The Band Study or Limited Upper GI study (UGI) is performed within a day or two after the Lap-Band operation.  Prior to leaving the hospital you will get an appointment for your band study.  The purpose for the study is to ensure there are no potential complications or problems with the operation, and to document the positioning and function of the band.  The study is also very helpful when patients move and change doctors.  An x-ray documenting the function and position of the band can be helpful with diagnosis – if it is necessary to differentiate if the problem is coming from the band or is unrelated to the band.

The Band Study is performed in radiology on a fluoroscopy table.  While drinking barium (a white substance seen well on x-ray) a radiologist takes x-rays of your abdomen/band from different angles and directions to clearly visualize the band and flow of barium thru the band.

In a similar fashion the band adjustments or fills are performed.  First, while lying flat, the x-ray is used to place the needle into the port under direct visualization, and then the table is placed in the vertical position while the patient is still lying on the table. The adjustment/fill is then performed while the patient is drinking barium in the vertical position.  This is done by adding water to the band thru the port with a syringe.  The visualization of the barium on the x-ray machine guides the surgeon while he/she adjusts the band.