Nothing "Fun" in a Fun Sized Candy

Halloween is looming, and it's time to face that time of year when the parties abound and the kids are out for trick or treating. Let's be honest, who hasn't wanted to join in the fun with the kids of unwrapping their "fun-sized" treats, and steal some of their candy loot? Well, Board-Certified Weight Loss Surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz warns patients that even though these little candy packages look harmless and that one or two won't hurt anybody, most of these packages contain about 100-200 calories, and of course those add up when you eat one after the other.

What's more concerning is that our nationwide obesity epidemic, which includes more than one-third of the adult population, also includes 18 percent of the nation's children, who have a BMI of 30+. Although these fun-sized candies seem appropriate for children, they only have a daily caloric necessity of less than 1600 calories for young children, and less than 2000 for older children. Obviously those fun sizes will add up even more quickly for the young ones than their parents, or those of us who simply like to snack on the sweets at work or parties! Keep in mind that Halloween can be fun without the indulging in too many of those calories bombs such as candy and cocktails. 

For a better alternative to the fun-sized candies, choose something else lower in calories (these examples are about 100 calories each), such as:

• 2 Dum Dum lollipops
• 4.5 Tootsie Roll "Midgees"
• 3.5 Twizzler Licorice candies
• 5 Starburst Fruit Chews
• 13 pieces of Candy Corn

To learn more about Dr. Feiz and weight loss surgery, visit www.drfeiz.com. 

Nobody does it Alone

Although Dr. Feiz is obviously an expert in achieving the best results through various types of weight loss surgery, we also like to keep abreast of other methods of achieving weight loss.

Earlier in the week, a study of the results of attendance at Weight Watchers on weight loss by weight management specialists at Baylor College of Medicine got its share of media attention. What it found wasn't at all surprising. It showed the people who enrolled in Weight Watchers were about eight times more likely to lose 5 percent of their body weight over six months than those who did not.

While, to be more fair, the study should probably have looked at such other weight loss organizations as TOPS and Overeaters Anonymous, anyone who understands anything about weight loss in Los Angeles or anywhere wlese would not be surprised by this. As one psychologist in the study pointed out, we human beings are social animals and it simply makes sense that the camaraderie and social reinforcement of a group would encourage weight loss, even to the very modest degree measured by the study.

The fact of the matter is that, whether you're losing weight via an organized group like Weight Watchers or are getting a lap band in Los Angeles from Dr. Feiz, things will go far better with a strong social support system. While support from friends and family can be crucial, support from people who are going through a similar experience of weight loss is sometimes even more helpful.

While not every group is good for everyone, we certainly encourage everyone who is trying to lose weight to connect with others who are doing the same. It's not the same kind of medical power tool as bariatric surgery but, especially for people with relatively minor weight problems, it's not a bad start.

October's Patient Ambassador, Robert, Lost 85 Pounds Since Mid-June!

We have many extraordinary patients who have successfully lost weight with gastric sleeve surgery at the offices of Dr. Feiz & Associates, and October's Patient Ambassador Robert Berganio truly stands out among them. What truly makes Robert an incredible patient is the way he has embraced the lifestyle change that is necessary to be successful in losing weight, and just taking a quick look at him proves that! He has shed 85 pounds and 8 inches off his waistline since his procedure on June 13, 2013, and now he is living a happier, healthier life where he is in control of his hunger, rather hunger controlling him.

Dr. Feiz & Associates October Patient Ambassador, Robert Berganio, before and after

Gastric sleeve surgery involves the removal of approximately 85 percent of the stomach, with the remaining segment stapled off and fashioned into the shape of a small banana, or sleeve. Patients not only have a smaller stomach capacity, they also experience much less hunger when the part of the stomach called the fundus is removed. The fundus produces "the hunger hormone," called ghrelin, which increases when we feel hungry decreases when we're satisfied. With lower levels of ghrelin, patients like Robert don't experience cravings and feel full after eating much small quantities of food.

Robert recommends board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz, saying: "I love the man, any questions or any concerns I had, I would call him and he would be the one to call me back right away." Robert added, "I'm just really happy with Dr. Feiz and his staff,  I have no regrets."

New Research Points to Link Between Weight Gain During Pregnancy and Childhood Obesity

At Dr. Feiz & Associates, we are proud to provide cutting-edge solutions for weight loss in Los Angeles that can make a substantial difference in enhancing the length and quality of one's life. In recent years, our work has thankfully been aided by the recognition of obesity as a disease, allowing for better care and various types of weight loss surgery treatment options for those suffering from excess weight. That's why we wanted to share this piece of news that further illustrates the importance of recognizing obesity as a treatable disease.

Medical News Today reports that researchers from Boston Children's Hospital have found that women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are at a higher risk of having overweight or obese children. In the study, records of all live births in Arkansas were matched with state-mandated data on childhood body mass index and height from public schools between 2003 and 2011. The researchers found that for every kilogram of weight a mother gained during pregnancy, their child's BMI would increase by 8% by age 12.

Dr. David Ludwig, author of the study remarks that "for all but the most obese mothers, some weight gain is necessary to ensure good nutrition to the developing fetus." However, Dr. Ludwig notes that "public health measures to avoid excessive, not just inadequate, pregnancy weight gain are warranted."

While more research is needed before conclusive results are known, it is worth noting that bariatric weight loss solutions from Dr. Feiz can always prove exceptionally useful for those looking to enhance their health in and potentially lengthen their lives. For a free consultation, or any questions regarding bariatric surgeries like lap band in Los Angeles, contact Dr. Feiz & Associates today.