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.

Bariatric Surgery May Not Decrease Bone Density

Studies have shown that people with an increased BMI tend to have higher levels of bone density. Some scientists were worried that bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, would diminish this amount of mineral matter within the bones. This would create a problem as lower bone density is often linked to the risk of fractures, broken bones, and osteoporosis. We here at Dr. Feiz and Associates are happy to read about a recent study, completed at the University of Southampton, that proposes that, at least for the first three years after a bariatric surgery, there is no greater risk for broken bones. There could be, however, a potential for lower bone density after the three years. We will have to wait for more studies on the issue; this is a unique study and it will be interesting to see what other schools and scientists determine.


These concerns and others can be openly discussed with Dr. Feiz, surgeon extraordinaire for bariatric surgeries, like lap band, in Los Angeles. Keeping up to date on important studies like this one means that, during the important post-surgical meetings with Dr. Feiz, he can be sure to closely monitor your health, assuage your fears, and ensure that you are taking care of yourself nutritionally in order to curb loss of bone density. After all, procedures like sleeve gastrectomy are for patients who want to reclaim their health, not diminish it!

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.

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.

It's about reclaiming your life

Weight carries a certain stigma with it, unfortunately, and so does bariatric surgery. If you're struggling with your weight, the stigma can be making your life feel out of your control: on one hand you know the methods like diet and exercise that you're "supposed" to follow. And on the other hand, you know an effect method like gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass is out there, but you worry about being judged.

But the level truth is that bariatric surgery is normal, and what stigma remains is mostly in the minds of small minded, judgmental individuals who would find find ways to criticize you anyway. As the media run more and more stories about the success of these procedures, the truth is beginning to emerge. 

Moreover, getting bariatric surgery from Dr. Feiz & Associates is a big step toward a healthier life. If you're seriously overweight, listening to the judgements of others might be something you just can't afford to do anymore.

Dr. Feiz Honored by ASMBS

Dr. Feiz has been honored with an award for excellence, and it's an important one: The ASMBS "Center of Excellence" designation.

With bariatric surgery's profile growing by leaps and bounds every day, it's important to separate the truly exceptional practitioners and hold them up as examples. The American Society for Metobolic and Bariatric Surgery, or ASMBS is the worlds largest society dedicated to the betterment of bariatric surgery. Their stated purpose is to "improve public health and well being by lessening the burden of the disease of obesity and related diseases throughout the world." The organization selects surgeons and centers that are truly committed to safe and effective care.

Instead of choosing blindly, patients can look to the recommendations of organizations like the ASMBS and make informed choice about who will perform their Lap Band, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass surgeries.  

Trending: Sleep Apnea and Cancer

Lap Band patients, and patients of other bariatric procedures show a marked improvement in the symptoms associate with sleep apnea. That's especially good news, because The New York Times and a few other publications in the fast few weeks have run stories on a link between sleep apnea and cancer. 


One of the studies quoted in The Times was from Spain, where severe Sleep Apnea patients had a startling 65% greater incidence of cancer of some form or another. Those are some startling numbers. In the meantime, unrelated scientists in South Dakota have noticed a direct genetic link between morbid obesity and sleep apnea.

The optimism to be found in all of these stories, however, is the ever growing trust of the public in sleeve gastrectomy and its more familiar cousin, gastric bypass for medical weight loss.

Weight Loss: Separating Fact from Fiction

ABC’s “20/20” recently aired a special, entitled “Losing It: The Big Fat Money Pit”, that examined the burgeoning weight loss industry as a whole. Many of the methods discussed – from dieting to pills and surgery – have been popularized by celebrities who get paid as much as $60,000 for each pound that they lose for their endorsements. There are two important takeaways from this in-depth look at the industry. First, anyone interested in losing weight should ignore the celebrity commercials, billboards and unsubstantiated claims. Instead, it is vital to do some of your own legwork and find a method based on peer-reviewed research (they are out there!). Secondly, and this is really important for long term success, stop thinking of any single method as a silver bullet. Sustainable weight loss demands long-term commitment from the patient – even when it comes to proven methods such as bariatric surgery – and no responsible physician will tell you otherwise.

