LAP-BAND System Adjustments

When first placing the LAP-BAND, your surgeon usually leaves it empty or only partially inflated. This gives you the chance to get acquainted with your band during the first few weeks after surgery. It also allows healing to occur around the new band site.

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 band. The first time the band is adjusted is usually four to six weeks after surgery, although the exact time will vary from patient to patient. You and your surgeon will decide when the right time is for your first band adjustment. To determine this, your surgeon will consider:

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

Being able to adjust the LAP-BAND System gives you control. If the band is too tight, your surgeon can "loosen" it by taking out some of the fluid. If the band is too loose, your surgeon can tighten it. Your surgeon does this by injecting saline into your access port under the skin. 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. Only a clinician trained and authorized by INAMED Health can adjust your band. Never let an untrained clinician or non-medical person do it. And never try to adjust your own band. You could cause adverse reactions or damage our band.

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 surgeon may also it to guide the needle into the port and to view inserting the needle. It may also be used after the band has been adjusted to evaluate your pouch size and stoma size.

To get the best results, you may need more than one adjustment. During each adjustment, only a very small amount of saline will be added to or removed from the band. 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 overall amount you can eat.

The LAP-BAND System 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 on you and the partnership between you and your clinicians.