The soft inflatable balloon on the inside of the band can be inflated or deflated. This means that the diameter of the band [narrowing of your stomach] can be adjusted after the operation in line with the requirements particular to your optimal weight loss and well being.

This is done by injecting or eliminating fluid from the band via an injection port, which lies under the skin and is connected to the band.

The difficulty you find in eating certain foods will depend on how tight or loose the opening between the two parts of the stomach is, and is therefore directly linked to the amount of weight you will lose. Depending on how your weight loss progresses, your doctor and his team will tell you when your gastric band needs to be inflated.

The doctor will probably make the adjustment using radiography. In this case you will have to swallow a product [barium] to check that passage through the band is problem-free. This can be done as an outpatient without painkillers or anaesthetic.

It is extremely important that you contact your doctor in good time if you experience pain or difficulty in eating. The fine and individual adjustment possible with the SAGB means that this problem can be resolved quickly, thereby avoiding the risk of side effects or complications.