The “20/20” special examines many different weight loss solutions, from perennial favorites (with dubious efficacy) like diet pills, as well as “fat camps” for the ultra-wealthy and even feeding tubes. The special also touches on Lap Band surgery, highlighting individual cases of negligence while responsibly pointing out that, when done right, this procedure is very safe and can offer dramatic weight loss results. The key is to carefully select a doctor who has a solid reputation and a proven track record of success. At Dr. Feiz & Associates, a well-known weight loss surgery center in Beverly Hills, Dr. Michael Feiz has maintained a complication rate far lower than the national average, and has never had a single mortality. Nevertheless, he believes strongly in educating anyone interested in the procedures that he offers (the Lap Band, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass) about ALL the potential risks and benefits. Responsible surgeons like Dr. Feiz are rightly appalled by some of the stories of misleading advertising and neglectful care that have found their way onto the airwaves. He and his team of medical professionals have dedicated themselves to raising the standard of care for the entire industry.

The special also points out the tragic phenomenon of “yo-yo dieting”, where people lose weight with one method, regain the pounds, and then go searching for the next big thing. Many of these methods are scams, but even if they offer what they promise to offer, lasting success demands total commitment from the patient. Dr. Feiz and his team foster long-term relationships with their patients, helping oversee proper nutritional and exercise regimens after the operation is finished. This is the only way to keep off the pounds and achieve a healthy lifestyle. “Easy fixes” make for great sound bites, but experienced and responsible surgeons like Dr. Feiz know better, and that is why they have seen so much success with their patients.

To learn more about Dr. Feiz & Associates, visit online at www.drfeiz.com, and contact them for a FREE consultation.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

At Dr. Feiz & Associates, a leading weight loss surgery center in Beverly Hills, Dr. Michael Feiz offers several types of bariatric surgery. One is a procedure known as gastric bypass. This involves dividing the stomach into two parts and redirecting the intestines to both portions. Another procedure known as a gastric sleeve involves removing 75-85% of the stomach and reshaping what remains into a sleeve-like structure. The third procedure offered by Dr. Feiz and his team of medical professionals is the Lap Band, which involves fitting an adjustable plastic band around the stomach, and then tightening it to constrict the stomach. To learn more about these procedures, and about the experts who work at Dr. Feiz & Associates, contact their offices for a FREE consultation.

New Report Has Dire Projections for America's Waistline

A new report, published recently in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, projects that 42% of American adults will be obese by the year 2030 (rising from 36% today). The number of severely obese Americans (people with a BMI of 40 or higher) will rise from 5% to 11% by 2030. Additionally, the report asserts that the cost of treating certain "co-morbidities" (diabetes, heart disease, etc.) will add up to $550 billion over the next 20 years. The situation seems to be reaching a tipping point, with public policy initiatives so far having limited impact at best. This sense of desperation can be seen on an individual level, as people struggling with obesity try in vain to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise regimens. Increasingly, professionals in the medical community are considering recommending bariatric surgery to their patients. At Dr. Feiz & Associates, weight loss surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz offers several surgical solutions, including gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy). Contact their offices for a FREE consultation, and find out if you are a viable candidate for any of these procedures.

Bariatric Surgery with a Single Incision

Dr. Michael Feiz uses the advanced STARR Treatment to perform both a gastric bypass and a gastric sleeve (the latter is also known as a sleeve gastrectomy). This cutting-edge method allows him to perform these very safe and effective procedures with ONLY A SINGLE INCISION. The difference between these procedures and the traditional laparoscopic method is startling: patients experience a faster recovery period, with less post-operative discomfort and virtually no scarring. Indeed, scarring is often a concern for patients, but with the STARR Treatment, Dr. Feiz typically leaves behind one scar no larger than a freckle or a single grain of rice. Contact Dr. Feiz & Associates to schedule a FREE initial consultation and learn more about this breakthrough technique that only a few select surgeons are qualified to offer their patients.

