The first 6 weeks after your Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band surgery your Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band will be empty allowing your stomach to heal and the Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band to adhere firmly to the stomach. Most people lose weight during this phase but some do not.

Adjustments or fills are painless and take just a few minutes. Some people are actually able to make it to their goal weight with no adjustments but they are the exception rather than the rule. Most patients require 3-5 adjustments of their Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band  a two year period to reach their goal weight.
 
Each person is individual; what makes this weight loss method so unique is the ability to adjust the Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band for each person's specific needs. Although the Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band's effects may not be as profound and rapid as the gastric bypass, the risk of the procedure appears to be less and the recovery time is the shortest. The success rate for satisfactory weight reduction is significant

How do I know if I need a Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band adjustment?

Your weight loss should average 1-2 pounds a week. We all want immediate results now but Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Bands don't work that way. Use a computer spreadsheet program such as Microsoft's Excel to graph out your weight loss so you can actually chart your weight on a weekly basis. Do not weigh more than once a week -- you are not going to let the numbers on a scale determine your mood for the day or week. Remember they are just numbers, i.e., guidelines of how you are doing but not definitive of success as we all have equally important NSV (non-scale victories) too. If you are following the rules outlined below and still are feeling very hungry or not losing perhaps it is time to consider an adjustment.

Rules for Adjustments

Do not eat 5-6 hours before an adjustment; the whole barium process is more visible on an empty stomach.
We prefer fills in the middle of the day, as most of us are naturally tight in the morning and loose at night, so middle of the day is a good average picture of general restriction.
Don't ever let anyone attempt to unsuccessfully access your port more than 3 times! It is the good old three prick rule, if they can't find it in three needle sticks save yourself the frustration of a possible tubing puncture or port damage by leaving – quickly!
A single serving size cup of applesauce sometimes gives a better picture of restriction than water because of the viscosity of applesauce.
After a fill baby your stomach for 24 hours or more by going back to a soft food diet. Right after a fill is not a good time to push the envelope and see how much you really can eat!

Be patient – sometimes is takes a week or so after a fill to feel full restriction. Conversely some people have edema right after a fill and they may feel overly-restricted the first several days. Lap Band- Johnson & Johnson Band cannot be the food police – we must each learn to identify our new feeling of full and respect feeling that by not overeating.

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