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.

Social Media Allows Unprecedented Access to Patient Testimonials

The rise of the internet has been a marvelous thing for those seeking a fuller story on bariatric surgical procedures that they are considering. Ten years ago even, it was hard to get a patient's point of view about an operation and the lifestyle changes they have to face. Now, however, there are many resources available online that are free and accessible, whether it be for lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, or any other type of bariatric procedure.

Blogging, of course, is the most popular way post-bariatric surgery persons share their story. After all, we are blogging now in order to increase the dialogue and knowledge about weight loss procedures. But, also, many of our readers have their own journals online, sharing their personal stories about weight loss (feel free to share your links in the comments!).

There are other resources, too, that put more scrutiny on patients who have gotten bariatric procedures. Stories can be shared on Yelp, people have hosted forums on Reddit, and even whole Twitter accounts are dedicated to shedding some light on what it takes to shed some pounds.

This isn't to say that hopeful patients should diagnose themselves; quite the opposite. Only a consultation with a qualified doctor can help you get a better understanding of the procedures. Dr. Michael Feiz is a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in surgeries for weight loss in Los Angeles. His compassionate, realistic approach means that people get the truth about what to expect when it comes to bariatric surgery and realize that it's not a solution in itself. Call his office at (310) 855-8058 for a free consultation.

Bariatric surgery has high rate of preventing Type 2 diabetes

A study recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine discusses the rate of Type 2 diabetes in patients who get bariatric surgery versus those trying to lose weight with diet and exercise. It found that, over a 15 year period, those opting for the weight loss procedure were 80 percent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. The statistic grew to 90 percent when it came to those persons considered prediabetic. These findings don't surprise Dr. Feiz, expert in surgeries for weight loss in Los Angeles. A bariatric procedure is not only a way for patients to reclaim their health; it also is a vital tool for those who have tried everything to lose weight and have felt the consequences of peaks and valleys in their weight loss.lap

The source we read about the study didn't say which bariatric surgeries were included in the study. However, we speculate they were lap band, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy. These all have differing benefits and risks; speaking with Dr. Feiz at one of his free consultations can help you determine if any are appropriate for you. One technique he has perfected is the micro lap band surgery, which involves only small incisions that don't leave large scars.

Jets Coach Rex Ryan Lost 106 Pounds with Lap Band Procedure

Celebrities from many walks of life have been coming forward about getting lap band surgery this year; for example, Carnie Wilson (of Wilson Phillips) and Laren Manzo (of the Real Housewives of New Jersey) have recently mentioned having the procedure done and subsequently losing weight. In the past month, a celebrity on the other side of the gender divide has come out about his lap band surgery,  head coach of the New York Jets Rex Ryan. Undergoing the procedure back in March of 2010, he claims he has lost 106 pounds since.

We salute these celebrities for seizing their health and discussing it openly. While a lap band procedure might not be right for every overweight person, this media coverage does shed light on bariatric surgery's place in the national struggle against obesity. Dr. Michael Feiz has been performing bariatric surgeries, including the lap band, in Los Angeles  for years and can help you determine if you are a suitable candidate for any of these procedures. Call his office today for a free consultation at 310-855-8058.

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!

Hospitals that Perform the Most Bariatric Surgeries Have Fewer Complications

A recent article in the Los Angeles Times discussed a study on bariatric procedures recently released by Healthgrades, an "independent healthcare ratings company based in Denver."  The article suggests that hospitals have varying rates of complications when it comes to bariatric surgery, as opposed to some procedures where the risks are similar across the board. It was also noted that hospitals that perform the most bariatric surgeries have the lowest rates of complications. The implication, then, is that those seeking bariatric surgery should go to a place that does more than other hospitals.

This is no surprise as surgeons like Dr. Feiz are constantly learning more and more about new aspects of surgeries for weight loss in Los Angeles. For example, Dr. Feiz takes advantage of the many types of bariatric surgeries and gives his patients the personal care to match the required surgery for their needs. He's also a practitioner of the innovative, and less invasive, laparoscopic sleeve surgery that uses smaller incisions. Visit his website for a consultation and to see his schedule of free presentations on surgeries like the lap band and gastric bypass.

Obesity's Consequences for Society

As bariatric surgeons, we sometimes can't help but observe the controversies that occur over the obesity issue in America today. The subject of weight loss in Los Angeles and all across America seems to stay in the media day in and day out. While op-ed pieces such as this lament the lack of solutions to these problems, there are patients who have found their solution with the help of a skilled bariatric surgeon.

Scott W. Atlas of the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote a controversial op-ed piece today, pointing out some of the connections between smoking and obesity as health risks. I leave it to you to determine if the comparison is fair: 

He points out that smoking is stigmatized, and smokers themselves are socially ostracized in spite of the fact that they are making a personal decision. Perhaps consequently, rates of smoking in the U.S. have declined by 20 percent in the past 15 years alone, while the obesity rate has increased by 48 percent. Mr. Atlas seems to be of the opinion that weight loss is just as pressing an issue as smoking. Is this a fair conclusion to draw?

Furthermore, Mr. Atlas feels that obesity is not just a personal risk, since 5-10 percent of medical spending is obesity-related, and half of this amount is spent by Medicare and Medicaid, in other words, the taxpayers. He quotes an estimate of $550 billion over the next 20 decades if obesity could be curbed. 

He concludes that "Facilitating clinical trials and streamlining approval of innovative treatments are also important." Bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, however, are already approved, and already achieving startling success.