Lap Band Adjustment
Lap band weight loss system is fully adjustable procedure. According to patient needs the lap band will be adjusted. The process of lap band adjustment consists of adjustment of lap band diameter as needed. The adjustment process done in an X-ray room, it is due to the visibility of access port. With the help of X-rays the surgeon easily see the lap band access port under the abdomen. There is no role of anesthesia in lap band adjustment process but some times it will be required. Before the adjustment process, the surgeon shields the genital organs of patient to give protection from X-rays.
At the time of lap band surgery, the surgeon normally leaves the band empty for proper adjustment. Generally after 4 to 6 days of surgery the lap band will be adjusted first time. The exact time for first time adjustment vary from patient to patient. The surgeon will decide the best time for the adjustment of lap band based on some specific factors-
- Weight loses by patient
- Physical work load of patient
- The amount of food required fulfilling the patient
- The amount of fluid already in lap band
The adjustment process starts with the introduction of saline or radio opaque isotonic solution inside the access port of lap band via a special needle. This special needle is used to prevent the membrane of port. As the saline or radio opaque isotonic solution introduced into the access port, the pressure in lap band increase and the diameter of band decreases. This may result in reduction of hole from where food passes. So there is continuous increase in restriction in passing of food which patient may experience.
After a constant time interval the restriction is increased to the peak point where patient feels fulfill. This is the point to stop introducing the fluid into the access port, at this point patient optimally lose weight. Now the needle is taken out and the process of adjustment completes. For better performance of lap band system a patient may need more then one adjustment processes. Surgeon decides the time interval between the adjustment processes. After the first adjustment process, in second and further process surgeon loosened the lap band by removing some solution from access port or tightened it by introduce some solution into access port as per the requirement.
