Non-approved users i.e. 54 (1): 61-6. Regulator Western NMR-870-15FM MR Conditional Regulator with non-conforming G-2-4000N inlet gauge on Aluminum M6A cylinder Western Enterprises Westlake, OH By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of all cookies. If memory serves, they can basically wave a magnetic wand over you, and if there's anything that the MRI would attract-- implants, pins, whatever-- the magnet will activate and they'll know not to stick you in the machine. This is important for situations where they might otherwise be required to undergo magnetic scans (such as airport security or an MRI). Double balloon technology. MRIsafety.com is the premier information resource for magnetic resonance safety. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic, often progressive disease resulting from a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Le stockage ou laccs technique qui est utilis exclusivement des fins statistiques. The storage or technical access is necessary to create user profiles in order to send advertisements, or to follow the user on a website or on several websites for similar marketing purposes. Conditional 7 More. Braun, www.bbraun.com, AcuClipC.P. However, based on the information at this website (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01422941), we believe only 40 patients had these devices implanted, at a couple of sites in Australia between Oct 2010 and July 2011. Thanks! Non-clinical testing has demonstrated that the REALIZE Injection Port poses no known hazards when an MRI is performed under the following conditions: Diese Kategorie enthlt nur Cookies, die grundlegende Funktionen und Sicherheitsmerkmale der Website gewhrleisten. Gentle on enclosed tissue. 2008;81 (969): 753-7. Similarly, devices for Gastero-oesophageal reflux disorder (GORD/GERD) such as the LINX device are also not covered by this policy. The band limits the amount of food you can eat to help you feel full sooner and longer. If you have any questions regarding this disclaimer, please contact the NHS GGC MRI physics team on: The Easyband was installed as part of a multi-nation clinical trial in Europe including England, The Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. 5. NHS GGC MRI safety policy for patients with Gastric bands, Must read: What this policy does not cover / notable exceptions. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Details on affected devices: This notice is applicable to all patients implanted with the LAP -BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System. Gastric band. Important: For full safety information please click here or talk with your doctor. While ductal stents are commonly made of semi-rigid plastic (polyethylene), nearly all visceral tract tubes are self-expandible and made of metal (titanium, Nitinol, Elgiloy, or stainless steel) often covered by plastic or a bioabsorbable material. In gastroenterology, stents may be placed inside the visceral tract (esophagus, stomach, bowel) or within ducts (biliary or pancreatic). Floor polishers are poor MRI system cleaners! Low-pressure system. Although LAGB is less invasive than other bariatric surgical procedures, it is associated with various complications that may lead to nonspecific abdominal symptoms several months or years after the procedure. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Attention: Customers. Artificial bowel sphincters for severe fecal incontinence. One model of this has a titanium port, and the other model is plastic. LAP-BAND AP System Standard w/ RapidPort EZ Cat. "MR Conditional" LINX Reflux Management System. Quickly search hundreds of MRI safety related articles. You may visit. If the device was implanted elsewhere in the UK after 2012, then the patient may safely undergo 1.5T and 3T MRI. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is performed with increasing frequency for the management of morbid obesity. Le stockage ou laccs technique est ncessaire dans la finalit dintrt lgitime de stocker des prfrences qui ne sont pas demandes par labonn ou lutilisateur. A patient implanted with a gastric band in Scotland may safely undergo 1.5T or 3T MRI. Catheter separate from closing mechanism. Since the LINX system contains magnetic metals, there is a good chance that youll experience serious internal injuries if you go in for an MRI. Only staff from these health boards are approved to use this information and local variations to the policies detailed may apply. These cookies do not store any personal information. The Lap-Band System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. Realize Adjustable Gastric Band also known as Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band Ethicon Endosurgery, Inc. Cincinnati, OH. The BioEnterics LAP-BAND System is designed to induce weight loss in severely obese patients by limiting food consumption. I'd suggest calling the radiologist so they can take a look. TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS PRODUCT Workshops & Online Trainings Coloproctology, Workshops & Online Trainings Urogynecology, Even distribution of pressure on stomach tissue. (2011) Canadian journal of surgery. In just 20-minutes, you can be on your way. Dr. Shellock is regularly invited to lecture at national and international scientific and medical conferences and meetings. B-2365 LAP-BAND AP System Large w/ RapidPort EZ the LAP-BAnD AP Adjustable Gastric Banding system is designed to induce weight loss in