Over the years, weight loss surgery has proven to be a successful method for the treatment of morbid obesity. Surgical options have continued to evolve and the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center is pleased to be able to offer patients the LAP-BAND AP System surgery – the most widely used gastric banding system in the United States. This procedure is minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible, and has 10 times lower short-term mortality rate than gastric bypass.

Whether or not to have weight loss surgery may be one of the most important decisions of your life. Although most patients enjoy an improvement in obesity-related health conditions and self-esteem after the successful results of weight loss surgery, these results should not be the overriding motivation for having the procedure. The goal is to live better, healthier and longer.

That is why you should make the decision to have weight loss surgery only after careful consideration and consultation with an experienced bariatric surgeon or a knowledgeable family physician. A qualified surgeon will answer your questions clearly and explain the exact details of the procedure, the extent of the recovery, and the reality of the follow-up care that will be required. They may, as a part of routine evaluation for weight loss surgery, require that you consult with a nutritionist or a psychologist. This will to help establish a clear understanding of the post-operative changes in behavior that are essential for long-term success.

It is important to remember that there are no guarantees in any kind of medicine or surgery. There can be unexpected outcomes in even the simplest procedures. Weight loss surgery will only succeed when the patient makes a lifelong commitment. The goal of surgery is to help the patient modify their behavior so that with proper diet and exercise, successful weight loss can be achieved. To help patients achieve their goals and deal with the changes surgery and weight loss can bring, the NIX Weight Loss Surgery Center offers monthly support groups as well as on-line support groups to assist with your ongoing success.

Ultimately, the decision to have the procedure is entirely up to you. After having heard all the information, you must decide if the advantages outweigh the risks and potential complications. Your ultimate success depends on strict adherence to the recommended dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes. The LAP-BAND AP System provides a unique tool that can help you achieve and maintain significant weight loss, improve your health, and enhance your quality of life.