The Shame of Shaming

It's amazing but, in this day and age, there are still people who believe we can socially stigmatize our way to a reduction in obesity. Those of us involved in weight loss surgery, and those of us who are dealing with weight issues understand one fact that people who are not intimately involved with weight issues might never come to understand: eating is nothing like smoking or drug use.

It's true that a certain amount of social stigma has been helpful in combating such substance addictions as cigarette smoking and perhaps alcoholism too. However, there is one major and glaringly obvious difference between these addictions and chronic overeating -- you can theoretically stop overeating, but you can't stop eating entirely. Moreover, without treatment, the urges only get stronger as you lose weight. No surprise then that a new study published in the journal, PLoS ONE, shows that the more obese people feel discriminated against for their weight, the more likely they are to remain obese.

The reason treatments like sleeve gastrectomy surgery have become necessary is that overeating might be similar to an addiction, but it simply can't be dealt with in the same way. We're all "addicted" to food in the sense that we need it to live and our body is constantly driving us to eat. What appears to be happening is that overweight people seem to have more persistent, harder to resist signals being sent to them.

Even here in looks-conscious Los Angeles, even the most well-off, and well-motivated, obese celebrity with access to the best trainers and nutritionists in the world might find weight loss next to impossible without a lap band in Beverly Hills. Clearly, then, shaming and discrimination is not what obese people need to help them lose weight. Most of them have plenty of that already. What overweight people need to lose weight is pretty simple: help.

Weight Loss Surgery can Dramatically Affect the Health of Your Child

As the premier team for weight loss in Los Angeles, the staff at Dr. Feiz and Associates is always interested on the latest news regarding bariatric surgery or other health-related news. That's why we were particularly thrilled to read a story posted in the Los Angeles Times earlier today regarding the positive effects of weight loss surgery on a woman's children.

A growing body of research illustrates that a pregnant woman's own health issues have a powerful impact on those of her child, particularly in regards to weight status. However, the study also shows that weight-loss procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery or other bariatric procedures can change a child's health outcome dramatically. Compared to their peers born to obese women, children born to mothers following weight-loss surgery are significantly less likely to be obese. In fact, they generally show healthier blood pressure, lipid profiles and metabolic function.

Looking at a group of siblings born to the same mother - some before and some after weight-loss surgery - Canadian researchers found a significant difference in the way genes influencing weight, metabolic function and inflammation express themselves. It is a process known as "fetal programming", in which a woman's nutrition, stress levels, exposure to toxic pollutants and her own health status can bend a baby's genetic make-up, not by changing the code, but by tweaking the way those genes carry out their program.

For Dr. Feiz and his team, much of this comes as little surprise, however, it is particularly gratifying to see the results of the study confirmed and publicized in such a widely read publication as the Los Angeles Times. If this leads to more women (and men, for that matter) making healthier choices in their lives, we couldn't be more pleased. If you're interested in lap band in Beverly Hills or any of Dr. Feiz's other life-changing procedures, contact Dr. Feiz and Associates today!

Randy Jackson says farewell to Idol; We take a look back on his weight loss journey

Last night on American Idol, we said good-bye to a staple of the long-running talent competition, Randy Jackson. After a surprisingly sweet farewell video, viewers not only saw Mr. Jackson's journey on the show, but also his weight loss over the years. It reminded the team here at Dr. Feiz and Associates of the bariatric surgery that he has been so open to discussing.

Randy Jackson join a growing list of celebrity weight loss surgery recipients when he received the gastric bypass procedure about ten years ago. It's been reported that he lost 100 pounds in the first year and, by making dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes, has kept it off. He even wrote a book in 2008 on getting "a jump on your best health ever," which even has weight loss surgery friendly versions of some of his favorite Southern dishes.

Michael Feiz, MD, FACS has seen many similar results in his many patients throughout the years. A top-ranked surgeon performing gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and the lap band in Beverly Hills, Dr. Feiz ensures that life-altering weight loss for his patients is attainable. He achieves this through compassionate aftercare, world-class surgical expertise, and a supportive staff out of his Beverly Hills clinic. Visit www.drfeiz.com for more information.