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 with a Single Incision

The breakthrough STARR Treatment is a sophisticated technique that only a few surgeons in the United States are qualified to use. Dr. Michael Feiz is one of those surgeons, and he has employed the STARR Treatment to offer his patients advanced surgical options like micro sleeve surgery and micro Lap Bandsurgery. He is able to perform both of these extremely effective procedures WITH ONLY A SINGLE INCISION. Imagine dramatic weight loss results with a much faster recovery period, less post-operative discomfort, and virtually no residual scarring. To learn more about these procedures, and about gastric bypass offered by Dr. Feiz, contact us for a FREE consultation or attend one of our FREE informational seminars.

Allegations of Negligence Elsewhere in the Weight Loss Industry Draw a Reaction from a Reputable Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Feiz & Associates reacts with dismay to news that other surgical centers have been accused of negligence during the popular LAP-BAND procedure

Dr. Feiz & Associates is encouraging more accountability and transparency in the weight loss industry. This plea from a bariatric surgeon with a reputation for high safety standards comes as workers at other centers are coming forward with allegations of serious negligence and a possible cover-up after the death of a patient undergoing the LAP-BAND procedure. If true, this behavior does a genuine disservice to people struggling with morbid obesity and looking for proven solutions, because in the hands of capable and responsible surgeons, the LAP-BAND can be a powerful tool for weight loss.

The surgery centers in question were associated with a marketing campaign that has already drawn fire from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for allegedly misinforming the public about the potential risks of the LAP-BAND procedure. A recent lawsuit alleges that, among other things, a patient's oxygen tube shut off in mid-operation, that a tube delivering pain medication to the patient's bloodstream was dislodged, and that alarms reporting the patient's dangerous drop in blood pressure were ignored. Moreover, the lawsuit alleges that attempts were made to replace the faulty equipment before an investigation into the patient's death could be made, and that people involved were asked by their superiors to withhold vital information.
These allegations underscore how important it is for patients to be diligent in choosing where they go for the LAP-BAND procedure. There are weight loss surgery centers, like Dr. Feiz & Associates, that have a proven track record with bariatric surgeries ranging from the LAP-BAND to Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass. Of course, there are always possible complications when it comes to major surgery, and any responsible physician will first outline all the potential benefits and risks, not just for the LAP-BAND, but for all possible treatments. Nevertheless, serious negligence of the kind alleged in this lawsuit is totally unacceptable, and frankly, totally avoidable. Patients deserve better, and they can find better, with surgeons with reputations for consistently exceptional patient care.
ABOUT DR. FEIZ & ASSOCIATES
Dr. Feiz & Associates is one of the safest and most consistently successful multidisciplinary bariatric surgical programs for the treatment of obesity and associated diseases. All surgeons at Dr. Feiz and Associates are Fellowship Trained Surgeons who are certified in the field of Bariatric Surgery.  The doctors at this medical center place a priority on pre-operative medical and cardiological assessment and clearance, in addition to pre- and post-operative behavioral modification. Dr. Feiz & Associates has a sterling record of consistent safety and consistent success. Their doctors have performed thousands of these procedures without a single mortality, and maintain a complication rate of less than 1%, substantially lower than the national average of 3-4%. For more information, visit www.drfeiz.com.

 

Dr. Feiz & Associates supports the FDA's efforts to curtail dangerous LAP BAND marketing practices

Dr. Feiz & Associates supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to investigate and take action against misleading advertising for the LAP BAND, an FDA-approved medical implant used for weight loss. The FDA issued warning letters to several southern California entities that have allegedly misled the public regarding the possible risks of the LAP BAND procedure.

The LAP BAND is an adjustable gastric restrictive device that has been proven to be an effective tool in aiding weight loss. However, the LAP BAND should be viewed as one of many components that comprise a broader, comprehensive treatment plan, like the one offered by Dr. Feiz & Associates. A safe and successful treatment plan for morbid obesity requires meticulous patient selection (as not all surgical procedures are suitable for all patients), as well as life-long follow-up of the patients health and success.

Surgeons have an obligation to consult with patients and inform them about possible side-effects and contraindications associated with LAP BAND surgery. Moreover, it is the duty of the program to inform patients not just about the risks and benefits of the LAP BAND, but also about all possible treatments. These include non-surgical and behavioral treatments, as well as surgical treatments such as the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastric bypass, in addition to the LAP BAND. This is in keeping with the fundamental guiding philosophy of Dr. Feiz & Associates. Without a thorough education about all the various options, a patient cannot possibly make an informed decision on the safest and healthiest course of action.  

