The Food of the Gods?

A lower calorie ambrosia salad might seem like an odd jumping off place for a blog post for the offices of a noted bariatric surgeon like Dr. Michael Feiz, but the recipe we featured earlier today on Facebook got us thinking.

In Greek mythology, ambrosia was the literal food of the gods. A human being who consumed some might gain a greatly extended lifespan or even immortality. An ancient myth this might be, but it still holds more than a little psychological resonance. After all, we humans are still searching for the perfect superfood and/or miracle cure that can go well beyond the ordinary benefits of a simple healthy lifestyle. It goes without saying that such a special food would also cure a host of troubles, obesity definitely being among them.

Of course, there are no end of products being sold as modern day ambrosia, particularly in the weight loss arena. Although we are loathe to issue blanket statements, at least in terms of defeating severe obesity, it's safe to say that none of them actually work.

It's easy to make light of these products and the people who use them, but when it comes to dealing with obesity,their appeal is very understandable. People who have never tried to lose a large amount of weight simply cannot understand how difficult it is because, essentially, our own body is turning against us. It does this by trying to persuade us that we need to overeat through hormones like ghrelin, which at one time probably helped people survive by providing a sort of hedge against the likelihood of a famine. Since it's production tends to increase as obese individuals lose weight, it's main function today is thwarting our most earnest weight loss efforts.

So, there's no food of the gods and no shortcuts in the fight against obesity. Smaller portions and exercise are the only route to victory. However, procedures like the gastric sleeve can reduce the cravings that make serious weight loss so unbearably difficult for most people. It's not like a gift from Zeus that suddenly gives us the literal body of a Greek god, but it's a little bit like being given a fairly powerful new weapon that help a great deal of winning the battle against obesity. It's no miracle, but it's the best we've got. 

Understanding the Exceptions

By doing a simple Google search for “weight loss success,” those trying to lose weight will likely see numerous stories of obese people who were able to overcame obesity by sticking to a long term diet and exercise plan. While seeing these stories can be inspiring, they can also lower someone’s self-esteem by making them feel inferior to the success of another. While we should always admire and respect people able to achieve those results, Dr. Michael Feiz explains that it is important to remember that these stories are often the exception to the rule. Put simply, what we don’t see are the millions of stories about people trying to lose weight who struggle more than they succeed.

Yet, just because losing weight without help is incredibly difficult, that certainly doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. With bariatric surgery, thousands of patients around the country have been able to get rid of their excess weight and keep it off in the long term. It is important that patients remember that weight loss surgery isn’t a silver bullet cure, nor is it giving up. Weight loss surgery is simply the best, medically proven method for conquering obesity and achieving a healthy lifestyle.

The Obstacle of Time

When explaining their motivations for selecting weight loss surgery, most patients will tell Dr. Michael Feiz that it is not the simple act of losing weight that they find incredibly difficult, but rather the feat of keeping the weight off over time. Dr. Feiz explains that many of his patients are able to successfully diet in relatively short bursts, losing 10, 20, or even 30 pounds when they can commit to a healthy regimen for several months.

Yet, what happens after those several months are over is a completely different story. Where all of us are with our weight in the present is rarely a fluke, but rather an indication of our innate relationships with diet and exercise. And while it is possible for a strong willpower to overcome these innate behaviors and adopt a healthy lifestyle in the short term, it is often impossible to permanently change who we are on our own. 

Dr. Feiz explains that this is where weight loss surgery comes in. By permanently changing the capacity of a patient’s stomach with the gastric sleeve, it becomes much more feasible that patients will continue to eat less for years to come.  This is how so many of Dr. Feiz’s patients have found tremendous success losing the weight, and why they continue to keep the weight off years after their surgery.

