Lap Band Adjustments

A Lap Band remains an excellent weight loss tool in the right patient. I have placed over 800 adjustable gastric bands (AGB) over the last 2 decades and have seem results and failures. Currently due to the higher frequency need of revisional procedures many insurance carriers and providers are less enthusiastic about new AGB placements, but what if you already have a functional AGB and need maintenance adjustments?

What if you are planning to have an AGB placed in another location and return home to find that no providers are available or willing to provide adjustments?

The Weight Loss Center of Arkansas can provide AGB adjustments for any type of AGB.

Band adjustments are more frequent in the first 12-18 months after band placement but then may require 1-2 adjustment per year to optimize weight loss goals and avoid over-restrictive symptoms.

AGB patients are finding it harder to find providers willing to offer adjustments.

Any previous AGB patient can contact our clinic to schedule a free consultation to discuss their weight loss goals to enable an individualized program to optimize the use of their band.

AGB adjustment FAQ’s


One of the most unique and beneficial elements of the LAP-BAND® System is that it can be adjusted to accommodate your individual needs. Adding saline solution makes the band tighter, limiting how much you can eat and slowing down the emptying of the stomach pouch. Removing saline makes the band looser, allowing more food to pass through the band.


HOW TIGHT SHOULD MY BAND BE?


The “sweet spot” is different for every patient, but ideally, the band restriction should be enough that you gradually lose weight while being able to eat a nutritionally balanced diet.


WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY FIRST LAP-BAND ADJUSTMENT?


Usually 4-6 weeks after initial placement


HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY LAP-BAND ADJUSTED?


You should schedule an appointment for an adjustment if:

✔ You have not lost weight in 2 weeks or more

✔ You have gained weight

✔ You feel significantly less restriction

✔ You can eat regular size portions

✔ Your band feels too tight

Your LAP-BAND is well adjusted if you have no issues with swallowing and you feel full after eating approximately half a cup of food. A band that is too tight may cause symptoms such as discomfort, heartburn, reflux, night coughing, excessive salivation and regurgitation.

How is the Lap-Band Adjusted?

lap band adjustment illustration

The LAP-BAND adjustment is a quick and relatively painless outpatient procedure. First, we may require an x-ray to determine the exact location of the band’s access port under the skin and determine if the band itself is properly positioned


Next, your provider will pass a specialized needle through the skin into the port and add or remove saline as needed. Local anesthesia is used prior to beginning the procedure.


Note: Only a trained medical clinician can adjust your band. Never attempt to adjust your own band or allow an untrained person or non-medical professional to do it.


HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HAVE A LAP-BAND ADJUSTMENT?


The adjustment usually takes only a few minutes to complete, and you will be able to leave immediately following the procedure. You may be placed back on a liquid diet for 12-36 hours following the adjustment in order to give your stomach some time to adapt to the restriction change.

 

HOW DO I PREPARE MYSELF FOR A LAP-BAND ADJUSTMENT?


For a potential fill adjustment you should come to your appointment with an empty stomach. Please avoid eating and drinking for four hours prior to your visit.


Specific post-procedure instructions are given after fill adjustments


De-fill adjustments usually require no preparation


We charge just $165 per adjustment, but regretfully do not accept or file insurance claims.