Lap-Band Adjustments & Fills

One of the great benefits of the gastric banding – Lap-Band® and Realize® Band – is that the band can be adjusted after surgery. In the first year after surgery you will probably require 5 or 6 adjustments to the band to make sure you receive the proper restriction.  You will receive adjustments periodically thereafter. Adjusting the band allows for several benefits:

• If you are not loosing enough weight, we may need to tighten the band somewhat. Weight loss of 1-2 pounds per week is normal and safe.
• If you are loosing too much weight, not consuming sufficient nutrients or are not able to eat food comfortably you may need to loosen the band to allow more food intake.
• If you become pregnant, you will be able to adjust the band to the various stages of your pregnancy.

Of course there may be other reasons for lack of weight loss or too much weight loss. It is important that you keep a food journal in the first several months after surgery so that the office can evaluate and adjust your food intake. Also let us know whenever you feel anything unusual with you band.

How the Band is Adjusted:

The band adjustment process is very straightforward. During surgery an injection port will have been placed under the skin, which allows the surgeon to add saline to or remove saline from the band. Adding saline tightens the band and removing saline loosens it.

The entire process takes about 5-10 minutes and it is relatively painless. They are usually performed in our office.

It is important to notify the office when you feel like you may need an adjustment. After surgery, you will receive a list of symptoms that may be signs of the need for tightening or loosening the band.