severely obese patients by limiting food consumption. Shellock R & D Services, Inc. email: Frank.ShellockREMOVE@MRIsafety.com. Weight-loss surgery is also called bariatric surgery. Heliogast HAGA EV3 is a large diameter gastric band. The LINX System has not been studied in patients with hiatal hernias greater than 3 cm The band's slip-through buckle design makes laparoscopic placement around the stomach easier, allowing the formation of a small gastric pouch and stoma. Details on affected devices: This notice is applicable to all patients implanted with the LAP -BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System. We do not have any information on the MRI safety status of this device at this time. If you have any questions regarding this disclaimer, please contact the NHS GGC MRI physics team on: ggc.MRSafetyExpert@nhs.scot. Visit: IMRSER Videos. Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)Roller derby - cycling - triathlonVSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. These cookies are only saved in your browser with your consent. The Lap-Band System is a long-term implant. Safe More. A.M.I. Complications that occur with less frequency include tube migration, tube disconnection, port-site infection, and small bowel obstruction. Adjustable Gastric Band (REF RLZB22) and the REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band-C (REF . No. I have had the shoulder pain you speak of but only for a few seconds at a time through the years. Reoperation may be required. Please note local variations to the policies detailed on this website may apply, therefore please contact the hospital where your appointment is scheduled for clarification. 2. (2014) The British Journal of Radiology. If this helps - before I had the MRI for my shoulder, they asked me if I worked around metal and could any pieces have gotten into my eye. While the Lap-Band was an overnight sensation in Europe, Latin America, and Australia, the initial studies in the United States were not impressive, with less than 40-percent excess weight loss (EWL). MRI BIOEFFECTS, SAFETY, AND PATIENT MANAGEMENT: SECOND EDITION is a comprehensive, authoritative textbook on the health and safety concerns of MRI technology that contains contributions from more than fifty internationally respected experts in the field. I have to get MRIs once or twice a year for a liver condition. LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System FSN-20-001 . No. An office chair was in the wrong place - at ANY time! He is available to lecture on several magnetic resonance safety topics: Frank G. Shellock, Ph.D. is a physiologist with more than 30 years of experience conducting laboratory and clinical investigations in the field of magnetic resonance imaging. Abdominal and pelvic radiographs of medical devices and materialsPart 1: gastrointestinal and vascular devices and materials, Compatibility of endoclips in the gastrointestinal tract with magnetic resonance imaging, Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: what radiologists need to know. This site is Exclusively Sponsored by BRACCO, Orthopedic Implants, Materials, and Devices, Hemostatic Clips, Other Clips, Fasteners, and Staples, Vascular Access Ports, Infusion Pumps*, Catheters, and Accessories, Cardiac Pacemakers, Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs), and Cardiac Monitors, Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUDs) and Other Contraceptive Devices. Please note: a gastric sleeve (or a sleeve gastrectomy) involves a portion of the stomach being removed. Premier Protein Winter Mint Chocolate Shake, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Forum (RNY). 2020 ObesityHelp, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please send your product feedback to: The overwhelming majority of Gastric Band devices are MR Conditional with conditions that are fairly typical and straightforward to satisfy. Orogastric, nasogastric, and transcutaneous gastrointestinal tubes containing no metal components are by definition. Shellock R & D Services, Inc. email This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The MRI safety information contained within this webpage is intended for use by staff from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) and associated health boards, namely: NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Golden Jubilee, NHS Lanarkshire, and NHS Lothian. Information of MRI testing of medical implants, materials, and devices performed by Magnetic Resonance Safety Testing Services. That one is made of stainless steel and titanium, which should be MRI-safe. Field Safety Notice (FSN) - Labeling Update (MRI Safety Information) Date: August 24, 2020 . Hologic, Inc., www.hologic.com. RESHAPE, RESHAPE LIFESCIENCES, LAP-BAND, the ReShape Lifesciences and the LAP-BAND Logos are trademarks of ReShape Lifesciences, Inc. 2021-2022 ReShape Lifesciences, Inc. All rights reserved. The band is adjustable via a port placed in the subcutaneous tissues of the abdomen, which can be filled with a variable volume of liquid to tighten or release the band constriction. CAUTION: Rx only. We, NHS GGC, accept no responsibility for patient injury or adverse outcomes that may occur as a consequence of the information contained herein. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a type of weight-loss surgery. Thank you very much for responding! 