Lap-band gastric laparoscopic surgery appeals to many bariatric patients because the implanted device can be adjusted to dim the appetite and allow the patient to eat smaller quantities of food and feel satisfied. An important aspect of the post-surgery lifestyle involves getting lap-band adjustments, which usually begin four to six weeks after the procedure, depending on the doctor's preferences.
Expect to Pay
The cost of lap-band adjustments, or "fills," vary depending on the surgeon and the weight-loss facility. They can run anywhere from $100 to $250 and more, especially if the fill is done under an X-ray fluoroscope, with a barium swallow or other specialized equipment. Some surgeons include the first fill or first year of fills as part of the surgery fee; check with your doctor's practice to confirm. Many medical insurance carriers reimburse all or part of the lap-band adjustment cost, but contact your insurance company to find out its policy on lap-band fill co-pays.
Expect Some Discomfort
Surgeons and bariatric practice staff make lap-band adjustments with a thin needle inserted into the band's access port. The adjustment either adds or removes saline solution to the band. A numbing agent is usually applied to the area, and when that wears off you may experience a little soreness or tenderness at the access port site. Any unusual or extended pain at the access port should be reported to the doctor. Try to eat lightly the day of your adjustment because the stomach should be empty before the procedure to minimize discomfort. Before leaving the office, your surgeon will usually ask you to drink some water to gauge if the fill is too tight or just right.
Expect Dietary Changes
After your adjustment, most lap-band surgeons will recommend a liquid diet the day of the fill. This includes protein shakes, clear or non-lumpy soups, fruit and vegetable juices, low-fat milk, coffee and tea. For the next day or so, most bariatric surgery practices advise eating soft foods, such as hot, cooked cereal, eggs, seafood salads thinned with reduced-fat mayonnaise, yogurt, soft-cooked fish, and cottage or part-skim ricotta cheese. Sometimes it takes a few days or even a week to fully feel the effects of an adjustment, so it is better to ease back into solid foods.
When the Unexpected Happens
If you cannot tolerate liquids, soft foods or your regular diet, return to the surgeon's practice and have saline taken out of the lap band. Vomiting, getting food stuck in the stomach's stoma or being unable to eat are all signs of a too-tight band. Not taking action immediately to remedy this can result in band slippage, which could lead to more surgery. Other trouble signals include heartburn, acid reflux and coughing or wheezing, especially at night.
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