Lap Band Surgery And Adjusting The Lap Band

The good news for individuals who are planning to appear for lap band surgery is that it is the only weight loss surgery system which is adjustable. Thus, individuals can customize it according to their needs. Adjusting the lap band after surgery is possible in this system. Let us discuss how the adjustments are made.

Lap band surgery is a fully adjustable procedure. The lap band adjustment process is nothing but the adjustment of the lap band diameter as required. It is basically done in an X ray room to see the lap band access port beneath the skin. At the time of lap band surgery, the surgeon leaves the band empty for proper adjustment later.

The adjustment process is a quick and relatively painless outpatient procedure. It can be done at the office without the need of an X ray. You may be X rayed during the procedure in case there is a need to clearly see the band reservoir or port.

After that a fine needle is passed through the skin into the port for adding or removing saline water. Addition of saline water tightens the band and restricts the quantity of food intake.

The lap band will be adjusted after 4 to 6 days of the surgery. The surgeon will point out the best time for the adjustment of lap band based on some particular factors mentioned below:

  • Weight loss by the patient.
  • Physical work load of the patient.
  • Quantity of food needed by the patient for fulfillment.
  • Quantity of fluid already present in the lap band.
However, the number of adjustments you may need cannot be determined prior to your surgery. There may be some patients that need only one adjustment. Others may require two or three in the first year depending upon their individual response to the band and the degree of weight loss desired. Normally adjustments are not performed until at least 6 weeks after the surgery.

The duration of the adjustment making procedure is not too long. Also, it takes only a few minutes to leave the center immediately after the adjustable gastric lap banding procedure. Afterwards you are placed back on a liquid diet for a few days to give your stomach some time to adapt to the change.

The cost of band adjustment varies from individual to individual and from center to center. You should remember that currently no insurance company pays for your band adjustment. Hence, you have to pay for the costs yourself.

More than the cost you should determine the need for adjustment and that will be told by your doctor. Therefore, whether adjusting the lap band after surgery is needed, when to do it and how, will be told to you by your doctor.

Lap Banding