32 (4): 1161-78. I can live LIFE., As you use our website, we and our third-party providers use cookies to improve and personalize your experience, to conduct analytics, and to provide targeted online advertising. If you are a patient reading this and have a concern about an MRI scan you are scheduled to attend, we strongly recommend you contact the site where your scan is due to take place, you may also wish to refer to our Information for Patients section. Placement of the Lap-Band System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Visit Amazon.com for more information or to order. 2006;186 (2): 522-34. ObesityHelp is dedicated to the education, empowerment and support of all individuals affected by obesity, along with their families, friends, employers, surgeons and physicians. If the device was implanted elsewhere in the UK after 2012, then the patient may safely undergo 1.5T and 3T MRI. The Easyband was installed as part of a multi-nation clinical trial in Europe including England, The Netherlands, Belgium and Italy. DALLAS 221 W Colorado Blvd, Ste 829, Dallas, TX 75208, PLANO 4100 W 15th St, Ste 216, Plano, TX 75093. Imaging in bariatric surgery: service set-up, post-operative anatomy and complications. B-2245 LAP-BAND AP System Large w/Access Port I Ref. MRI Information The Lap-Band System has been tested for compatibility in the magnetic resonance environment and is MR Conditional. catheterSmiths Medical ASD, Inc.Southington, CT, Acuvance PlusPUR RadiopaqueIntravenous (I.V.) We should note that just because a LINX device is rated safe for MRI does not mean there wont be any risk if you opt to get one. The majority of these are considered to be safe only up to 0.7T, the T standing for tesla, which is a unit of measurement for the strength of magnetic fields. patients and staff from health boards other than those listed above, or staff from private medical organisations use this information at their own risk. I wish I could have saved the time and money. You also have the option of deactivating these cookies. English and Spanish forms are Surgical and minimally invasive Implanted in less than an hour via laparoscopic guidance Safety and comfort Low-pressure inflatable cuff (<0.1bar) with an atraumatic surface Double balloon band Inflated to 10cc, ensures greater stability and less risk of erosion Easy to insert Shape memory band Reversible Extractable by laparoscopy Innovative ports Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. PriMedCo. The only implant from a gastric sleeve are staples, which are covered in a separate policy (, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00948246, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01422941, Patient information sheet for MRI scanning during pregnancy. The LINX system uses a ring of titanium beads containing magnets that is placed around the lower esophagus to help prevent acid reflux. Nous utilisons des cookies pour optimiser notre site web et notre service. The REALIZE band, from a different manufacturer, seems similar. LAP-BAND AP System Standard w/Access Port II Ref. In the U.S. pivotal study of severely obese adults, 42% of the subjects undergoing revision surgery were reported to have adhesions involving the stomach. Some newer systems are rated safe up to 1.5T, though these are not nearly as common. Orogastric, nasogastric, and transcutaneous gastrointestinal tubes containing no metal components are by definition MR Safe . In addition, the magnetic field produced by an MRI machine could interfere with the magnetic bonds in the beads, rendering them ineffective. With good adjustments and follow-up patients can successfully decrease their weight loss and keep a good quality of life as shown in the prospective clinical study published in OBESITY SURGERY DOI 10.1007/s11695-011-0508-9. Eating habits. Radiographics. I'll be having it taken out as soon as financially possible but right now, my shoulder is my issue. GmbH | All Rights Reserved |. There are LINX systems that are designed to be safe for MRIs. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Lap Band on 01/20/10. Programs for MR personnel include: "Introduction to MRI Safety", "Basic MRI Safety Training", and "Advanced MRI Safety Training For Healthcare Professionals". Please refer to the instructions for use at Patient Info for further information on safe MR scanning with the Lap-Band Device. The product insert of a Lap-Band indicates that the device is intended for use in adults age 18 and over. For information, visit MagneticResonanceSafetyTesting.com NEW for 2022 MRI Textbook Patients results and experience may vary. Artificial muscle devices: innovations and prospects for fecal incontinence treatment. Find safety related information pertaining to thousands of specific implants or devices. However, based on the information at this website. The only implant from a gastric sleeve are staples, which are covered in a separate policy (Staples). I had MRIs done while banded, no problem. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. With regard to two gastric band devices of concern (Allergan/Endoart Medical Technologies, Easyband device and Cavu Medicals, Attune device), implanted as part of clinical trials, see the additional information section below. Notwendige Cookies sind unbedingt erforderlich, damit die Website ordnungsgem funktioniert. Shellock R & D Services, Inc. email: Frank.ShellockREMOVE@MRIsafety.com. If the device was implanted outside of the locations and dates described above, then the make and model of the device must be established in order to determine the MRI safety status of the device. 