A LAP-BAND adjustment is an in-office procedure. Doctor McEwen uses a specialized needle to insert into your LAP-BAND port to inject sterile saline. The saline can fill the band’s inner pockets to tighten the band, or remove saline to loosen it.
Adding fluid to the band tightens the stoma (opening) into the lower stomach. The fluid makes the opening to your LAP-BAND pouch smaller, making it harder for food to pass through while helping you to feel full quicker. This added restriction means you need to pay closer attention to your food eat, speed at which you eat it, portion control and of course, what you are actually eating.
If you’re experiencing nausea, night-time coughing, pain while eating solids, or other symptoms you may need some fluid removed. Consult with doctor McEwen and his team first; discomfort may be caused by multiple factors. Doctor McEwen’s goal is to find the comfortable level for you to continue to receive adequate nutrition and ability to combat your hunger, while staying on track with your behavior changes and weight loss. We often refer to this balance as the “Green Zone”. The “Yellow Zone” is when your band is too lose and the “Red Zone” is when it is too tight.
It is important to recognize the signs of needing an adjustment. During your first year, each monthly visit is important. Adjustments may or may not be made during your visit depending on factors such as weight loss, your food journal, portion sizes, and exercise routine. Remember, everyone is different, so please don’t compare the amount of fills to your friends who have a band or to those who post online. It is crucial for your weight loss success to attend your monthly appointments regardless if you feel that you need an adjustment. Re-establishing goals, relationships with food, lifestyle behaviors all require the counseling and support that you will need to make long term changes. Beyond the first year, Dr. McEwen and your weight loss team will determine your follow up schedule depending on your goals. If you are over-eating, snacking, or having foods that are not recommended, you can risk stretching the small stomach.
- Adjustments can assist you in continuing to lose weight.
- Adjustments may help you feel full or satisfied with a smaller portion of food.
- Adjustments are based on your individual style of consuming food, exercise, food tracking and wellness.
For personalized information on LAP-BAND surgery click here and ORBERA click here.
Our weight loss team will go over our adjustment protocol with you at every visit. If you believe you need an adjustment you will be able to talk about this with Dr. McEwen or our Nurse Practitioner. A decision will be made depending on your individual factors. We want the best for you and your health so please trust in our judgement and pathway.
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