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Difference Between the Allergan & Ethicon Lap Band

Though commonly used to refer to adjustable gastric banding surgery, the term “Lap-Band” is actually just one type of gastric band, manufactured by the medical device company Allergan. The Realize Band, which is created by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, is another type of gastric band that is also used for medical weight loss.

  1. History of Use

    • The Allergan Lap-Band System was approved for use in the U.S. in 2001, six years before the Realize Band. However, the Realize Band has been in use in Sweden since 1986 under the name Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band.

    Results

    • Realize Band patients in a three-year clinical trial in the U.S. lost an average of 40 percent of excess body weight and saw a significant reduction in body mass index. A recent Lap-Band study shows patients lost 47 percent of excess weight one year after surgery.

    Support

    • Both systems offer online support programs with pre- and post-operative tools to help patients change their eating habits and find emotional support.

    Band Size

    • At 23 mm, the Realize Band is the widest available and is designed to reduce band slippage. The Lap-Band System is available in two different sizes with two different access ports, allowing for a more customized fit.

    Adjustments

    • The Realize Band uses a low-pressure balloon designed to not strain or stretch during fill procedures. A study by Ethicon Endo-Surgery found that the Lap-Band system balloon strained when filled to less than half its capacity.

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