January 8, 2008

Mercy Medical Center—Des Moines will hold an information session regarding LAP-BAND® weight loss surgery on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston. Dr. Mark Smolik, medical director for the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction, will lead the free informational session.

Dr. Smolik and Dr. Steve Cahalan—two surgeons with years of experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery-—offer the minimally invasive LAP-BAND® surgery at Mercy Capitol. 

The seminar is free and is open to the public. Pre-registration is preferred by calling (515) 653-0556.

The LAP-BAND® system helps patients achieve sustained weight loss by limiting how much they can eat, reducing their appetite and slowing digestion.  The system consists of a silicone elastic ring placed around the upper part of the stomach. The band also controls the stoma (stomach outlet) between the two parts of the stomach. When the stoma is smaller, patients feel full sooner and are not hungry between meals.