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.

New Research Points to Link Between Weight Gain During Pregnancy and Childhood Obesity

At Dr. Feiz & Associates, we are proud to provide cutting-edge solutions for weight loss in Los Angeles that can make a substantial difference in enhancing the length and quality of one's life. In recent years, our work has thankfully been aided by the recognition of obesity as a disease, allowing for better care and various types of weight loss surgery treatment options for those suffering from excess weight. That's why we wanted to share this piece of news that further illustrates the importance of recognizing obesity as a treatable disease.

Medical News Today reports that researchers from Boston Children's Hospital have found that women who gain excessive weight during pregnancy are at a higher risk of having overweight or obese children. In the study, records of all live births in Arkansas were matched with state-mandated data on childhood body mass index and height from public schools between 2003 and 2011. The researchers found that for every kilogram of weight a mother gained during pregnancy, their child's BMI would increase by 8% by age 12.

Dr. David Ludwig, author of the study remarks that "for all but the most obese mothers, some weight gain is necessary to ensure good nutrition to the developing fetus." However, Dr. Ludwig notes that "public health measures to avoid excessive, not just inadequate, pregnancy weight gain are warranted."

While more research is needed before conclusive results are known, it is worth noting that bariatric weight loss solutions from Dr. Feiz can always prove exceptionally useful for those looking to enhance their health in and potentially lengthen their lives. For a free consultation, or any questions regarding bariatric surgeries like lap band in Los Angeles, contact Dr. Feiz & Associates today. 

The Most Important Weight Loss Tool

When we discuss such issues as the various types of weight loss surgery with patients, one question that almost never comes up is which organ of the human body plays the most important role in weight gain and weight loss. That's likely because we all intuitively know it's not the stomach, but the brain. "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so," wrote William Shakespeare and no words were ever more self-evident.

This came up today in a Forbes piece about six science based "tips" -- really, more like facts -- about weight gain and weight loss that writer Alice Walton feels are salient. To us, by the far the most important was the final item, which began thus:

...when it comes down to it, it’s not the body or the metabolism that are actually creating overweight or obesity – it’s the brain.

Ms. Walton goes on to discuss how poor habits can lay down certain types of neural pathways that may lead to more poor habits, and how that can be reversed to a greater or lesser degree with good habits. That may be well be true, and it's a fascinating thought. But we would have liked to see a brief reference there to the research being done on a hormone called ghrelin. It's a substance that works directly on the brain to stimulate the feeling of hunger we all know so well, and which overweight and obese people seem to feel even when they have consumed plenty of calories.

As we've mentioned before, sleeve gastrectomy surgery removes the portion of the stomach responsible for the body's production of ghrelin (the fundus). It's one reason we believe we may be seeing so much consistent success with this surgery. While other surgeries can also be very effective, and they have their own advantages, their impact on the brain may be less intense.

Of course, every patient is different. If you're reading this and interested in pursuing a weight loss procedure, and are curious about a gastric sleeve or lap band in Los Angeles we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with us by phone at (800) 868-5946 or through our contact page.

Strength of Weight Loss Surgery Community Helps Success

Here at Dr. Feiz and Associates, we truly believe that a strong support structure is the key to success following any of the types of weight loss surgery. A patient who undergoes bariatric surgery with Dr. Feiz will have a dedicated team of professionals ready and willing to help them when they need it most. Whether it's a dietary concern, a question about a particular aspect of a surgery, or simply a doubt creeping into their minds, Dr. Feiz always provides a kind and knowledgeable ear that get his patients back on track, feeling informed and great about themselves.

Many of the patients who come to Dr. Feiz for a sleeve gastrectomy or a lap band in Los Angeles will also join an online community dedicated to bariatric patients, either on their own or by using a page recommended by the doctor himself. Here, people can speak openly and connect on a deeply personal level, helping to eliminate the common feelings of isolation that can often spring from being obese in our culture.

It's simply amazing how helpful and caring the weight loss surgery community is. Sharing recipes on Pinterest, blogging about your highs and lows, and giving each other words of encouragement on online forums are all incredible ways to pay it forward, helping to guarantee the success of another person's sleeve gastrectomy, lap band, or other type of bariatric surgery. Dr. Feiz and his associates thank these people for their excellent work!

Bariatric Surgery May Become Acceptable for Moderately Obese

More and more information is becoming available on bariatric procedure, especially as obesity-related research continues to gain in popularity. Dr. Michael Feiz, weight loss surgeon known for operations like the gastric sleeve and lap band in Los Angeles, keeps his ear on the ground when it comes to these developments. Knowing the recent news on bariatric surgery allows Dr. Feiz to offer more comprehensive health care to his patients, especially when they are undecided between different weight loss procedures.

