Lap Band Adjustments

The lap band can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. That is one of its more attractive aspects. This feature allows you and your lap band surgeon to find the right level of restriction for YOU!

These first few weeks are a critical time. You need to avoid vomiting. You also need to avoid putting pressure on your new small stomach above the lap band.

The first time the lap band is adjusted is usually 4 to 6 weeks after your lap band surgery. The exact time will vary. You and your surgeon will decide when the right time is for your lap band adjustment. To determine how ready you are for a band adjustment, your lap band surgeon will consider:

• your weight loss
• the amount of food you can comfortably eat
• your exercise routine
• how much fluid is already in your lap band

Being able to adjust the lap band gives you and your lap band surgeon control. If the lap band is too tight, your surgeon can "loosen" it by taking out some of the fluid. If the lap band is too loose, your lap band surgeon can tighten it. Your lap band surgeon does this by injecting fluid. Only a clinician trained and authorized by Inamed can adjust your lap band.

Never let an untrained clinician do it. Never let a non-medical person do it. And never try to adjust your own band. You could cause adverse reactions for you. You could also damage your lap band.

Important
To adjust your lap band, the clinician injects saline into the self-sealing access port. This port is located just under your skin. The lap band can also be adjusted by removing saline from the port. This is done with a special fine needle. You may feel a pricking sensation when this is done. The feeling is similar to when you give blood.