Choosing a Path

In this day and age, there is not likely anyone who is not aware that their obesity has a strong possibility of leading to long-term health problems. Dr. Feiz notes that the reason why people do not lose weight is not out of lack of knowledge, but because it is an extremely hard task to accomplish. Even when a person makes the commitment to lose weight, they are still faced with the decision of how they will go about doing this. While there are a seemingly infinite amount of fad diets out there, many of these have already been tried by obese patients, and are found to be insufficient in helping them lose weight. For those patients that cannot sustain a lower weight through traditional dieting, weight loss surgery is an outstanding option for a path to a healthy lifestyle.

Even when a patient has decided to choose weight loss surgery, they still have to have a conversation with their surgeon to determine what procedure is best for them. Recently, more and more patients of Dr. Feiz & Associates have been opting for the sleeve gastrectomy procedure because of its ability to deliver fantastic weight loss results with minimal complications. With most obese patients, the benefits of weight loss surgery far outweigh the risks, but it is still important to go to an experienced, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Michael Feiz.

A Consultation is the Best Way to Know For Sure

Generally, the guidelines for who is eligible for weight loss surgery in Los Angeles is if a person has a BMI of over 40, or a BMI over 35 in conjunction with several comorbidities such as heart disease and diabetes. Yet, every person is different, and one needs to be able to adapt the necessary lifestyle changes that weight loss surgery encourages. The only way to know for sure if weight loss surgery is right for you is with a consultation with Dr. Michael Feiz at his offices.

Once it is determined that you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery, you will be able to work with Dr. Feiz to determine which weight loss procedure is right for you. While the majority of patients see the sleeve gastrectomy as the best option for them, every patient’s path must be determined on a case by case basis. After that is figured out, the next step is working with your insurance to see what your coverage options are for the procedure cost. And, once that is figured out, then your weight loss journey can truly begin!

Avoiding Overeating to Win Thanksgiving

That time of the year is upon us, and for people dealing with severe obesity, it’s a time of temptation. There’s nothing quite like a Thanksgiving Day feast, but the problem with the holidays is that it’s a time of encouraged overindulgence. As families across the nation loosen their belts, many of us who are attempting to embrace healthy eating struggle through the holiday season. As an experienced bariatric surgery center, here at Dr. Feiz & Associates we understand how trying a day like Thanksgiving can be, and we’re here to help with a few quick tips you can use to stay focused, and avoid overeating. 

In terms of temptation, one of the most difficult aspects of Thanksgiving is the sheer amount of food that we’re exposed to. Between mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and of course that huge turkey centerpiece, there are a lot of ways to lose discipline. Portion control is one of the best methods to keep your diet. There’ll be a lot of food, and you should go ahead and try everything. Just don’t take that much of each. Grab a plate, and take a little of a lot. By serving yourself such a large variety of food, it’ll feel like you’re eating more than you actually are. 

There are a few tricks you can try that could help if you think your appetite might get the better of you. Because the sensation of hunger is very often actually a sign of dehydration, try drinking a glass of water right before the meal. Afterwards, you might realize you’re not as hungry as you thought. Also, use a smaller plate, like a salad plate, to serve yourself which will help you keep your portions under control. Remember, now is always the best time to begin a weight loss journey. Dr. Michael Feiz can help you along the way.

There's So Much to Do!

Goodness knows, we're just as busy as everyone else at Dr. Feiz & Associates. We understand that sometimes life can keep throwing you so many curve-balls it might seem as if taking a break for even the most important kinds of health treatments are next to impossible. Indeed, for people who never seem to have the time to even cook for themselves -- often an important component of healthy eating, taking the time to get a potentially life-saving weight loss procedure might seem next to impossible.


Yes, time is a limited commodity, but that works in more than one way. If we fail to invest time in our health now, we may pay a steep price in terms of the time we have to enjoy life later on. We're not only talking about lifespans being shortened by the many health risks of severe obesity, we're talking about quality of life issues. You might survive a stroke, for example. However, even under the best circumstances, a strokes means losing countless hours of your life in recovery and rehabiliatation...a process that may now always be complete.

