The Band Fill--Adjusting Your LapBand

A fill is nothing to be worried about. The actual procedure takes only about 15 minutes. In the majority of cases doctors now do fills under fluoroscopy, or x-ray, so they can see the port and how the band looks.

When you arrive for your appointment you will be asked to stand in front of the very large x-ray machine. There will be a screen in front of you where you can see your band, tubing and your port depending on where it is placed.

You will take a small sip of barium so the doctor can see how liquids are flowing through your band. You will see the liquid come down your esophagus and fill your pouch. Then after a second it flows through the band and into your lower stomach.

When you are ready for your fill you will lay down on a table with a support under your shoulder blades. This arches your back somewhat so your port "rises" and is easier to locate. Once the port is located the doctor will use a syringe and stick the needle into the port. He or she can see the needle on the x-ray and can see it going into the port. Does this hurt? It is a small needle stick. It feels like getting a shot which is exactly what it is. Some people are more sensitive than others to this.

The doctor will then inject the saline into your band. How much he or she gives you is determined totally by the doctor and the patient's individual needs. Some give more some give less. This is something you will discuss with your doctor.

After your band has been filled you will stand in front of the x-ray again. You will take several sips of barium to see how tight the band is. If the doctor believes everything looks fine and you are able to drink you are on your way. You will be on liquids for the next 24-48 hours in order for your stomach to adjust to the tightening.

The number of fills a patient will receive is a varied as the number of patients. Some will have one, others will have 5. This is purely determined by the doctor and the patient. The same applies to the amount put into a patient's band. Some do great with 1cc while others may go as high as 2.5cc. Everyone's body and needs are different so their treatment will be different as well.

Robin McCoy was banded on February 3, 2004 and has achieved her weight loss goal of 110 pounds. Robin is Vice-President and Senior Writer for Lapband Lifestyle, a resource and support group for banded people. http://www.lapbandlifestyle.com robin@lapbandlifestyle.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Failed at Weight Loss: Heres Hope

All Diets Work: No Diets WorkHave you lost weight in... Read More

QuickTips for Healthy Weight Loss

More than any other time in history, people are all... Read More

For Effective Weight Loss - Curb Hunger And Avoid The Binge

Curb Hunger and Avoid The Costly BingeEveryone's been there -... Read More

Choose to Lose - The Simplicity of Weight Loss and Understanding Emotional Eating

Permanent Weight loss is not about Diet. If you are... Read More

First Component of Weight Loss

Any true body transformation starts with self?discovery. It is an... Read More

5 Amazing Diet Tips for Powerful Weightloss

Before you try starving yourself or turning to diet drugs... Read More

A Personal Trainers...Holidaze

Rules of day to day no longer apply as you... Read More

Weight Loss: Carbs? Or No Carbs?

Dietitians just plain don't like low-carb or high-protein diets.Whether it's... Read More

Lose Weight and Keep it Off Permanently Without Fancy Diets

For years the experts have been telling us that diets... Read More

Quick Weight Loss Secrets

The Secrets have been in our family recipes, some even... Read More

Who Said Low Carb Diets Ever Meant No-Carb?

A little information if often a dangerous thing... and many... Read More

Medical Conditions That Inhibit Weight Loss

Weight loss can be a difficult goal to achieve. Some... Read More

How to Lose Weight While Gardening

Have you ever dreaded the idea of pulling weeds, planting... Read More

Why You Should Burn Body Fat

Are you overweight? Then you probably want to lose some... Read More

4 Tips for Fast Fat Loss Part II

Fat Loss Tip #2) Drink More WaterI know, I know,... Read More

7 Strategies To Stop Eating Junk Food!

FACT: Obesity accounts for 300,000 deaths a year in the... Read More

Healing Food Addiction

Hannah was distressed that, with all the inner work she... Read More

Bat-Wings: The Dreaded Hanging Arm Skin After WLS

Gastric-bypass surgery is only the first step many morbidly obese... Read More

Combating Obesity

So you ask, "How do I determine if I am... Read More

Results Not Typical

I had 14 weight/health-oriented newsletters in my inbox this morning.... Read More

Weight Loss Issues - Can You Be Cellulite Free?

One thing I really must say at the outset of... Read More

Do Low Carbohydrate Diets Lead to Weight Loss Success?

So your neighbor, office mate, best friend, whoever just lost... Read More

South Beach Diet Overview

Developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston, The South Beach Diet touts... Read More

Positive Imaging for Weight Loss

Visualization is a powerful technique that can help you make... Read More

Low-Carb Diets - An Introduction

According to a recent survey by the National Health Institute,... Read More

4 Tips for Fast Fat Loss Part IV

Fat Loss Tip #4) Eat More ProteinYes, it's important to... Read More

Six Secret Tips That Can Help You Lose Weight Fast

1. Include in your diet things that contain more water... Read More

Mysteries of Syndrome X Revealed

"I've put on 40 pounds in one year!" "It doesn't... Read More

Walk Your Way to Weight Loss

"The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of... Read More

Setting Morning Intentions For Success

Ever heard of the expression, "Getting up on the wrong... Read More

Weight Loss: Are You Frustrated? Have Low Energy? Dont Feel Good about Yourself? Lose Weight Now!

Twenty years of health club consulting, 50,000 hours of paid... Read More

Putting it Off Until Im Thinner

I can't do that Until I Lose This Weight! If... Read More

Weight Loss/Control Glossary of Terms

A Little Help With Some Difficult terms Aerobic Exercise.... Read More