Gastric Band Adjustments

Gastric Band Adjustments (Gastric Band Fills / Band Aspirations) are first necessary 6 to 8 weeks after Gastric Band Surgery.

Thereafter, Gastric Band Adjustments may be made to increase weight loss (gastric band fill) or if too much weight loss is occurring (gastric band de-fill / band aspiration).

The additional pressure from a gastric band fill will help to create a feeling of fullness quicker, reducing the appetite so less is eaten. Conversely, when pressure is reduced by a band aspiration, the appetite returns.

This really puts you and your weight loss support team (Nurses and Dieticians) in control of your weight loss!

Call a friendly Advisor on 0845 867 9666 or send an Enquiry to discuss your Gastric Band Adjustments.

Gastric Band Adjustments

In the first year, you should expect several gastric band adjustments to reach a level of restriction (to feel full), but after that the adjustments generally becomes more infrequent. Gastric band adjustments will be done in full consultation and liaison with your Dietitian and Nurse and you will soon learn to recognise the signs that the gastric band needs an adjustment.

Gastric Band Adjustment Signs:-

When the gastric band is correctly adjusted, you will feel full for a long time and be satisfied by small meals. ou will be achieving satisfactory weight loss (1 or 2 lbs a week) or maintenance.

When the gastric band is too loose, you will feel hungry and still want large meals – the gastric band needs to be tightened by the addition of more saline (band fill).

When the gastric band is too tight, you feel uncomfortable and may have side effects such as reflux heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation or a night cough, a gastric band de-fill / aspiration is required.

*Remember, it is not advisable to have too many Gastric Band Adjustments or to over tighten it. Please contact your Dietitian if you think you require an adjustment.

To adjust the band, the Nurse will locate the gastric band port by palpation (positioned under the sternum) and clean the area over the gastric band port. The Nurse will then insert a needle through the skin into the gastric band port to add or remove saline evenly and increase or decrease the pressure the Gastric Band creates on the stomach. This is a very quick procedure and you can return home or to work straightaway following a Lap-Band Adjustment.

Adjustment Costs

For the first 2 years, gastric band adjustments are included FREE in the aftercare package, so you don't need to worry. After 2 years, you should expect to have achieved significant weight loss and the requirement for gastric band adjustments is much less frequent. The Hospital Group charge £125 for a gastric band adjustment out of package.

Call a friendly Advisor on 0845 867 9666 or send an Enquiry to discuss your Gastric Band Adjustments.