So, yes, we're all busy but taking advantage of the skills of a top bariatric surgeon like Dr. Michael Feiz is the kind of investment that can reap enormous rewards later on. There might be too many things to do, but sometimes you have to do for yourself.

A Pound of Prevention

If there's one thing we know at Dr. Feiz & Associates, it's the difficulty that obese people face in trying to conquer their issues with food and insufficient exercise. While the exact causes of obesity are not always clear, one fact we're pretty sure about: children with weight problems tend to become obese adults. The sooner you address the problem, the easier it will be to fight.

Still, simply telling children to stay on a regimen of exercise and healthy eating isn't going to do the trick. One important factor: parents teach by example. The good news is that people seem to be learning this important lesson; we had a new study this week showing the number of junk food calories families with children were purchasing have declined over the last few years. While some of this has been attributed to food manufacturers reducing portion sizes, some of it is also no doubt due to parents being aware that having too many empty-calorie treats in the house is a definite risk factor for childhood weight issues and, of course, lifelong obesity.

Through his patients, Dr. Michael Feiz has seen how difficult obesity is to fight as life progresses. Of course, it's fortunate that bariatric surgery has made it easier for countless adults to address those problems. Nevertheless, we all know that prevention always trumps cure. Whatever we can do to ensure that the young people in our lives avoid falling into the trap of lifelong obesity, the better.

5 Quick and Easy Exercise Routines to Stay Healthy

Staying fit can be a challenging endeavor that involves a healthy, nutritious diet, and regular exercise - at least half an hour a day as advised by the Food and Drug Administration. Though healthy eating can truly be a test of one's will power, getting regular exercise also proves difficult for people trying to lose weight. This isn't just a matter of laziness, as you may be tempted to believe. A lot of people feel they simply don't have the time to commit to it. Dr. Michael Feiz understands it can be difficult to set aside time when you live a busy lifestyle. With that in mind, here are five quick and easy exercises you can do, that add up throughout the day, to hit the half hour sweet spot.

1. Try a session five or ten minute session of jumping jacks. They aren't too rigorous, but they'll get your pulse up, and you can burn up to ninety calories or more in a single ten minutes session.
2. After dinner go play active games with your kids, friends, or family. Get a game of tag going, or shoot some hoops.
3. Do a few sets up push ups, crunches, or situps before bed.
4. The next time you're cooking  a meal in the kitchen, if you're waiting for the pot to boil or food to cook, do standing push-ups while you wait. Stand an arm's length from the counter and push in and out to tone your arms and shoulders.
5. Work out while watching your favorite TV programs. During commercial breaks run in place, do armchair dips or squat thrusts.

Finding time to exercise can be tricky, but multitasking, or breaking workouts into small chunks, makes it much much easier. Keep at it, and contact Dr. Feiz & Associates for weight loss treatments!

The Daddy of All Weight Loss Techniques.

Father's Day is this Sunday, and it's prompting us to think a little bit about men and weight issues.Whether you're a bariatric surgeon, a person dealing with obesity, or a noncombatant in the long war against the growing human gut, you have had to notice a change in attitudes regarding men and obesity issues.

If you were to walk into a Weight Watchers or Overeater's Anonymous meeting in, say, 1979, you would very likely be startled at how very few men you'd see -- perhaps only one or two in a room full of fifty people. Of course, men had weight issues then, just like today, but they were far less likely to see it as a problem. (The reasons why that was so could probably fill several books.) While weight loss remains a somewhat disproportionately female endeavor today, that's been changing to the point where it won't be long before an equal number of women and men will be doing whatever they can to achieve a healthy weight.

Here at Dr. Feiz and Associates, we're definitely seeing a growing number of males coming in. As men realize that they're health is at least as endangered by obesity as the women in their lives, and they continue to want to be healthy enough to enjoy their children and grandchildren, we expect to shortly be helping just as many daddies as mommies to acheive the happier, healthier life we all deserve.

