Lap Band Adjustments

During your surgery the port is firmly positioned for easy access in your rectus abdominis muscle as shown.

Lap Band Adjustment

When your gastric band is first inserted, it is positioned with a volume of fluid inside which has been previously determined by the surgeon. Once recovery is completed and you are moving back onto solids you will need to visit the rooms to have your lap band adjusted to a level of comfort and efficiency that you feel comfortable with. This usually occurs at 6 weeks following surgery.

The lap band adjustment is carried out in the surgeon's rooms and is done by inserting a needle into the port in your stomach to add or remove fluid from around the band, increasing or decreasing the dimension to restrict or increase the access to the lower pouch.

 

Having Your Band Adjusted - Requirements

There are certain requirements that you need to follow for the timeframe around when the adjustment is performed.

  • The day of your adjustment and the two preceeding days you should consume only fluids such as shakes or soups
  • Following this for a further two days you should consume only pureed foods
  • For a further couple of days after this, it is important to ensure that all food is chewed extremely well and to eat slowly while returning to a normal diet

If any problems such as vomiting, inability to lie down or reflux occur in the days following an adjustment phone the clinic immediately for guidance, you may require a small reduction in fluid.

 

When Should You Get Your Lap Band Adjusted?

Knowing when you require an adjustment is important. At no time should you experience ongoing pain or discomfort with your band. If ever in doubt, give the clinic a call to discuss the issues and you will be advised whether an adjustment or consultation is required.

As a rule of thumb, the following indicators will require an adjustment:

  • Struggling to lose weight for more than a couple of weeks
  • Difficulty in consuming harder foods, tendancy to choose soft foods for ease of digestion.
  • Reflux or heartburn
  • Unable to enough sufficient food portions or ability to eat portions which are too large
  • Vomiting
  • Cravings for food and increased food intake

The patient is in complete control of the adjustments at all times. Occasionally a patient may request to have all the fluid removed from the band, for instance, when travelling overseas so avoidance of certain foods is not required. The patient though should beware that weight gain can result again quite quickly while the band is completely open.

Find Out More