Dr. Feiz Corroborates Cleveland Clinic Findings

The Cleveland Clinic has published a report in the medical journal, Heart, that suggests all types of weight loss surgery reduce or eliminate factors that contribute to poor heart health. Not only do these operations help a patient lose weight and alleviate conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, they also work faster than alternative methods (such as medications, weight management, or a combination of the two) in preventing strokes and heart disease. We here at Dr. Feiz & Associates think this is great news for the people who turn to bariatric surgery for a whole life change in health.

After all, many come to Dr. Michael Feiz, MD, FACS because they have tried everything possible to lose weight and they are concerned about the direction in which their lives are heading. His procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy and lap band in Los Angeles, definitely help patients lose weight and feel better about their appearances; however, the operations are for more than physical appearance. We've found that weight loss surgery helps a person's mental health and self-esteem and also lessons or cures the symptoms of sleep apnea, diabetes, and many more conditions. Call Dr. Feiz today with any questions at 310-817-6911 or 800-868-5946.

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.

More Than an Amazing Picture

While we are happy to say that we help an awful lot of people here at the clinic for weight loss surgery, but it's not every day that we get a patient who has a positive attitude to rival that of Tyneda Dosek. As you can see by her pictures above, Tyneda has made some remarkable strides in terms of losing weight and keeping it off, but there's more to it than that. We could talk more about her, but why we don't we let her testimonial speak for itself?

Tyneda was looking down a long road, and she didn't like what she saw ahead of her.

I tried to embrace my obesity and live with being "big boned." Once the scales tipped at 278 pounds, and [being] almost 6 years away from being 40 years old, I knew I needed to make a drastic change. In February 2010 I went to a seminar with Dr. Feiz. I was both intrigued and excited.

By September 2010, I was getting my surgery. My "Ah Ha" moment was when I no longer had to shop in the plus size section. When I go snowboarding in the winter, I can board all day without getting winded and sore from just one run. I never thought I could have this much energy! Today I am loving life.

I have lost 113 lbs and wear a size 10.Dr. Feiz reassured I was doing everything right and I look fantastic. I truly feel like a new person and I thank Dr. Feiz and his team for all their support along my life journey.

Tyneda has really applied herself and, what's more, she's really enjoying the results of all her very hard work and the fact that she looks, quite frankly, kind of amazing. As medical professionals, we focus so much on various types of weight loss surgery and their the crucial technical aspects of our work that it's easy to get lost in the details sometimes. Obesity surgery for weight loss is obviously difficult and detailed work, and it's sometimes too easy to forget why we do what we. Then, we look at the truly amazing results that Tyneda has achieved, and how she's so brilliantly altered the direction of her life, and it reminds us all over again why we do what we do.

Lisa Lampanelli Joins List of Celebs Who Have Gotten Bariatric Surgery

You may know Lisa Lampanelli from her stand-up career (she's been on quite a few Comedy Central roasts) or from Celebrity Apprentice (she placed 4th), but now you may know her as something else: successful patient of a sleeve gastrectomy. It's been reported in InTouch Weekly and other publications that she had the procedure in April of this year, saying that "I've tried it all, and there's no shame in taking the next step." Since having the procedure, Lisa Lampanelli has lost 80 pounds and feels "so much healthier."

Ms. Lampanelli in 2011

We here at Dr. Feiz and Associates applaud Ms. Lampanelli for taking the "next step" and reclaiming her health. The procedure she opted for, the gastric sleeve, reduces the size of the stomach surgically. We think this procedure was perfect for Ms. Lampanelli as it not only reduces the capacity for food in the stomach, it also has been shown to reduce the presence of a chemical that causes hunger.

That being said, a gastric sleeve procedure isn't right for every person who is contemplating a lap band procedure.Your unique circumstances could make you a better fit for a lap band or gastric bypass; it really all depends. Luckily, Dr. Feiz is an expert the field of weight loss in Los Angeles and can speak realistically and compassionately to you about your options. Call Dr. Feiz at 800-868-5946 to set up your free consultation to find out what bariatric surgery can do for you.

An Election of Another Sort: Lap Band vs. Gastric Sleeve Surgery

There are two candidates; One is already in place, but the results that candidate promised haven’t really come to fruition (although it’s arguably not the candidate’s fault). The other, the challenger offers solutions of another sort, but there would be some sacrifices. The challenger is dedicated to a quick reduction in the size of the body they will represent.

Before you cast your ballot, make sure you’ve read carefully about the candidates.

Of course this race is between gastric sleeve surgery and another LAP Band to replace the dysfunctional Lap Band you already have in place. If your previous bariatric didn’t make these options clear, or didn’t listen to your medical worries and your weight loss surgery goals, you might be conducting an “election” in your mind. Of course, unlike with the presidential race, there’s the option of choosing neither.

At Dr. Feiz and associates, we don’t often recommend removal without revision if you plan to stay on track toward weight loss. Discomfort with your LAP Band can mean an urgent desire to “just get it out!” but take the long view if you can. Despite the daunting commitment, revision with the gastric sleeve is getting consistently great response from patients.

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.