Important safety information
- The Gastric Banding is for adult patients 18 years of age or older, who have morbid obesity and have failed more conservative weight lose alternatives. The Gastric Banding is not for patients with medical conditions that may put them at increased risk during or after surgery, or for patients who are unwilling to make significant changes in eating and behavior patterns. If you have a hiatal hernia, it may need to be repaired before or during gastric banding surgery.
Why the band is adjustable
Over time, your surgeon adjusts the tightness of the band to help you continually meet your weight lose goals. During an adjustment, saline (a safe fluid) is delivered through the port into the band balloon, making the band fit more snugly around your stomach. Saline can also be removed from the band. After an adjustment, you’ll feel full sooner, stay satisfied longer, and maintain gradual weight loss. Fast and easy band adjustments take place at your surgeon’s office, clinic, or hospital. Your first adjustment will probably be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery.
Your band adjustment schedule
Your weight, the physical symptoms you report, and other factors help your surgeon decide if a band adjustment is necessary. The timing and number of band adjustments are different for everyone and can only be determined by each patient’s surgeon.
