FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2007

DES MOINES, IA - Two surgeons with years of experience in advanced laparoscopic surgery have expanded their practice to include minimally invasive (laparoscopic) Lap-Band surgery. Drs. Steve Cahalan and Mark Smolik, of the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction have provided laparoscopic gastric bypass surgeries since 2002 and have been encouraged by the amount of interest they have already received for Lap-Band surgery.

“Our patients are well-educated and knowledgeable about the surgical options available to them and Lap-Band surgery is one option that is appealing for many reasons,” said Dr. Cahalan. “Laparoscopic Lap-band surgery is a proven weight loss method that has been shown to have fewer complications, less pain, fewer side effects and a quicker return to normal activities.”

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.

The Lap-Band system is for patients who are 100 pounds or more above their ideal weight and is also the only adjustable and reversible obesity surgery available in the U.S. Once the Lap-Band is placed, it can be tightened or loosened in an outpatient setting so that the weight loss is tailored to the patient’s individual needs.

“There are so many diseases that improve dramatically or disappear following surgery - diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and severe reflux as examples,” said Dr. Smolik. “Equally important is that patients who have had this surgery are able to enjoy everyday activities that before were prohibited by their weight. They truly get their lives back.”

Drs. Smolik and Cahalan both emphasized that the Lap-Band surgery should be thought of as an important tool for a patient’s overall weight-loss plan and goals.

“Patients need to be committed to the entire process,” said Dr. Cahalan. “It’s more than just doing surgery. It involves diet, exercise and support.”

“The Mercy Center for Weight Reduction program is unique in that aspect,” added Dr. Smolik. “All of our programs follow a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss that includes pre and post-surgery diet guidance, exercise instruction and counseling.”

Patients interested in learning more about Lap-Band surgery or other weight-loss options available through the Mercy Center for Weight Reduction can call 515-643-0556 for the dates and times of the Center’s free informational sessions.