LAP-BAND System - Successes
Here's the Skinny on 2 Weight Loss Giants
There are only two laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures currently approved for use, the LAP-BAND System and Realize Adjustable Band.
Both the LAP-BAND and Realize Band offer:
- Excess weight loss
- Body mass index reduction
- An answer to diabetes and hypertension
- A low rate of complications
The two lap bands are created differently. The LAP-BAND has soft, pre-curved sections versus the long tube-shaped silicone balloon of the Realize Band. The LAP-BAND shell is 0.43" thick while the Realize band comes in at an average 0.22" thickness.
The LAP-BAND System is a FDA-approved gastric band that helps constrict the upper stomach into what is essentially a smaller stomach. The LAP-BAND surgery involves using a silicon-elastic band that is fit around the upper part of the stomach. The sectioned cushions are constricted to create a smaller stomach pouch. This causes the patients to feel full and content more quickly. The LAP-BAND comes in two sizes that are designed for different anatomies. The pre-curved sections of the LAP-BAND keep the band from creasing around the stomach wall.
The Realize Band is a FDA-approved gastric band that helps constrict the upper stomach into what is essentially a smaller stomach. It's long, thin balloon structure is styled to make the best fit around your stomach. It comes in a one-size-fits-all shape and has been endorsed by bariatric surgeons. It includes the realize my success support tool, which is an online program that gives you information, motivation, tools and resources for maintaining your weight loss effort.
Always good to have choices
Despite the differences, many bariatric surgeons consider them strong options in gastric surgery. The choice depends on the patient's anatomy. Overall, bariatric patients in the United States will benefit from having two options for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.
"When I was younger, I was a pretty good size. But when I got to high school, it became apparent that, while everyone else's hormones were making their bodies develop, my stomach was the main thing that was developing on me...
.... I got bigger and bigger - and felt worse and worse. I was tempted to try out for the football team (as a linebacker, of course), but the running they did at practice was far too intimidating. So I ate. And ate. And then I kept on...eating.
My weight grew - as did my shyness and inhibitions about being with other people. I didn't want to do anything or go anywhere. I had friends who were always suggesting things to do, but the thought of being in public was too much to bear. So I stayed home and ate.
Late in college, I got a physical and the doctor wanted to put me on medicine to help avoid the heart attack that he said I might have any day now. I was 22! The next day, I had a job interview and was huffing and puffing at the top of the stairs! I didn't get the job, but those two events in a row were enough for me to say, "Enough!"
I asked my doctor about my options and he recommended a LAP-BAND. He said it was a simple way to help me, but that I was going to have to take the reigns in making my life better.
And he was right! It has been great. The procedure was easy - a little weird to comprehend at first, but easy. I can't believe the small portions that I can eat and feel content. I started taking walks every day and doing small chores outside. I even planted a vegetable garden - the kneeling and standing can give you quite a workout!
Now I eat the vegetables that I grow, I'm exercising more and I've lost nearly 40 pounds! It takes a while, but small weekly weight loss is the smartest way to go, according to my doctor.
I would highly recommend this to any obese person. My family is so thankful that I've made this commitment. It's a slap of reality to hear that you could die at any second, especially when you are only 22! I want to be around to enjoy my family and friends for a long, long time!"
- Jennifer Stonediner, Boston MA
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