It’s Callie!

Callie Pre-Weight Loss Surgery at Video Shoot

Hi everyone! I am Callie Ellis and I will be in real life blogging about fingers-crossed, my soon to happen bariatric/weight loss surgery with Dr. Feiz. If you are reading this blog, then you know how amazing Dr. Feiz is and that you would do anything for him so when he asked me to live blog my weight loss journey, I happily said YES!

Friday, April , I went to a gorgeous house in SoCal to shoot a video about why I decided to have weight loss/ bariatric surgery. Look out for it, should be up soon! Here are some behind the scenes pictures. It was great to meet other patients who have had weight loss/bariatric surgery with Dr. Feiz and see their amazing weight loss results. 

Rocio and I after our endoscopy procedure Wednesday  4/24

As part of my insurance requirements for bariatric surgery, I need to have three months nutrition documented and, trust me, I have years upon years.  I went to a weight loss clinic in TJ (Tijuana, MX for non California peeps)  for six months which my insurance said would qualify but I needed to pick up the paperwork. So that is what I did this past Monday.  Wednesday, I had my Upper GI endoscopy with my partner in crime, Rocio, who is also having bariatric surgery with Dr. Feiz. I am so ready to have gastric sleeve and start my new Path For Life!  

Was Jessica Simpson Turned Away from Lap Band Procedure?

Whether this is solely a product of the rumor mill or if it is grounded in fact, we don't know. Nonetheless, some are reporting that Jessica Simpson went to two different doctors attempting to get a lap band procedure. It was said that they both turned her down, citing that she may not have been prepared for the lifestyle changes that such an operation would entail. We here at Dr. Feiz & Associates don't want to repute or support these rumors, but we are glad that this story is getting some attention in the press. Many detractors of bariatric surgery think it is a procedure that people just get on a whim. But the reality is quite the opposite; this is a lifestyle changing operation that requires not only preparation, but also a dedication following the procedure.
 
To qualify for a lap band in Beverly Hills from Michael Feiz, MD, FACS one must above all be mentally prepared for surgery and for the changes you'll have to make after the procedure (including a restricted, nutrition rich diet and exercise). Besides that, qualifications for an FDS compliant lap band from Dr. Feiz include a certain BMI number, a look into your medical history, a history of documented weight loss attempts, a psychological evaluation, and a nutritional consultation. For more information, please arrange a free consultation with a specialist at Dr. Feiz and Associates by calling 310-817-6911.

Doctor, Heal Thyself

It's been a very long time since it was common to see busy doctors chain-smoking as they went through their rounds, but the sad fact of the matter is that many of us docs don't always practice what we preach when it comes to a good diet. The truth of the matter is that no one is perfect all the time and even a pretty good physcian known for his work on weight loss surgery in California (no names!) has been known to indulge in some food items that might be less than completely healthy on rare occasions.

Still, as an article in today's Los Angele Times reminds us, too many doctors regularly indulge in "pizza and burgers" and other highly caloric, high fat foods without much nutritional value -- and with a tendency to producing the kind of serious obesity that all medical professionals are working so hard to combat these days. In fact, a group of researchers have just published a piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), specifically calling on doctors to ban together to get hospitals and other organizations to start eliminating junk foods at cafeterias and elsewhere.

The fact of the matter is that before every lap band in Beverly Hills and sleeve gastrectomy was preceded by decades of usually very unhealthy eating. It's one thing to criticize it, but it's really time those of us in the medical establishment really started leading by example.

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!

What Does Dr. Feiz Offer in Terms of Weight Loss Procedures?

Dr. Michael Feiz offers gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and the Lap Band in Beverly Hills. Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, involves removing around three quarters or more of the stomach and reshaping the remaining portion into a sleeve-like structure to regulate the flow of food. Gastric bypass accomplished much of the same result, but by dividing the stomach into two pouches and rearranging the small intestine to connect to both parts. Finally, Lap Band surgery works by inserting a small, flexible band around the stomach, which tightens to restrict food intake. Contact us for a FREE consultation to learn more.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery at a Glance

Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing 75-85% of the stomach and reshaping the remaining portion in a sleeve-shaped structure, approximately the size of a banana. The smaller stomach serves to restrict the flow of food particles into the intestines, resulting in a much faster, and longer-lasting feeling of satiety. This patient may be ideal for patients for whom gastric bypass may be too invasive, but you should consult with a qualified bariatric surgeon like Dr. Feiz to determine what procedure you may be a good candidate for. Some patients may opt for the Lap Band in Beverly Hills, but again, such a decision should only be made in collaboration with a surgeon with expertise in weight loss.