If you're ready to get on the track to a life free of severe obesity, it might be time to give the offices of Dr. Michael Feiz a call at (800) 868-5946 today to inquire about attending a free seminar.

Why is Lifting Weights Important for Weight Loss?

The popular notion is that weight loss is a matter of simple mathematics: calories in and calories out gives you the "net" calories you've had, and leads to weight loss, gain, or maintenance. However, renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz knows that weight loss is more than a game of counting calories, and that it also takes more than just getting off the sofa to lose weight. Of course, Dr. Feiz would not discourage any form of physical activity that benefits the patient, but he would also like to encourage one oft-forgotten form of exercise that many may dismiss when it comes to losing weight: strength training. 

The fact of the matter is, our bodies are finely tuned to maintain our weight, and losing weight goes against the body's natural tendency to keep us from losing weight. To fight that, it's of course important to exercise, and to "trick" the bodies metabolism so it speeds up rather than slows down or stays the same. That can be achieved in part by lifting weights on a regular basis, and adding lean muscle mass. Many might think "wait, hold on, why do I need to get muscular? Don't I just want to lose fat?" Wrong! Dr. Feiz knows that after obesity surgery, lifting weight is just as important as regular cardiovascular exercises like walking, hiking, bicycling, jogging, and playing sports. Why? Because lifting weights makes you gain muscles, and muscle mass helps the body burn through calories more efficiently. It's a win-win, in that sense, and gaining strength is just as important as burning calories through cardio workouts!

If you're interested in learning more about weight loss surgery with Los Angeles Lap-Band and gastric sleeve surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz, contact us today at 310-855-8058 for a free consultation with a specialist!

A Guide to Making the Perfect Smoothie!

Dr. Michael Feiz, a leading Los Angeles weight loss surgeon, is often asked for nutrition advice on healthy eating, and one of his tips for a satisfying morning meal is a green smoothies. Healthy smoothies blends carbs, protein, and fat in a delicious beverage which isn’t too high in sugar or calories. By making a smoothie at home rather than buying one, you can control the
ingredients, nutritional value, and calories. You’ll also save time and money. The key to making
a healthy smoothie is choosing the right ingredients that will help you stay full until your next
meal.

Here’s a guide to making the perfect smoothie, from the bottom of your blender to the top, courtesy of Dr. Feiz & Associates:

LIQUID
When you’re ready to start making your smoothie, add the liquid ingredients to your blender or
juicer first. You can try many different types of liquid to make the perfect smoothie, from coconut
water to almond milk. The most common choice is dairy milk, but any type of milk will work as a
base.

Try the following liquids in your healthy smoothie:

• Milk. You can use dairy milk in your smoothie to get a smooth base to your drink. Dairy
products are linked to improved bone health due to the high calcium content. The high
level of potassium in milk can maintain healthy blood pressure and lower the risk of
heart disease. Choose fat-free or low-fat milk, which has little or no solid fat.
• Non-dairy milk. Soy milk is naturally cholesterol-free, high in protein, and low in fat and
is a popular choice for the lactose-intolerant. Almond and coconut milk are another
great alternative to dairy choices. Almond milk has a rich, creamy taste which is lower in
calories and fat than dairy milk. Coconut milk has a light, sweet flavor but is higher in
fat.
• Fruit juice. While fruit juice is a popular addition to a smoothie, it also usually has added
sugar. Try to stick to whole fruits, which have natural sugar and are not as calorically
dense.
• Coffee or Tea. If you’re making a blended coffee drink, you can get a caffeine boost in
your homemade Frappuccino. Tea has caffeine, as well as antioxidants.
• Yogurt. Thicker than dairy milk, yogurt comes in a variety of flavors. Try a non-fat or
low-fat variety, and check the ingredients list to determine how much sugar it has. Aim
for no more than 14 grams of sugar per serving. To replace your regular yogurt, try
Greek yogurt, which is thicker and has twice the protein.
Although many smoothies contain dairy to give them a milk consistency, you don’t need it to
prepare a well-balanced smoothie. You can still get that creaminess by adding certain fruits,
which bulk up texture, in the next step.

