Adjustments

The band has an inflatable inner balloon and is connected via a thin tube to a special reservoir or access port which is implanted on the abdominal wall under the skin. The access port allows the band to be adjusted, by adding or removing fluid and thus increasing or decreasing the level of restriction.

The first band adjustment occurs at 4 – 6 weeks following surgery. The procedure is usually performed in the surgeon’s rooms. The doctor accesses the port with a special needle through the skin and injects saline into the band. This procedure can also be performed under fluoroscopic (x-ray) control.

Following your band adjustment you will need to have a drink of water ensuring that the band is not too restricted prior to leaving the rooms. It is also necessary for you to remain on fluids for the next 24-48 hours, then purees for the following 24-48 hours before returning to a smaller amount of solid food.

If, for any reason, fluid is not tolerated after an adjustment, you must contact the rooms immediately. There should be no reason that an emergency adjustment is required if the regime is followed.

The frequency of adjustments and the amount of fluid placed in the band will be determined in consultation with the Circle of Care team and your surgeon.

A general indication that you may require an adjustment can be:

Increased food intake
Hunger soon after eating
Ability to eat difficult foods e.g. steak, white bread
Plateau in weight loss

Ongoing band adjustments are required for weight loss maintenance.

Similarly, if you are too restricted and require an adjustment to remove fluid, symptoms can be:

Inability to tolerate any solid food or normal eating
Night time reflux or night time cough
Difficulty with swallowing anything other than fluids.

Most patients report minimal discomfort only during adjustments.