Lap Band to Sleeve Gastrectomy Conversion Picks up Stragglers

Many patients undergoing bariatric surgery opt for the lap band procedure because it can be an effective tool for dramatic weight loss. It's also one of the least invasive bariatric surgeries available. Yet, even though this surgery has had a life-changing effect on many patients, many can feel that it's not adequate enough. Some lap band patients, though they have a stomach with a reduced capacity, have a hard time feeling full. This is why a percentage of lap band patients turn to Dr. Feiz for a lap band to sleeve gastrectomy conversion.

The lap band has a reputation for predominantly being a behavioral modification procedure as it physically restricts the amount of food a person can eat. On the other hand, sleeve gastrectomy surgery  does that as well while also targeting the hormonal aspect of hunger. A gastric sleeve suppresses the hunger-stimulating hormone Ghrelin, allowing a patient to feel fuller faster. When a patient doesn't get their expected result from a lap band (usually because they still have problems restricting their portion sizes), they get the conversion surgery. This is a huge decision to make, practically as serious as the decision to get bariatric surgery in the first place. If you're considering this surgery, you should consult with an experienced, caring, and honest doctor like Dr. Feiz to discuss your options.

Weight Loss Drug Qsymia vs Bariatric Surgery

Recently, the FDA approved a weight loss drug for the first time in 13 years. Qsymia, a combination of the appetite suppressant phentermine and the anticonvulsant drug topiramate, is being marketed towards obese patients and overweight patients with certain health concerns. While Dr. Feiz and his associates may eventually prescribe Qsymia, they question its efficacy especially when compared to a surgery like sleeve gastrectomy.

Now, those considering weight loss in Los Angeles wonder if this pill can take the place of bariatric surgery for those dangerously concerned about their health. As mentioned in our recent article, "Now It's Time for Science to Take a Crack at Weight Loss," Qsymia promises a 10% excess weight loss per year. This is good for any patient who needs to lose weight; however, it pales to the effects of gastric sleeve which Dr. Feiz estimates removes at least 70% excess weight loss. Also, many current prescriptions of drugs similar to those found in Qsymia are only prescribed temporarily, causing some to wonder what their long term effects are on weight loss. Nonetheless, both are about reclaiming one's health and if Qsymia happens to change lives for the better then it can be a powerful tool for surgeons like Dr. Feiz to better help their patients.

Italian Doctor Puts His Faith in Gastric Bypass

A 10-year study out of Naples, Italy, suggests that long-term weight loss results from gastric bypass are "statistically superior" to those of gastric banding. This small-scale study out of San Giovanni Bosco Hospital offered that lap band patients had a mean loss of excess body weight of 46%, while gastric bypass patients had one of 69%. While, yes, gastric bypass has been more effective here, we should not forget that both of these results are incredible and these patients have begun to live healthier lives, regardless of their numerical weight loss.

That being said, gastric bypass isn't always the appropriate bariatric surgery for everyone. Your weight loss surgery needs to be customized for your specific goals and health concerns. Also, some surgeries inherently come with more complications, so lesser-invasive procedures (such as a sleeve gastrectomy) should be considered for those with severe health issues. Dr. Feiz and his associates are available to answer your questions about any type of bariatric surgery, so come to them to discuss your options.

Bariatric surgery could be cost effective even for mildly obese

The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis released a report that suggests that bariatric surgery is cost-effective for mildly obese patients and the severely obese. By cost-effective, the study means that the price of surgery is much less than the patient's lifetime medical costs due to obesity-related illnesses. A postdoctoral research associate and first author of the study wants to make bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy surgery, universally available to all obese people.

