An articulating surgical instrument (10) is provided including a handle (12), an articulating portion (14) extending distally of the handle and an end effector (16) positioned on a distal end of the articulating portion. A flexible drive band is provided for movement through the articulating portion (14) and end effector (16). The flexible drive band includes a first portion having a first height and the second portion having a second height greater than the first height. The difference in heights being sufficient to eject staples from a body portion of the end effector into an anvil member of the end effector. An actuation mechanism is provided for drawing the flexible drive band through the articulating surgical instrument (10).