3. A gastric band is a popular form of bariatric surgery and is a surgically placed device, used to assist in weight loss and is adjustable. B-2260 supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. (1) Six years experience with adjustable gastric band. Of note is that the conditions preclude the use of the body transmit coil (or transmission over the area of the device with a local body transmit coil) i.e. Information regarding the clinical trial can be found here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00948246. Of these, the cookies, which are categorized as required, are stored in your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functions of the website. Unable to process the form. Please note: a gastric sleeve (or a sleeve gastrectomy) involves a portion of the stomach being removed. This site is Exclusively Sponsored by BRACCO, Orthopedic Implants, Materials, and Devices. PDF View The only gastric band in the world with a 360 degrees port (EV3) to facilitate adjustment with a needle in any direction for ease and convenience. titaniumhemostatic clipOrigin MedsystemsMenlo Park, CA, AcuMed Advanced Magnetic PatchesAcumed, www.acumedpatches.com, ACURATE TF (Transfemoral) Aortic Bioprosthesis Symetis SA, www.symetis.com, Acuvance JelcoFEP RadiopaqueIntravenous (I.V.) By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: what radiologists need to know. LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System FSN-20-001 . From here we develop, manufacture and distribute our medical products throughout the world. I'm overly cautious and very much appreciate your input. 68% loss of excess weight after 5 years of treatment with the HELIOGAST HAGA adjustable gastric band (1). Trendweight here! Non-approved users i.e. The port can be accessed using fluoroscopy to puncture the port. titaniummisc.Johnson and JohnsonBerkshire, UK, Large Rigid Burr Hole Coverneurosurgery fixationC.P. There are LINX systems that are designed to be safe for MRIs. Low complication rate after implantation of the HELIOGAST HAGA adjustable gastric band. The MIDBAND TM gastric band is an implantable device intended to permit significant weight loss in the case of morbid obesity, by restricting the quantity of food ingested. We believe hundreds (not thousands) of patients had these devices implanted. The surgeon puts an adjustable band around the top part of the stomach. Sorry to hear you're having rotator cuff issues. CONTACTUS. Good luck to you! Eid I, Birch DW, Sharma AM, Sherman V, Karmali S. Complications associated with adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity: a surgeon's guides. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies such as cookies to store and/or access device information. Does anyone know of ANY lapbands that are NOT MRI safe? Imaging can be used to assess for complicationssuch as 1-3: The band, port and the tubing between them is also visible on plain radiographs. I had it placed in Mexico with Dr. Rumbaut (Who I've called and left voice messages, emailed and sent facebook messages with no response) back in 2001. Field Safety Notice (FSN) - Labeling Update (MRI Safety Information) Date: August 24, 2020 . This is the definitive textbook on MRI safety for radiologists and other physicians, MRI technologists, physicists, scientists, MRI facility managers, and others. Br J Radiol. Or any other medical diagnostic testing for that matter. A little Google research suggests that the band is MRI-safe. The patient themselves or existing patient records and/or images may be able to assist you in confirming the type of the device a patient has. A steel oxygen tank is never permitted inside of the MRI system room. Sun-Flex, MAC 4, 304 SS. However, disabling some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Journal canadien de chirurgie. was discontinued in 2017, it is a lifetime implant that may occasionally be encountered in patients presenting for MRI. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of interior parts of the body. Read MR Safety Disclaimer Before Proceeding, HX201LR-135L by Olympus). All remaining clips on the market aremade of titanium, tantalum or non-ferromagnetic stainless steel and are labeled, I am aware of only one currently manufactured enteric tube considered to be. B-2265 LAP-BAND AP System Large w/Access Port II The LAP-BAND AP Adjustable Gastric Banding System is Storage or technical access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. IMRSER promotes awareness, understanding, and communication of MR safety issues through education and research. Experienced reflux doctors such as Dr. Malladi can help you make the right decision about LINX devices and MRI scans. 