REALIZE Band vs Lap-Band System - Adjustable Gastric Banding Comparison

Adjustable gastric banding surgery is a very common form of bariatric surgery. Less invasive, and reversible, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is ideal for most patients who does not have a BMI that warrants gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.

Two companies make implants used to deliver results, the Realize Band and the Lap-Band. Both are similar in function and design, but they have their differences and their own ideal patient. Below is a comparison of Realize Band verse Lap Band.

Realize Band vs Lap Band

Weight Loss Surgery
Realize Band
REALIZE Band
Lap-Band
Lap-Band Surgery
Company Ethicon Endo-Surgery, part of Johnson & Johnson Allergan
FDA Approval Approval in September 2007 Approval in June 2001
US Clinical Trials Started in 2003 Started in 1995
Patient Use 100,000 Realize Band Worldwide 650,000 Lap-Band Sold Worldwide
Generations/Versions Two U.S. versions
  • 2007 - REALIZE Band
  • 2009 - REALIZE Band-C
Three different generations with continual improvements
  • 2001 - The 9.75/10 LAP-BAND System
  • 2004 - The LAP-BAND VG System
  • 2007 - The LAP-BAND AP System
Adjustability/Size One size for both Realize Band and Realize Band-C, fully adjustable Two sizes, fully adjustable
Expected Adjustments Five to Eight, first two years 4 First Year, 2 Second and Third Year
Expected Weight Loss At 3 Years
  • 83% of Patients Lost 43% of Their Excess Weight
 At 1 Year
  • 40-50% Excess Weight Lost

Overall, the differences are small. Both of the implants show nearly identical results for the resolution of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol improvement, etc. Both also have similar expected weight loss, with similar risks and complications.

The benefit of one over the other, comes in the form of additional size. Lap-Band system offers patients two sizes, which will fit more patients comfortably - which will give them the best chance at weight-loss.

Learn More about Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is considered the safest bariatric surgery on the market today. With hundreds of thousands of procedures done to date, surgeons know all the possible complications and risks. Most patients won't have much opportunity to choose between the Realize Band and the Lap-Band, because bariatric surgeons typically only carry one implant. Because the differences are slim and forgettable, it almost doesn't matter which implant you use. To continue reading about gastric banding surgery please Read More...