How to Make Lap Band Adjustments

The Lap Band procedure is currently the only fully adjustable and reversible surgery to assist patients in their weight loss goals. During the initial surgery, a hollow band is wrapped around the upper portion of the stomach. After the initial surgery, your doctor can make adjustments to the Lap Band to ensure that the size of the opening to your stomach is appropriate.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Visit Your Doctor for Him to Make Adjustments to Your Lap Band

1. Schedule your first follow-up visit after your initial Lap Band surgery. The first visit is typically scheduled between 4 and 6 weeks after your surgery.
2. Meet with your doctor for him to make the adjustments to the Lap Band. This involves injecting or withdrawing saline through the access port that is installed just below the skin. By altering the volume of saline in the Lap Band, your doctors controls the size of the opening to your stomach and the rate at which food can pass through. The adjustments typically take no more than 30 minutes.
3. Understand you may need to have an X-ray performed so your doctor can accurately locate your access port. While you're getting your X-rays done, you should make sure the technicians provide a lead covering for all of your reproductive organs.
4. Make an appointment with your doctor for your next adjustment.
5. Monitor your comfort during and after meals to determine if the Lap Band needs to be readjusted by your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your insurance provider regarding the cost for your doctor to make adjustments to your Lap Band. The cost of these follow-up visits can add up significantly over time.
• If you do not feel well prior to your first scheduled follow-up visit, contact your doctor so that he can make adjustments to your Lap Band when you need them.
• The frequency with which you will need to visit your doctor for Lap Band adjustments typically declines the longer that you have had the Lap Band in place. Adjustments typically need to be made early on when you are experiencing your most rapid weight loss.
• If you are consuming too much or too little food before you feel full, contact your doctor to determine if you should come in to have the Lap Band readjusted.
• Closely follow the eating style and habits that are recommended for Lap Band patients. Failing to abide by these guidelines may make the Lap Band adjustments ineffective.
• Your Lap Band may feel tighter in the morning just after you wake up. Due to changes in the body's water content over the course of the day, this tightening is commonly reported by Lap Band patients and tends to occur in patients who have recently had their Lap Band adjusted.