The FDA's commendable decision to take action underscores the need for patients to seek LAP BAND surgery and other treatment options only with well trained and qualified surgeons who are Fellowship trained in the field of Bariatric Surgery and accredited by the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). The simple truth is this: LAP BAND surgery can be a safe procedure, but only when performed by qualified and responsible medical professionals.

ABOUT DR. FEIZ & ASSOCIATES

Dr. Feiz & Associates is one of the safest and most consistently successful multidisciplinary bariatric surgical programs for the treatment of obesity and associated diseases. All surgeons at Dr. Feiz and Associates are Fellowship Trained Surgeons who are certified in the field of Bariatric Surgery.  The doctors at this medical center place a priority on pre-operative medical and cardiological assessment and clearance, in addition to pre- and post-operative behavioral modification. Dr. Feiz & Associates has a sterling record of consistent safety and consistent success. Their doctors have performed thousands of these procedures without a single mortality, and maintain a complication rate of less than 1%, substantially lower than the national average of 3-4%. For more information, visit www.drfeiz.com.

Vitamin K

A number of studies examining vitamin K are emerging due to its
effect with bone health and prevention of vascular calcification. This
nutrient is frequently avoided in patients on warfarin therapy; however,
adequacy and consistency of vitamin K intake are important for stable
PT-INRs.PT-INR is a lab test done to determine how long it takes for
the blood to clot (prothrombin time). Variability in clotting time can put
patients at risk for excessive bleeding if on warfarin.In CKD patients,
cardiovascular disease is a risk and a significant cause of mortality.

Calcium and vitamin D have long been identified as big players in the
prevention of osteoporosis. Osteopenic changes can occur rapidly in patients
after gastric bypass. However, vitamin K is a cofactor necessary for
activation of osteocalcin, a hormone that allows calcium to get into bone.
Insufficient vitamin K and subsequently inadequate levels of osteocalcin,
could impact calcium deposits in blood vessels and even the kidney. Both
vitamin D and vitamin K deficiencies have been associated with vascular
calcification in CKD patients.

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is vitamin K dependent. It acts as a calcification
inhibitor in the vascular system. Adequate levels of MGP may play a
significant role in prevention of vascular calcification.

In a study reported in 2004, more than half of the patients four years post
BPD were shown to be deficient in vitamin K. As noted in the ASMBS article,
prothrombin time has been used as an indicator for deficiency and patients
post RYGB had levels suggestive of deficiency compared to LAGB patients and
controls.This may not only be an issue for patients who have
malabsorptive bariatric procedures. There was a case report of fetal
cerebral hemorrhage resulting from maternal vitamin K deficiency following
gastric adjustable banding.

It is reasonable to evaluate food intake in patients with hemodialysis
following weight loss surgery, as some foods that may be discouraged due to
elevated serum potassium or phosphorus levels may also be those that are a
good sources of vitamin K.

Other minerals

Necessary for making red blood cells, copper is essential.
In addition, copper is a cofactor in enzymes involved with vascular and
skeletal tissues. It is absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum.
Deficiency of this mineral can mimic symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency,
including gait disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, muscle weakness, and
anemia.Cases of patients with optic neuropathy and myopathy due to
copper deficiency have been documented.Hemodialysis does not remove
copper; however, levels should be monitored in hemodialysis patients who
have had gastric bypass as deficiency has been reported. Measurement of not
only serum copper, but also ceruloplasm is recommended to detect
deficiencies.

Zinc is an important mineral involved in more than 300 enzyme systems in the
body and necessary for proper immune function. It has been found to be
deficient in many gastric bypass patients. Signs of deficiency include taste
acuity changes, loss of appetite, loss of hair, or skin changes. If meat
intake is low, zinc, iron, and copper may be be at risk for deficiency.
Deficiency of zinc is difficult to detect since serum zinc represents less
than 0.1 percent of total zinc stores.

Zinc is not removed during hemodialysis. Provision of too much supplemental
zinc can interfere with activity of copper in the body. Doses of 50mg or
more per day can be problematic for copper metabolism.


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