When Is Lap Band Adjustment Necessary?

One of the first questions patients ask about lap band surgery is how often they will need to come in to adjust the lap band and how they will know it’s time. Lap band surgery wraps a silicone band around the upper stomach and fills it as needed to tighten its hold on the upper stomach and restrict food consumption for optimal weight loss. The band is filled with saline solution or emptied to loosen it. Dr V. Kuzinkovas offers lap band surgery at Advanced Surgicare, and adjustment appointments are customized to your needs. 

How Does Lap Band Surgery Work? 

Dr. Kuzinkovas performs laparoscopic lap band surgery for a less invasive procedure. An injection port is connected with tubing to the lap band and positioned within the abdominal wall for the surgeon to access the port to empty or expand the silicone band around the stomach. Our Master Bariatric Surgeon leaves the port empty while the patient recovers, then fills it four to six weeks later to restrict food intake and promote weight loss. Generally, the band is adjusted every few weeks, and these appointments are quick, easy, and virtually painless. 

The frequency of lap band adjustments depends on your hunger levels, eating habits, and weight loss since your last visit. Most patients require about five or more adjustments in the first year and two per year after that. However, some patients may need fewer adjustments while others require more. 

Signs You May Need Lap Band Adjustment

Dr. Kuzinkovas may ask these questions to determine if the lap band needs adjusting. 

• How often do you feel hungry? 
• What are your meal and snack habits? 
• What type of food are you eating? 
• How long does it take for you to feel full? 
• How much food do you eat in one meal? 

Patients typically lose up to one kilogram per week after lap band surgery. If you are not meeting your weight loss goals, you may need more frequent band adjustments and counseling to ensure you’re eating the right foods in the correct amounts at the right intervals. You may need lap band adjustment if you feel hungry between meals, and hunger pangs prevent you from concentrating. 

The goal is to find the band setting that lowers your food intake without making you feel hungry all the time. A tighter gastric band doesn’t necessarily mean faster weight loss, because patients may eat poorly; some patients, for example, compensate with high-calorie liquids or resort to smaller meals more often instead of the recommended three. 

If you’re interested in adjustable gastric banding, contact Advanced Surgicare in Sydney at 1300-551-533 to schedule a consultation with Dr V. Kuzinkovas.