Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lap-Band

Mercy Center for Weight Reduction is pleased to be offering qualifying patients the minimally invasive LAP-BAND® weight loss surgery.

Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration FDA in June 2001, LAP-BAND® is the newest and only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the United States. It induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

During the procedure, Mercy Center for Weight Reduction surgeons will use small incisions and long-shafted instruments (laparoscopic techniques) to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient’s abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the supper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch that limits and controls the amount of food you eat. It also creates a small outlet that slows the emptying process into the stomach and the intestines. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food. In turn, this results in weight loss.

Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the LAP-BAND® procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weigh loss surgeries.  The minimally invasive approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery.

LAP-BAND® is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery. The diameter of the band is adjustable for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight.

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