FRUIT

When you’re thinking of the perfect smoothie, no doubt fruit is the main ingredient. As the most
popular smoothie ingredient, you have lots of choices. While fruit has many vitamins and minerals, and most are fat free, it’s important to choose ingredients wisely so you have a
delicious drink which isn’t too high in sugar.
• Bananas. As one of the most popular fruit smoothie additions, bananas can give your
beverage a creamier texture without adding any fat. Bananas are high in fiber, vitamins,
and minerals, and are worth the 100 calories you’ll get in a medium-sized fruit. Bananas
have lower water content than other fruits, making them more calorically-dense, but as
part of a healthy diet, will not lead to weight gain.
• Berries. Fresh or frozen, berries are a healthy low-calorie, high-fiber addition to a
smoothie. If you’re buying canned or frozen berries, make sure they have no added
sugar or syrup. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are naturally
sweet without the need for added sugar. Berries also have a high amount of vitamin C,
calcium, magnesium, folate, and potassium.
• Citrus fruits. Comprised of the lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit and tangerine, the citrus
family offers an amazing source of vitamin C, as well as fiber, calcium, and folic acid.
Plus, they add a low-calorie “zing” to your smoothie. Watch that you don’t add too many
acidic fruits or it may irritate your mouth.
• Other fruits you may choose to add to your smoothie include apples, grapes, kiwifruit,
melons, pears, peaches, papayas, pineapple, plums, mangoes, avocados, or tomatoes.

VEGGIES

Although you may not think of adding a cucumber or cup of kale to your smoothie, the taste of
these nutritional powerhouses is easily canceled out by the fruit and other ingredients. Another
added benefit of putting veggies in your smoothie is that you’ll easily boost your daily servings of
vegetables. Even though they may turn your smoothie bright green, don’t worry, you’ll still taste
the orange, banana, and yogurt on top of the spinach!

And if you really can’t bear the thought of a green smoothie, add in darker berries, such as
blueberries and blackberries, which will mask the green color.

• Spinach. When blended, spinach is pulverized into almost nothing, so have a heavy
hand when adding spinach to your smoothie. Once incorporated, you’ll get all of the
great nutrients spinach provides and you’ll barely taste it, if you notice it at all. Raw
spinach has very low caloric density, at only 7 calories per one cup. Spinach also has
more than 100 percent of your vitamin K in one serving, as well as a high amount of
vitamin C, A, and E.
• Kale. This dark, leafy green it has loads of vitamins, minerals and calcium. Similar to
spinach, kale is very low in calories.
• Carrots. As one of the vegetables with higher sugar content, this versatile vegetable can
be added to your smoothie without worry that it will muddle the taste of your
masterpiece. Carrots have a number of health benefits, such as improving vision with
high vitamin A content, fighting free radicals, and protecting against certain cancers. One
thing to be aware of is that carrots may be harder to blend, depending on the wattage of
your blender. If you’re not keen on carrot chunks, use a juicer to blend carrots or buy
carrot juice instead of adding raw carrots. • Some other veggies which work well in smoothies include chard, cucumbers, celery, peas and water chestnuts.

NUT BUTTER

This tasty addition will add a thicker texture to your smoothie while adding plenty of protein,
fiber, and essential fatty acids. Nuts are naturally low in sodium, but nut butters may add in salt
for flavor, so check for unsalted varieties. Nut butters all have high fat content, so just a
tablespoon is likely to give your smoothie the kick it needs without adding too many calories.
For a nut butter with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, try almond butter. This variation to classic
peanut butter has a higher amount of essential fatty acids and is a good option for those with
peanut allergies.

