Surgical Associates of Marshall County is proud to offer an amazing new option for the surgical management of severe obesity. For various reasons the LAP-BAND System may be exactly what you're looking for. We're having free informational seminars monthly (check our calendar) so you can find out if the LAP-BAND is for you. If you'd like immediate information you may call our LAP-BAND/Gastric Bypass hotline at (256) 302-7189 or either one of our office locations.

 Click here for "before and after" pictures of some of our Lap Band patients

If you would like to find out your BMI (Body Mass Index), click here for a downloadable BMI chart.

What is the Lap-Band System?

Approved by the FDA in June 2001, the BioEnterics^® LAP-BAND^® Adjustable Gastric Banding System is the newest and the 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.

If you would like to see a video of the Lap Band procedure performed by Dr. Groves & Dr. Britt, please click HERE. (Quicktime is required to view the clip, you can download Quicktime HERE for free.)

Minimally Invasive Approach

During the procedure, surgeons usually use laparoscopic techniques (using small incisions and long-shafted instruments rather than a large incision), to implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient's abdomen. Like a wristwatch, the band is fastened around the upper 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.

Least Traumatic Procedure

Since ther is no cutting, stapling or stomach rerouting involved in the LAP-BAND System procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the LAP-BAND System needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.

Adjustable Treatment

The LAP-BAND System is also the only adjustable weight loss surgery available in the United States. The diameter of the band is adjustable to meet your individual needs, which can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren't experiencing significant weight loss can have their bands tightened.

To modify the size of the band, its inner surface can be inflated or deflated with saline solution. The band is connected by tubing to a reservoir, which is placed well under the skin during surgery. After the operation, the surgeon can control the amount of saline in the band by entering the reservoir with a fine needle through the skin.

If you'd like to visit the LAP-BAND website and view their full F.A.Q. about this procedure, click HERE.

Here are some before & after picture of LAP-BAND patients:

The LAP-BAND website has a collection of articles that have appeared in the press regarding the LAP-BAND System. If you would like to view any of these articles, you can click HERE.