stamich0830

Hi everybody. I have started my journey towards wls. What are the real differences between the Lapband and Realize band? To me they look the same and do the same thing. Does anybody have any recommendations?
Thank You
Stacey

Samantha.

Some insurance companies won't cover the realize band as it has not been around as long as the lap band. A lot of doctors only do one or the other not both-- I found that there werent many doctors in my area that covered the realize band.

Good luck with your decision. I'm looking forward to hearing everyone elses answers.

__________________
Samantha. Lauren.


i believe that we are who we choose to be.
nobody's going to come & save you, you`ve got to save yourself.
nobody`s going to give you anything,you`ve got to go out & fight for it.
nobody knows what you want except for you.
& nobody will be as sorry as you if you don`t get it.
So don`t give up on your dreams

Surgery: November 18, 2009

Band_Groupie

I researched both (my doc offers both) and chose the LB (he selected the size APS=Standard or APL=Large while looking at my anatomy; I got the LB-APS). My primary reason for getting the LB was the design of the band itself with the wedge shapes in the center this keeps even pressure on your stomach/new stoma and keeps it a circular shape. The Realize band has one inner surface that creases (think of it like one of those long balloons you make animals out of and then try to make a tight circle with it; the inner edge will fold/crease to make the circle). Some say it pinches the new stoma into a triangle shape instead of a circle and that there is more chance of that inner surface of the band leaking where the folds/creases are created. Realize did improve their band recently (some docs are still using the old design thought) to make the outside (harder surface) of their band to be pre-curved like the LB has always been. All this is heavily debated between LB'ers. Just continue to do some of your own research and I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice. Most banders have great success and no problems with either band. Best wishes! -BG

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Band_Groupie - I'm with the Band 4/22/09



My Blog "The Sweet Spot" http://www.lapbandtalk.com/blogs/51088/

pixiedust

I went to a wls seminar last night and they passed the lap band and realize band around the room; it seems we get to choose as the surgery group offers both. I thought the chamber where the saline fits was thicker on the lap band - and I liked that, seemed more durable.