Adjustments are done either in the hospital or in a doctor's office that has x-ray equipment (fluoroscopy). The clinician may use fluoroscopy to assist in locating the access port. The lap band surgeon may also use it to guide the needle into the port and to view inserting the needle. It is also used after the lap band has been adjusted to evaluate your pouch size and stoma size.

To get the best results, you may need more than one adjustment. Each one will range from 1/2 cc to 2 cc of fluid. The most the lap band can hold is 4 cc. The exact amount of fluid required to make the stoma the right size is unique for each person. An ideal "fill" should be just tight enough to let you gradually lose weight. That means you should still be able to eat enough to get the nutrients that you need while still reducing the over-all amount you can eat.

The lap band is meant to offer you a way to obtain steady and safe weight loss. Don't be in a hurry to have an adjustment before you're ready. To work, the band needs your participation. Your success will depend on YOU and on the partnership between you and your clinicians.