Peanuts aren’t actually a nut, but a legume, but they are in the same category as nut butters.
Choose organic, unsalted peanut butter, which is less processed than its brand name
counterpart. Peanut butter is often processed so the oil won’t separate, or to reduce the fat
content.

Here are some nut butters you may want to try in your smoothie:

• Almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Macadamia nut butter
• Peanut butter
• Pecan butter
• Pistachio butter
• Walnut butter

SUPPLEMENTS

• Protein powder. By adding this popular supplement, you can make your smoothie more
like a meal. Check the ingredient of your protein powder to see if it has added calories
along with its boost of protein. Protein powder comes in many varieties, such as whey,
soy, or casein-based, and also comes in a many flavors. Plain or vanilla protein powder
blends best with fruit flavors.
• Chlorella and spirulina. These food sources come from algae, or sea vegetables, and
are high in protein and contain essential fatty acids.
• Seeds. Another source of protein and essential fatty acids comes from flax, chia, and
other seeds. They are nutrient rich and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. You can
buy whole flax seeds or powdered flaxseeds. • Spices. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to add sweet complexities
to your smoothie without adding any calories. Cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar
while nutmeg can help improve sleep.
• Flavoring. You may opt to add some honey, agave extract, or brown sugar to your
smoothie if it doesn’t have enough natural sugars to satisfy you. Another, no-calorie
option is adding stevia, a natural sweetener.

Farm to Fork - Why Buy Fresh & Local Food?

Board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz frequently counsels his patients on healthy eating, and then they often become experts in what is healthy food. One thing patients sometimes ask Dr. Feiz is, "should I buy local food?" Here's his take on local food and healthy eating!

Local food is more sustainable because it is grown on a community farm with different kinds of crops and animals. Because it travels a shorter distance, it doesn't need to be processed to enhance freshness before it reaches your plate. The farms which are local and sustainable aren't owned by big agribusiness companies which strive for a profit above all else. What makes a farm sustainable is the fact that it doesn't rely on artificial fertilizer, pesticides, heavy machinery, antibiotics, feedlots, and processing plants. Sustainable food isn't an industrial machine which relies on massive amounts of fossil fuel to deliver its product. 

Dr. Feiz, a renowned Southern California bariatric surgeon, recommends patients looking to support fresh, local food by the employing the following practices:

           CSA – Community Supported Agriculture

A CSA provides an opportunity for a family to support a local farm for a few hundred dollars a year, and in return they receive a weekly box of fresh produce. By paying in advance, the cost of seeds and planting crops are covered by the consumers. Members are also encouraged to visit the farm and volunteer there to see how their food is grown. 

 Farmers Market

If you’re interested in supporting the local economy, look no further than your neighborhood farmers market. Farmers markets enable farmers to keep up to 90 cents of each dollar spent by the consumer. Farmers markets are comprised of a number of local producers who gather together to sell their wares to residents of the community. By patronizing farmers markets, you help keep small family farms in business, while benefitting both the farmer and yourself. While at the farmers market, you can ask the farmer specifics about their farm and how produce is grown and animals are raised. You can ask include what kind of pest control methods are used, which fertilizers are used, how many different types of produce are grown, and if the farm is certified organic, biodynamic, or naturally grown.

 “Pick your own” Farm

Some farms which offer fruits allow members of the public to come and pick their own produce at farms such as an apple orchard, berry growers, or a pumpkin patch. Usually the producer will set a price for a bushel or pint, and families can go into the fields and pick their own food. Some farms also allow consumers to choose the animal they would like to purchase for consumption before it is slaughtered.

  Food Co-ops -- Co-operative Grocery Stores

These voluntary organizations are controlled by members to provide low cost, healthy food both to members and the public, while individuals belonging to the co-op have a say in decision-making of business practices. Most of these food co-ops are organic or produced with a minimum of processing.

