LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE Adjustable Band
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) is one of the most frequently performed types of weight loss surgery. This bariatric approach utilizes medical implants (gastric banding systems) to help patients achieve and maintain a healthier weight by limiting meal portions and reducing hunger sensations.
With LAGB, the body's anatomy is not altered. Gastric banding does not involve cutting or stapling of the stomach or intestinal re-routing as with gastric bypass surgery, the gastric sleeve procedure, and duodenal switch surgery. Gastric bands are implanted using minimally invasive methods of surgery, although conversion to open surgery may occur in rare situations. Once the gastric bands are placed in to the body, they can be adjusted to the patient's needs without additional surgery or removed if medically necessary.
There are currently only two LAGB systems approved for use in the United States - the LAP-BAND System and REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band. Although there are differences in the construction of the gastric bands, both the LAP-BAND and REALIZE Band are considered safe and effective types of weight loss surgery.
Procedure | LAP-BAND System | REALIZE Adjustable Band |
Company | Apollo Endosurgery (Purchased from Allergan) | Ethicon US, a Johnson & Johnson Company |
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Date First Marketed Outside USA |
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US Clinical Trials |
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Date Approved By US FDA |
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Surgery Method |
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Versions |
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Features |
LAP BAND AP
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REALIZE Band
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Structure |
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Band Sizes |
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Adjustable |
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Fill Volume |
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Access Port |
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Adjustment Method |
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Adjustment Schedule |
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Weight Loss |
At 1 year:
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At 3 years:
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Patient Resources |
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Contact |
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According to the results of a recently completed systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the LAP-BAND and REALIZE Band, the two LAGB systems showed basically equivalent excess weight loss, body mass index reduction, resolution of diabetes and hypertension, and rate of complications.
To date, there have been no side-by-side studies comparing the two types of gastric bands and it is not known if the differences significantly affect the long term results. Ultimately, it is likely that a patient's success will have more to do with their behavior than with the specific medical device.
Most bariatric surgeons consider the two systems to be comparable products and will 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 and the ability to choose the system that is the best fit for them.