Fill Centers
Within the last 20 years the number of patients that have undergone bariatric surgery has increased significantly. Since the procedure was not FDA approved until 2001, during the late 90s many people traveled outside the US to have surgery. When they returned home, many found themselves without any aftercare or adjustment service.
In order to achieve a successful outcome of the banding procedure, and to encourage continued weight loss, patients who undergo gastric banding surgery require adjustments and aftercare service. An average of four adjustments during the first year followed by two fills during the second and the third year are recommended. The procedure is painless and it can be done in the doctor's office.
There are many cases where patients relocate soon after having surgery and find themselves "abandoned" by their doctors and in need of aftercare assistance. Sometimes surgeons have no aftercare program or are overwhelmed with other patients, and local physicians are not trained to adjust the band.
In 2004 Fill Centers USA developed an aftercare training program to provide "abandoned patients" of gastric band surgery with professional medical adjustment.
The program provides patients with Aftercare Providers who are trained in proper band adjustment to achieve optimal restriction and to overcome weight loss plateaus. Additionally, the Aftercare Providers will offer individualized counseling regarding nutrition, fitness and exercise, motivation and behavioral changes.
Fill Centers USA has expanded from their first hometown provider to 38 locations across the nation.
How are fills done?
While the patient is lying down on a table, the physician injects saline from a special syringe into the access port. After the saline is injected, the patient is given a barium shake to drink. The doctor then identifies the exact amount of saline that is needed.
What determines the need for adjustments?
The need for an adjustment is determined by the rate of weight loss, degree of satiety, and the presence of symptoms that may suggest obstruction.
A well adjusted band indicates:
- Good weight loss: Approx. 1.5-2.0 pound per week
- Ability to eat most solid food: except thick breads and meats, chewing thoroughly and eating slowly and eating small portions.
- No limitation of liquids: except during meals or high calorie liquids.
Signs & Symptoms of an Adjustment that is "Too Tight"
- Nocturnal coughing
- Asthmatic symptoms
- Increase of appetite
- Experiencing hunger all the time
- Drinking/eating "empty" calories to make up for nutritional needs
- Reflux
- Regurgitation
- Patient will state that they can't eat anything more than "mushy" foods
Keep in mind that regular fills are required in order to achieve a successful outcome of the surgical procedure. The amount of "fill" in the Lap-Band, and the amount added during each fill vary according to individual patient circumstances.
Sources:
Fill Centers USA