Food buying clubs

By organizing a group of people to buy food in bulk, members can expect to get discounts. Usually the groups are either friends or members of a group, such as a church organization, who share the chores of collecting money and placing orders with the distributor. Regional distributors also provide food to co-op stores.

Home delivery service

Similar to a CSA, this service is a burgeoning industry which takes local food and sends boxes of fresh meat and produce to members. The box’s contents change weekly as seasonal produce changes. Members can choose the type of produce, ready-made items, or meat they want. Boxes can contain fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, fish, poultry, bread, pasta, and dry goods.

Teaching Children Healthy Eating Habits Early in Life

You've probably heard phrases such as "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" or "like father, like son." Well, that's true for many things when it comes to child rearing, including how children will learn their eating habits from their parents. Los Angeles bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz has even treated entire families who are severely obese and one of the things he often hears from these patients in the same family is that they have had poor eating habits since childhood.

The good news is, parents can guide their children who live at home into better eating habits. Likewise, Dr. Feiz would encourage couples planning to have a family to learn more about nutrition before they welcome home a little one. Are you the type of parent who keeps plenty of sugary snacks around the house, and never sits down to a home-cooked meal with the family; or do you regularly schedule sit-down family dinners at home and encourage your children to play? Whichever one it is, children will often grow up thinking however they were raised is not only normal, but it becomes ingrained in their lifestyle habits for a lifetime, and as we all know, it is incredibly hard to break a habit.

Even for those who have had incredible difficulty losing weight later in life, there is hope to get your life back on track and learn new, healthy eating habits. As the foremost expert in bariatric surgery in Southern California (also called weight loss/obesity surgery), Dr. Feiz has aided many individuals as well as families in getting their lives back on track while regaining their health as they lose significant weight. If you're ready to get started on your weight loss journey, call 310-855-8058 today to get in touch with the offices of Dr. Feiz & Associates.

It's All About Helping People

Being on "The Doctors" was, obviously, a very exciting moment for everyone of us at Dr. Feiz & Associates. It's not every day a busy bariatric surgeon gets to engage an audience of millions. Even so, the most exciting aspect, wasn't about us. It was about showing the world the amazing results that a gastric sleeve procedure was able to render for three members of the amazing Colone family, mother Crystal, and daughters Candra and Clarissa.

These three women have achieved the dream of a healthy weight shared by countless obese people from all walks of life. It's all very largely thanks to a procedure that we've been able to refine to a point where it's extremely safe and very reliable.

The revelations we've seen in recent times about the hunger hormone, ghrelin, appear to have added to the reliability of the procedure. At the same time, we have to credit the determination of great patients like the Colones -- and it's the patients that this is truly all about.

If you think you would benefit from learning more about a weight loss procedure with Dr. Michael Feiz, please give us a  call (800) 868-5946 today to inquire about attending a free seminar.

Baby Steps May be the Key to a Healthier Weight

When many of us start a new weight loss routine, we think about the goal weight and not much else. After all, who wouldn't want to fit into a smaller size, have a slimmer waistline, or be more physically active without huffing and puffing? Southern California Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz encourages overweight and obese individuals to stop stressing about the big picture and take their approach to weight loss one deal, even one mouthful, at a time. 

While it can seem daunting to step into the gym for the first time after perhaps not having been in one in years, just focus on activities that are pushing yourself but not to the point of sharp pain. Try walking at a brisk pace for 5 minutes more than you usually would (and if that means just 5 minutes, great!). Building up endurance can be a chore, but it doesn't need to be.

Also, Dr. Feiz and Associates encourage you to clean out your pantry and take a hard look at what foods you're buying. Are you spending most of your food budget on junk that isn't doing anything for your body? Try to stick to whole foods, plenty of fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean meats. Cut out foods with process carbs, too much sugar, fat or calories. And if you're at the end of your rope and feel like you'll never lose the weight you need to lose, consider calling the offices of Dr. Feiz to learn more about a healthy lifestyle. Call today at 310-855-8058 to learn more about surgical weight loss and how it can help you reach that health weight once and for all!

