LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Adjustable Band

The LAP-BAND System and REALIZE Adjustable Band are the only two laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures currently approved for use in the United States. The bands are implanted using minimally invasive methods of weight loss surgery and do not involve cutting, stapling, or intestinal re-routing as do gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve resection, and duodenal switch. Both the LAP-BAND and REALIZE Band are considered safe and effective types of weight loss surgery.

The results of a recently completed systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the LAP-BAND and REALIZE Band showed basically equivalent excess weight loss, body mass index reduction, resolution of diabetes and hypertension, and rate of complications. Although there are differences in the construction of the gastric bands, many bariatric surgeons consider them very equal and both great choices. Bariatric surgeons often decide which band is best for the patient based on the patient's anatomy. Overall, bariatric patients in the United States will benefit from having two options for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Procedure	LAP-BAND System	REALIZE Adjustable Band
Manufacturer	Allergan	Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson & Johnson
Developed/First Used	1993 in Belgium	1985 in Sweden
Date First Marketed Outside USA	1994	1996
US Clinical Trials	Started in 1995	Started in 2003
Date Approved By US FDA	June 2001	September 2007
Surgery Method	Laparoscopic	Laparoscopic since 1992 (Implanted via open surgery until laparoscopic surgery techniques were developed)
Versions	2001 - The 9.75/10 LAP-BAND System 2004 - The LAP-BAND VG System 2007 - The LAP-BAND AP System	Original band has undergone a few design changes and newer features have been added to improve safety and performance
Product Material	Silicone	Strong, flexible silicone
Band Sizes	AP Standard AP Large	One Size Fits All - Adjustable
Adjustable	Yes	Yes
Gastric Band	LAP BAND AP 360 fill capacity Soft and pre-curved 7 baffles (mini reservoirs) Low pressure LAP BAND VG 280-300 fill capacity 6 baffles (mini reservoirs) LAP BAND 9.75/10 260-280 fill capacity One single inner ring	360 fill capacity One smooth inner balloon Low-pressure
Fill Volume	AP Standard, 10cc AP Large, 14cc VG, 10cc 9.75/10, 4cc	One Size 9cc (1.8 teaspoons)
Access Port	Port anchored with stitches to muscle wall	Self-clamping system attaches port to muscle wall Low-profile (1/2")
Adjustment Method	Saline added/removed with special needle via port	Saline added/removed with special needle via port
First Adjustment	4-6 weeks after surgery	4-6 weeks after surgery
Approximate Adjustments	5-8, first two years	Average of 4, first year Average of 2, second year Average of 2, third year
Slippage Rate	Low, less than 3-5%	Low, less than 2-3%
Erosion Rate	Less than 1%	Less than 1%
Weight Loss	At 1 year: 40-50% excess weight loss At 5 years: 55% excess weight loss	At 3 years: 83% of patients lost 42.8% of their excess weight 35% of patients lost 50% of their excess weight 10.5% of patients lost 75% or more of their excess weight
Promotion	Free LAP-BAND® System Information Kit can be sent via mail delivery or by e-mail	REALIZE Patient Guide and Other Resources Available Free Online to Download, View, and Print
Patient Support Program	LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE Program	REALIZE mySUCCESS
Website	www.lapband.com	www.realizeband.com

Your first meeting with a doctor is the perfect time to ask key questions and find out more about the procedure you want.