A gastric band adjustment is when saline fluid is either added to (band fill) or removed from (band aspiration) the gastric band you have previously had fitted.
Why you might need it
To give you the best chance of losing weight successfully, we need to ensure your band is working properly. Six to eight weeks after your initial surgery, you will need to have your band adjusted and over the course of the first year, you may need further adjustments to reach the correct level of restriction.
If the band is too loose, you may still feel hungry, want bigger meals and not lose the expected amount of weight. In this case, your band will need to be tightened by adding more saline. The extra pressure from the gastric band fill will reduce your appetite and help make you feel full quicker.
Conversely, if your band is too tight, you will feel uncomfortable; you may have a reduced appetite and experience other side effects such as reflux heartburn. In this instance you will need to have the pressure reduced (aspirated).
You’ll be cared for by an expert consultant in weight loss surgery and a dedicated and experienced team who understand what you’re feeling and who are committed to achieving the results you want.
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
A consultant in weight loss surgery will perform the band adjustment.
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.
All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
The procedure
Adjusting the gastric band is a quick, straight forward procedure which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. It will be performed by your consultant in the out-patient room or under X-ray guidance.
The consultant will locate the gastric band port (positioned under the sternum) by palpation (feeling with their hand). The area over the port will be cleaned to ensure it is germ free. Your doctor will then insert a needle through the skin into the port to add or remove saline.
You can usually return home or back to work straightaway.
Aftercare
Weight loss from gastric band surgery is often rapid and dramatic: most people lose around 35% of their surplus weight within six months, rising to 50% after two years. To maintain these results, we'll give you advice around long-term lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise.
Why choose Spire?
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.