize band.
He can tolerate more foods, but I have lost more weight. I hope that little tidbit helps. Good Luck. It is the best thing that I have ever done.

**coltonwade** · 05-22-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinderella2b

I agree however he did say they work exactly the same so that I don't stress myself out I will mark no preference so that if he does get in there and decided on previous operations that one in paticular would be better is is able to make that decision.

I think i would do that . if there is an option " No preference" then that's better. A lot of times what happeens is docs get "deals" on certain brands so they push that brand more , that way they make more money .
It does not sound like that is what your doc is doing but im still more inclinced to let my doc choose
Mindy

**coltonwade** · 05-22-2008, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Putty

My husband and I both had LAP-BAND® surgery in November. We have different bands. I have the LAP-BAND® and my husband has the realize band.
He can tolerate more foods, but I have lost more weight. I hope that little tidbit helps. Good Luck. It is the best thing that I have ever done.

do ya'll have different size bands ?
Mindy

rcruz · 05-22-2008, 07:51 PM

Thank you colton!! I really appreciate your experience and support.

**coltonwade** · 05-22-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slinderella2b

Thank you colton!! I really appreciate your experience and support.

NO problem . really either way you are going to be fine, the choice will be fine im sure. I just think the doc should make it and should not have a patient make it .
Good luck your going to be a great loser !!
Mindy

kathystrick · 05-22-2008, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Putty

My husband and I both had LAP-BAND® surgery in November. We have different bands. I have the LAP-BAND® and my husband has the realize band.
He can tolerate more foods, but I have lost more weight. I hope that little tidbit helps. Good Luck. It is the best thing that I have ever done.

Do you think that has more to do with the band, your different approaches to the plan, male/female differences, or something else?