The Financial Costs of Obesity

Being obese is not just a cosmetic concern, as board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz knows all too well. It can lead to serious health problems, which over time may be quite detrimental to your finances, as well. In fact, new research published by Duke University points to the fact that the higher an individual's body mass index (BMI), the higher their medical bills generally are. The reason this is true is because obese individuals generally suffer from a barrage of health concerns, from high blood pressure to diabetes and sleep apnea. 

Getting down to a healthy weight can save you money in the long run.

As the bariatric surgeon who performs weight loss surgeries such as gastric sleeve and the lap band procedure, Dr. Feiz can help patients reverse their obesity for good and stop throwing away money on trying to maintain their health. New research from this Duke study showed that the average annual healthcare costs for individuals with a BMI of 19, considered the lowest score for a healthy weight, was just over $2000. At the same time, morbidly obese individuals with a BMI of 45 (more than 100 pounds overweight) had more than double that amount in healthcare costs. 

If you are facing obesity and want to close the chapter of your life where you spend a fraction of your income on your comorbid illnesses, call (800) 868-5946 today to learn about free seminars on weight loss surgery in Los Angeles, from Huntington Beach to Lancaster. 

How to Actually Keep that New Year's Resolution for Weight Loss!

Weight loss is the most common New Year's resolutions, but many struggle and give up before reaching their target weight. Board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz has helped many adults reverse their obesity and finally get healthy, making their New Year's resolution to lose the pounds a reality.

Do you plan to lose weight in 2014? Contact the offices of Dr. Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S. to learn more about your surgical weight loss options.

Dr. Feiz & Associates have tips for how you can get down to a healthy weight, whether you plan to have obesity surgery or not. His main advice is to focus on small goals so you don't get overwhelmed and give up!

• Track your calories.  Dedicate yourself to healthy eating and logging what you eat either on paper of an online calorie tracking source like My Fitness Pal. This can open your eyes to what you're really eating!
• Work out 3 times a week or more. Start small and work from there when it comes to physical activity. Don't feel pressured to do too much too soon, you'll build up endurance sooner than you may think!
• Weigh yourself regularly.Your weight can easily spiral out of control is because you're simply unaware of your weight until clothes no longer fit. Hold yourself accountable and focus on weight maintenance at least, if you're not ready to lose some weight. 

Contact the offices of Dr. Feiz today to learn more about how you can lose weight starting today. Don't delay, call (310) 855-8058 today!

Some Holiday Eating Tips to Stay Healthy During the Festive Season

At the offices of Dr. Feiz and Associates, you'll find a team with expert skill at performing bariatric treatments like gastric sleeve surgery that have proven exceptionally beneficial for those who suffer from obesity and excess weight. In recent years, obesity has taken on epidemic proportions around the world, and particularly in the US.

For many, the excess weight can exacerbate health issues like heart disease and diabetes, making the work of Dr. Michael Feiz and his team particularly valuable. Yet even with his amazing weight loss surgery in California, eating healthy is essential to stay remain healthy - something that is increasingly difficult to do during the holiday season.That's why the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has put together a list of some helpful habits to avoid binging during the holiday season. Here are a few:

• Make Realistic Goals - The holiday season is no the time to place added stress on yourself by attempting to lose weight.
• Use smaller plates if possible, which has a psychological effect on your eating habits. 
• Try eating a healthy snack before going to a party that is filled with calorie-rich sweets.
• Balance what you eat at parties with what you eat during the day.

Also - Remember that beverages contain calories as well. Alcoholic beverages, home-made punches and chocolatey beverages tend to have sneaky calories that you may not expect!

The holidays should always be a time of warmth and joy - and sure, that might involve some indulgences from time to time. Yet, with healthy habits and bariatric treatment from Dr. Feiz, you can stay trim while still enjoying the spirit of the season.