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The beauty of the gastric band is the ability to add or remove fluid to meet the needs of each individual.
The adjustment, or "fill", will narrow the band to give the necessary "restriction" so you will eat less food to fill up more quickly and stay full longer, with the ultimate goal of weight loss.
At the time of surgery, the band will essentially be left empty.
No adjustment will be considered until at least 4 weeks after surgery.
Your first adjustment, or "fill", should be considered when increased hunger becomes an issue, size of portions are too large and the rate of weight loss is not satisfactory.
Band tightening should be done gradually.
An adjustment may occur at the doctor's office, at a fill center under fluoroscopy x-ray, or in a AfterCare program. This will be determined by the doctor.
The amount of fluid injected at your adjustment depends on your type of band, band size, the amount of fluid already in your band, the date of your last adjustment, your hunger, appetite, and snacking habits, as well as any symptoms of heartburn, reflux, nausea or vomiting.
Remember, the frequency of adjustments and the volume of saline injected will vary from person to person. There is no set number of adjustments or "ideal" fill volume.
Most patients, on the average, require 4-6 adjustments their first year, maybe 1-2 their second year, then only as you need them thereafter.
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