Not all Bands are Alike

Allergan Weight Loss Solutions

There are a number of different types of gastric bands that are currently available in Canada. However they are not all the same. At SmartShape™ Weight Loss Center, we only use the Allergan Lap-Band® System one of only two bands approved by both Health Canada and the FDA (United States). This is the most widely used and researched band worldwide.

Here are some interesting facts about different bands:

Lap-Band® System
Allergan 		Realize® Band
Ethicon 		Cousin BioRing®
(Slimband)
Health Canada Approval YES YES YES
FDA Approval YES YES NO
Market Share >90% of all bands used worldwide
(800,000+) 		5% of all bands used worldwide <2% of all bands used worldwide
Clinical Data > 90% of all published LAGB research proving safety and efficacy uses the Allergan Lap-Band® System Limited clinical research proving safety and efficacy Very limited clinical research proving safety and efficacy
Clinical Support Worldwide network of Allergan Lap-Band surgeons providing support Limited network of surgeons providing support Limited network of surgeons providing support
Band Design The balloon that lines the inside of the band has multiple compartments to evenly distribute pressure and minimize band-related complications Single compartment balloon Single compartment balloon

FDA: Food and Drug Administration; LAGB: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding