Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lap-Band

Mercy Center for Weight Reduction is pleased to be offering qualifying patients the minimally- invasive LAP-BAND® (gastric banding) bariatric surgery.

Approved by the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2001, LAP-BAND® is the first U.S. FDA-approved adjustable gastric band for use in weight reduction. 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, Dr. Mark Smolik or Dr. Steve Cahalan, will use small incisions and long-shafted instruments (laparoscopic techniques) to implant an inflatable silicone band into the your 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, you 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 weight-loss surgeries.  The minimally-invasive approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery.

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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