84 (998): 101-11. Device and model specific conditions mustbe reviewed. That one is made of stainless steel and titanium, which should be MRI-safe. Copyright 2023 by Shellock R & D Services, Inc. and Frank G. Shellock, Ph.D. All rights reserved. The MRI safety information contained within this webpage is intended for use by staff from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) and associated health boards, namely: NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Borders, NHS Dumfries & Galloway, NHS Fife, NHS Forth Valley, NHS Golden Jubilee, NHS Lanarkshire, and NHS Lothian. Low-pressure inflatable band. MRIsafety.com is Exclusively Sponsored by BRACCO, MAGNETIC RESONANCE SAFETY TESTING SERVICES is a highly experienced MRI-safety testing company that conducts comprehensive evaluations of implants, devices, objects, and materials. This creates a very small stomach pouch. These generally present no concern and nearly all are labeled MR Conditional. Under these scan conditions, the Lap-Band System is expected to produce a maximum temperature rise of 1.7C after 15 minutes of continuous monitoring. Some newer systems are rated safe up to 1.5T, though these are not nearly as common. BioEnterics LAP-BAND System Overview Access Ports Accessories Now Available! Object Status Conditional 5. AJR Am J Roentgenol. the band's slip-through buckle design makes laparoscopic placement around the stomach Regardless of the catheter safety rating, however, "MR Unsafe" Boubella Esophageal Stent (Ella-CS), , which generally limits field strength, SAR, and spatial gradient fields, but in some cases also includes a requirement to wait 6-8 weeks post implantation before scanning. During the Lap-Band Procedure, a Gastric Band is placed around your stomach in the course of a minimally invasive, outpatient laparoscopic surgery. Adiana Radiopaque Implant. Of note is that the conditions preclude the use of the body transmit coil (or transmission over the area of the device with a local body transmit coil) i.e. Stents are tube-like implants often in the form of a mesh designed to keep open the lumens of various anatomic structures affected by tumors, scarring, or other diseases. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 18 Jan 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-21110, {"containerId":"expandableQuestionsContainer","displayRelatedArticles":true,"displayNextQuestion":true,"displaySkipQuestion":true,"articleId":21110,"questionManager":null,"mcqUrl":"https://radiopaedia.org/articles/gastric-band/questions/1487?lang=us"}, Case 6: SBO due to endoluminal migration of a fractured gastric band, Case 8: dilated esophagus due to tight gastric band, Laproscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), must be measured with the gastric band in profile, angle measured between a vertical line oriented to the vertebral column and another through the long-axis of the gastric band. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Since the Lap-Band Surgery, I can run, I can swim, I can play at the park with my son. Adhesix Bioring, Adjustable Gastric Band with Self-Adhesive Port. catheterSmiths Medical ASD, Inc.Southington, CT, ACX Tissue Expander, Integrated Magnetic Injection Port (various models)Sientra, www.sientra.com, Adapt Carotid Stentcarotid artery stentNitinol, TantalumEndotex Interventional Systems, Inc.Cupertino, CA, Adapta Cardiac PacemakerMedtronic, Inc., www.medtronic.com, Adapter used for ICPAesculap Inc.Center Valley, PA, Adhesix Bioring, Adjustable Gastric Band with Self-Adhesive PortCousin Biotech, www.cousin-biotech.com, Adiana Radiopaque Implant Adiana Permanent Contraception System Hologic, Inc., www.hologic.com, Adiana Silicone Implantpermanent female contraception devicesiliconeAdiana, Inc.Redwood City, CA, Adjustable Combination Pliers152-mmNewmatic Medical, www.newmaticmedical.com, Adjustable combination pliersP-30Ampco Safety ToolsGarland, TX. Keep in mind that you are dealing with metal and magnets inside your chest, so consult with your doctor prior to making decisions about diagnostic scans. Only staff from these health boards are approved to use this information and local variations to the policies detailed may apply. A radiologist may know for sure. 2023 Copyright Malladi Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery. Analysis of 1582 cases - 41 tons of weight loss, N. Sikas. 4. No. This policy covers considerations for 1.5T and 3T MRI in patients with gastric bands. But you'd hate to have pain in both shoulders, most definitely. The use of powerful magnets can be problematic for people with certain implants, including LINX devices. For this reason, I recommend patients carry a card with them identifying themselves as a Lap-Band patient. One model of this has a titanium port, and the other model is plastic. Phi angle is useful to assess position 1: Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. I found the documentation on the standard lap-band produced by the Allergan company. There are two types of stents, both esophageal, that are known to be either, at 1.5T. Cavu Medicals Attune device was implanted as part of an Australian Clinical Trial. The MR Conditions can be found on page 5 of the attachment below. 360 soft balloon. ActiFlo Indwelling Bowel Catheter Systemalso known as Zassi Bowel Management SystemHollister IncorporatedLibertyville, IL, ActiGait Implantable Drop Foot StimulatorNeurostimulation SystemOttobock, www.ottobock.com, ActiPatch BioElectronics Corporation http://www.bielcorp.com/products/actipatch/, active L Lumbar Disc ImplantB. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Two devices of concern are Allergan/Endoart Medical Technologies, Easyband device and Cavu Medicals, Attune device. Sleeve gastrectomy is a bariatric surgical procedure involving resection of the greater curvature of the fundus and body of the stomach to leave approximately 15% of the original gastric volume (60-100 mL), thus creating functional restriction. Cousin Biotech, www.cousin-biotech.com. The most important with an adjustable gastric band is the patient follow-up. Everything I've read says yes, it is as that topic has been addressed many times here.