As more studies and research like this come to light, patients turn to Dr. Feiz & Associates for weight-loss treatments and consultations in Los Angeles. His many proud patients share their glowing testimonials on his site. One woman, who got a lap band in Los Angeles, states it was the "best decision of my life" and that Dr. Feiz is "a great and caring surgeon." He compassionately works with his patients to guide them through this life-changing process. More stories can be read here: http://www.drfeiz.com/patient-stories/blog.html

Obesity and Polyps: Another Cancer Link

According to a brand new release by the National Cancer Institute, overweight people are more likely to develop colon polyps. The incidence of polyps among obese patients was 22% versus 19% in slimmer people. Avoiding polyps is no reason to turn to bariatric surgery on its own, but as a component of the larger tapestry of hazards that weight loss can help you dodge it is worth consideration.

Also known as adenomas, polyps are bundles of cells that bunch together and start to grow outward from the lining of a patient's colon. Significantly, most colon cancers are thought to develop from the tissues in colon polyps. Less than ten percent of polyps actually turn cancerous, but it's food for thought. Sleeve gastrectomy and other operations are a serious matter but remaining obese is a serious condition.

After recent revelations about increased risk of other types of cancer, this is just another of the myriad ways in which obesity can potentially shorten a person's life. Weight loss in Los Angeles is always the right move for your health; this is just one more reason.

Heart attack risk factors reduced in the long-term after gastric bypass

Bariatric surgery reduces the long-term chance of a heart attack, according to another study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Before, doctors agreed that bariatric surgery cuts down heart attack risk in the short term, but this study followed patients for up to 7 years.

All the patients in the study were examined before and after gastric bypass, with special emphasis on cardiac risk factors. Besides an average weight loss of 81 pounds, these patients noticed an improvement in cardiac risk factors after 7 years. Examples include: lower total cholesterol, a rise in good cholesterol, reduced bad cholesterol, and fewer triglycerides.

This is just another benefit for those wanting to reclaim their lives by getting bariatric surgery. Dr. Feiz and his associates are experts in procedures like gastric sleeve and lap band in Los Angeles. If you're concerned for your health and you think weight loss surgery can help, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Feiz at 310 855-8058.

Study says bariatric surgery has healthy implications for patient's family members, too

As more and more people have bariatric surgery, scientists discover unexpected positive effects of the procedure. Since late last year, studies have been released supporting the idea that family members of people who received bariatric surgeries have also lost weight. These surgeries, whether it be a gastric sleeve or a lap band, from Dr. Feiz & Associates are about taking control of your health and it's good to see that they have greater, favorable consequences.

This rippling of weight loss to spouses and children is attributed to many factors. Firstly, surgeons like Dr. Feiz offer diet and lifestyle counseling before and after surgeries. This acts as valuable education, giving patients important information in order to reevaluate their relationship with food. Also, family members tend to support the patient after surgery in healthy ways. Either families will all start walking or exercising together or they remove all the junk food from the house, which has a positive outcome for the familial unit as a whole. Finally, especially when the person receiving the surgery is the primary purchaser and maker of food, meals in these household just get healthier overall.

Bariatric surgeries, of course, should be the last resort for obese patients needing drastic weight loss. Nonetheless, it can be an affirming step for many people (and their loved ones) to reclaim their lives.

Follow-up meetings after bariatric surgery extremely important

Weight loss surgery continues to be prominent in the news as more studies are published and celebrities come forth about their own experiences. These stories praise the bariatric surgery and the resulting weight loss, yet some don't emphasize enough the importance of following up with your doctor post-surgery.

Dr. Feiz is a board certified plastic surgeon who truly values post-surgical meetings. After your gastric sleeve or lap band in Beverly Hills, you should not hesitate to schedule regular follow-up meetings. These meetings are essential to ensure that the surgical changes are monitored. However, regular consultations with a doctor also:

• Support the dietary aspects of the weight loss process and ensure nutritional health.
• Allow exercise regimens to be monitored.
• Provide care for the patient's mental health, giving them a compassionate person who listens to their concerns.
• Let doctors act as resources for the latest news on bariatric surgeries.
• Strengthen the patient-surgeon bond.

Information is very important for healthy post-surgical weight loss. Call Dr. Feiz and his associates for a free consultation to find out if you qualify for bariatric surgery. If you do, don't forget to follow-up!