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.