The new AP * (Advanced Platform) Band from Inamed(Allergan)

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Ther have been several questions about the new Allergan AP band

recently released for use, and a few people already have them.

There is NO need at all for thsoe of us with the other Inamed bands

to be concerned at all - they are just fine, and are clearly working

great for us!

But all manufacturers continually try to improve their products based

on the stats and other information accumulated over time.

The new AP Band has a slightly-differetn design that may help

discourage some erosions. But we know that we can already discourage

mosr erorions by good Band self-care!

Here is some info on this band from Allergan, and I'll add some

pictures of it into the files tomoroow, for those interested.

1. Cuff - the cuff on the AP band is 360 degrees around, as opposed

to about 300 degrees on the prior bands (there was no cuff around the

buckle on the old ones)

2. Cuff length - the cuff on the AP band is 18mm longer/taller than

on the previous bands, so the surface area in contact with the

stomach is much greater, hopefully increasing the speed of weight

loss and maybe reducing the risk of slips

3. Cuff volume - the AP small holds 10cc, the AP large holds 14cc

Note that we do not believe that AP patients will lose MORE weight,

just possibly faster. So those of you with the older models, it would

definitely not be to your benefit to think about having your band

swapped out!

They are either APS (small, 10cc) or APL (large, 14cc).

They are considered by some to be " the next generation in AGBs " .

They are considered less likely to cause blockage or obstruction than

other AGP types.

They are considered less likely to slip than other AGP types.

They are considered to be less likely to cause band erosion than

other AGP types.

Like the VG band it is " Omniform " technology - i.e. the balloon has

ribs or baffles and the band itself is curved.

The AP has more of a 360 inflation around the stomach as opposed to

the 10cm or 9.75cm (4cc) bands, which have more like 260 or 280

degrees inflation (the rest being the buckle), and the VG which has

more like 280 or 300. It is understood that this was simply an

upgrade to the existing band to make it easier and less traumatic to

remove.

The silicone material is much softer than other AGP types.

They are more concentric (rounded) when inflated than other AGB

types.

The balloon is pleated to 'grip' the stomach better.

The balloon goes all the way around the inner surface of the band,

rather than missing a piece at the locking mechanism.

The balloon is wider. A sideview of the band shows the balloon

protruding top & bottom rather than sitting flush.

They have an easier release mechanism to remove the band if need be.

They have the locking mechanism isolated from the stomach.

AP type bands have been FDA approved for the US, but will not be

available until the summer at the earliest.

We understand that there are NO plans at this time to discontinue any

of the bands Allergan already makes. They still plan to manufacture

and offer the 10cm and the 9.75cm (the 4cc) bands as well as the VG

band.

new : AP ( Advanced Platform ):

APS ( small)

APL ( large )

Sandy R