Advantages of the LAP-BAND System
The expert surgeons at Mercy Hospital have found the LAP-BAND procedure to be the lowest-risk and least invasive weight loss surgery option for adults. For that reason, here at Mercy, we focus exclusively on LAP-BAND surgery. Its advantages include:

* Minimally invasive surgical technique
* Adjustable-safest bariatric procedure
* Reversible
* Shortened overnight hospital stay
* Quick recovery
* Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) option


Why Mercy?

Multi-disciplinary Program Led by Renowned Experts
Mercy provides a well-rounded, comprehensive LAP-BAND program led by a team of experts. Mercy's expert team of clinicians includes board certified surgeons who are specialty trained in minimally invasive surgery and renowned in their field.  In fact, Mercy surgeons are among only a few in the nation to offer the Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) option to LAP-BAND patients, leaving no visible scar. Mercy's multidisciplinary program includes a designated dietician, psychologist, exercise physiologist and program coordinator. Working together, Mercy's LAP-BAND team has performed the highest volume of LAP-BAND surgeries in Illinois bringing an unparalleled level of experience and knowledge to patients. Our comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach places Mercy at the top among other weight loss centers in Chicago.

A Minimally Invasive Option with No Visible Scarring
As a leader in weight loss surgery, Mercy surgeons offer a minimally invasive technique to LAP-BAND patients that leaves no visible scarring. Rather than the traditional five small incisions, Mercy surgeons use a Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS) technique creating a half-inch incision, deep in the umbilicus. The single incision is essentially hidden in the umbilicus leaving no obvious scarring. Mercy surgeons are one of only a few in the nation to widely implement the LESS technique.

Expert, Convenient Care
Obesity rates are on the rise and 65 percent of U.S. adults are now overweight or obese significantly increasing their risk for a number of diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and cancer.  As a leading hospital in Chicago Mercy offers patients who are considering LAP-BAND the comfort and convenience of having all of their health care needs met in one location. Each program is staffed with experts who are renowned in their fields and are ready to address any existing health conditions as a result of increased weight including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, respiratory issues, sleep disorders, joint concerns, and behavioral issues.

Am I A Candidate?
While many factors are considered to determine candidacy for the LAP-BAND procedure, generally if you are 100 pounds overweight and other weight loss programs have not worked for you, the LAP-BAND program may be the right choice for you. It is important to remember that LAP-BAND is an aid to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake and reducing appetite. You must plan an active role to lose weight and keep it off by adopting a different, healthier lifestyle and eating pattern for the rest of your life. Support is one of the key factors in having a successful LAP-BAND procedure. As such, you will be invited to join our LAP-BAND support group offered weekly after approval for surgery. Support groups are offered 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after surgery with the option to join a long-term support group.

Is Lap-BAND Covered by Insurance?
With the increased understanding of the health risks associated with overweight and obesity, many insurance plans now covering bariatric surgery including the Lap-BAND system. Mercy's Lap-BAND program provides a dedicated staff member to help you find your way through the sometimes overwhelming approval process and help you understand and maximize your health benefits. In addition, Mercy offers a cash price option for patients who do not have insurance. For more information, please call 312.567.BAND or attend a free introductory seminar. 

Begin Your Journey
Our unique program begins with a FREE introductory, informative seminar given by one of our expert surgeons, followed by extensive pre-operative evaluation. We offer 12 weeks of pre-operative group sessions with a nutritionist and psychologist where participants learn about the LAP-BAND surgery, living with the band, and how it will improve their health. At Mercy, our LAP-BAND Program is not just a surgical procedure, but also a change in lifestyle offering you continuous support through out your journey before and after surgery.  At Mercy, we are helping those living with obesity regain control and live healthier, active and fulfilling lives.

Attending one of our seminars is the first step on your journey to long-term, permanent weight loss for life and will help you determine if LAP-BAND is the right choice for you. To reserve your space, call 312.567.BAND (2263) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it