For the best results in your weight loss journey, the gastric band must be working properly. The band can be too loose or too tight, which can cause problems for patients in both their weight loss and health. Don’t worry if you’re experiencing change in your band you may just need a gastric band adjustment!
If the band is too loose, you may still feel hungry, want bigger meals and not lose the expected amount of weight.
If your band is too tight, you will feel uncomfortable, have a reduced appetite and experience other side effects such as reflux heartburn.
how to know if i need my gastric band adjusted?
I'm vomiting and/or finding it difficult to eat solid foods with my gastric band
This indicates that your band is too tight and can happen if your band is over-filled. This can be dangerous, leading to problems such as pouch enlargement, band slippage and stomach perforation. Following an evaluation, it is likely that your band will be aspirated (emptied) to allow your symptoms to resolve before we manage a series of fills to return the restriction to a safe level.
how to know if i need my gastric band adjusted?
I'm having Reflux / Hoarseness / Night cough / Frequent chest infections / Asthma with my gastric band
If you didn’t have these symptoms before having a gastric band, they are likely to be due to over-tightening of your band. Following an evaluation, a gastric band adjustment will likely be recommended. It is likely that your band will be aspirated (emptied) to allow your symptoms to resolve before we manage a series of gastric band fills to return restriction to a safe level.
how to know if i need my gastric band adjusted?
My gastric band isn't stopping me from eating large portions
If you have experienced a sudden loss of restriction and have gone from being able to eat only small portions to much larger portions, the first thing we check for is a leak, the most common complication with gastric band patients. Leaks are common and usually occur at a point of weakness, either at the access port itself or along the port tubing that connects the access port to the band.
To assess whether your band may be leaking, we check the volume by emptying your band and then refilling it with the volume we understand should be in it. In a follow up appointment 6-8 weeks later, we will aspirate (remove) all of the saline from your band to check the volume has remained the same. If there has been a loss of fill volume, this may indicate a leak. If this happens, a leak test will need to be performed under x-ray.
how to know if i need my gastric band adjusted?
My band is causing pain over the port side
Your port may naturally protrude after surgery, however, if this causes pain and discomfort for example over the ribs or lower breast bone, this may indicate that you require a further procedure to reposition your port.
If you’re feeling like you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, or have a different symptom that you want to seek medical advice for then we are happy to help with our aftercare appointments. We have clinics that offer both Healthier Weight patients and non Healthier Weight patients gastric band adjustments to ensure the best chance at success for everyone.
We offer single and one-off appointments however, for many people, our bundle packages offer the best value. If you need more than just 2 adjustments over a 6 month period, it is cheaper than paying individually. It can take several adjustments to get your restriction to a level that delivers safe, consistent results so with a bundle package, you don’t need to worry about the cost and can focus on getting your weight loss back on track.