Weight Loss Surgery: A Matter of Physical Health and Self-Esteem

There has traditionally been a social stigma attached to weight loss surgery like the Lap Band in Los Angeles. In the past, some have looked down their noses at people who turn to bariatric surgery, assuming that it's an easy way out for someone who simply doesn't have the willpower to lose weight "the old fashioned way." If only it were that simple. Most of the people who come to Dr. Feiz & Associates interested in surgical weight loss in Los Angeles have already tried exercise and diet, and are so frustrated that they are on the verge of giving up. This social stigma is fading away fast as society as a whole learns more about problems associated with weight, but even if it wasn't, it's high time people stopped listening to this kind pressure and criticism. We don't say this because we are trying to push some procedure on people who come to see us. We say it because the path forward to successful weight loss, like so many challenges in life, is really about claiming control over your own destiny. Of course we are there to offer the professional help and support you need and deserve, but ultimately this is your choice, as it should be. Just deciding that for yourself is a first, and powerful, step toward restoring your self-esteem, and your zest for life. We have seen the positive changes in our patients, not just in their dramatic weight loss, but in their entire worldview. Contact us for a FREE consultation to learn more about our procedures, including the Lap Band in Beverly Hills.

What should I look for when I choose a bariatric surgeon?

Dr. Feiz & Associates has built a solid reputation for consistently delivering positive results and providing exceptional patient care. Our team of medical professionals are absolutely dedicated to the people who come to us looking for solutions to weight loss in Los Angeles. More people are turning to Dr. Feiz and his team for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and the Lap Band in Los Angeles because of the positive word-of-mouth that we have earned over our many years of service. When it comes to finding a bariatric surgeon, don't settle for less than you deserve. Dr. Feiz is among a few select surgeons in the United States who is qualified to perform the STARR Treatment, a cutting-edge method that allows him to perform a variety of weight loss surgeries, including the Lap Band in Beverly Hills, with only a SINGLE INCISION. You can imagine how that translates into a faster recovery, with less post-op pain and less noticeable scarring. Contact us for a FREE consultation.

Depression and Weight Loss Surgery

Here at Dr. Feiz & Associates, we recognize that obesity takes as much of a psychological toll as it does a physical toll. Depression can be a terrible burden, and people shouldn't have to suffer in silence. By no means do we believe that everyone in society should be unsatisfied with anything less than the perfect body. Healthy people have healthy, realistic goals when it comes to their physique. But when we talk about weight loss in Los Angeles, we're not talking about perfection; we're talking about happiness, pure and simple. The procedures that we offer, from gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy and the Lap Band in Los Angeles, deliver amazing results that can increase your lifespan. Just as importantly, they can improve the quality of your life. We don't promise that all of your problems will go away once you undergo bariatric surgery, but it is a vital step toward restoring the self-esteem that you so richly deserve. You can be happy again. You can feel good about yourself again. Exploring weight loss surgery means reclaiming control of your life, and it's not a road you have to travel alone. Contact us for a FREE consultation on any of our procedures, including the Lap Band in Beverly Hills.

What are the different types of bariatric surgery?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to bariatric surgery. Here at Dr. Feiz & Associates, we offer three major approaches to weight loss in Los Angeles. You may be a good candidate for more than one, or none at all. It is important to consult with us first to review your medical history, assess your health, and determine the best course of action. Many people are inquiring about the Lap Band in Los Angeles, in part because it is a relatively non-invasive procedure. We offer the Lap Band in Beverly Hills, along with gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. To find out more about these procedures, and to share your personal goals and concerns with us, please don't hesitate to schedule a FREE consultation.