One recent study was done on whether weight loss procedures could be effective for patients with lower BMIs. Usually performed on people with BMIs over 40, the study discussed those with BMIs over 35 and an obesity-related condition such as diabetes. It, like many other studies coming out of hospitals and universities around the world, revealed that weight loss surgeries like the sleeve gastrectomy alleviates factors like type to diabetes, high blood pressure high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and more. Dr. Feiz strongly believes in bartiatric surgery as a tool for bettering the health of his patients.

Research on post-bariatric patients may even prevent surgery in the future. Scientists study how the body changes after a weight loss surgery and then they try to figure out how to copy those results chemically. For example, the gastric sleeve reduces the production of the hormone that causes hunger by removing part of the stomach, but tests have also shown that gene expression changes after surgeries as well. Scientists can eventually figure out how to chemically reproduce these effects and reduce this hormone, known as ghrelin, through medication or other ways. Dr. Feiz places his faith in these scientific innovations and can't wait to offer them once they become reality.

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.

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!

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.

Bariatric surgery could be cost effective even for mildly obese

The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis released a report that suggests that bariatric surgery is cost-effective for mildly obese patients and the severely obese. By cost-effective, the study means that the price of surgery is much less than the patient's lifetime medical costs due to obesity-related illnesses. A postdoctoral research associate and first author of the study wants to make bariatric procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy surgery, universally available to all obese people.

As more studies and research like this come to light, patients turn to Dr. Feiz & Associates for weight-loss treatments and consultations in Los Angeles. His many proud patients share their glowing testimonials on his site. One woman, who got a lap band in Los Angeles, states it was the "best decision of my life" and that Dr. Feiz is "a great and caring surgeon." He compassionately works with his patients to guide them through this life-changing process. More stories can be read here: http://www.drfeiz.com/patient-stories/blog.html

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.

New Studies Underscore Benefits of Bariatric Surgery for Type 2 Diabetes

Gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass have been shown to radically reverse the effects of Type 2 diabetes and even, in many cases, send the disease into complete remission. According to two new studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, these procedures actually have more success getting patients off their diabetes medication than traditional treatment plans. Lap Band surgery was not a part of the study. Here at Dr. Feiz & Associates, we routinely perform micro sleeve, gastric bypass, and Lap Band in Los Angeles. Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation, or to attend one of our FREE informational seminars.

Weight Loss Surgery: A Matter of Physical Health and Self-Esteem

There has traditionally been a social stigma attached to weight loss surgery like the Lap Band in Los Angeles. In the past, some have looked down their noses at people who turn to bariatric surgery, assuming that it's an easy way out for someone who simply doesn't have the willpower to lose weight "the old fashioned way." If only it were that simple. Most of the people who come to Dr. Feiz & Associates interested in surgical weight loss in Los Angeles have already tried exercise and diet, and are so frustrated that they are on the verge of giving up. This social stigma is fading away fast as society as a whole learns more about problems associated with weight, but even if it wasn't, it's high time people stopped listening to this kind pressure and criticism. We don't say this because we are trying to push some procedure on people who come to see us. We say it because the path forward to successful weight loss, like so many challenges in life, is really about claiming control over your own destiny. Of course we are there to offer the professional help and support you need and deserve, but ultimately this is your choice, as it should be. Just deciding that for yourself is a first, and powerful, step toward restoring your self-esteem, and your zest for life. We have seen the positive changes in our patients, not just in their dramatic weight loss, but in their entire worldview. Contact us for a FREE consultation to learn more about our procedures, including the Lap Band in Beverly Hills.

What should I look for when I choose a bariatric surgeon?

Dr. Feiz & Associates has built a solid reputation for consistently delivering positive results and providing exceptional patient care. Our team of medical professionals are absolutely dedicated to the people who come to us looking for solutions to weight loss in Los Angeles. More people are turning to Dr. Feiz and his team for gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and the Lap Band in Los Angeles because of the positive word-of-mouth that we have earned over our many years of service. When it comes to finding a bariatric surgeon, don't settle for less than you deserve. Dr. Feiz is among a few select surgeons in the United States who is qualified to perform the STARR Treatment, a cutting-edge method that allows him to perform a variety of weight loss surgeries, including the Lap Band in Beverly Hills, with only a SINGLE INCISION. You can imagine how that translates into a faster recovery, with less post-op pain and less noticeable scarring. Contact us for a FREE consultation.

Depression and Weight Loss Surgery

Here at Dr. Feiz & Associates, we recognize that obesity takes as much of a psychological toll as it does a physical toll. Depression can be a terrible burden, and people shouldn't have to suffer in silence. By no means do we believe that everyone in society should be unsatisfied with anything less than the perfect body. Healthy people have healthy, realistic goals when it comes to their physique. But when we talk about weight loss in Los Angeles, we're not talking about perfection; we're talking about happiness, pure and simple. The procedures that we offer, from gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy and the Lap Band in Los Angeles, deliver amazing results that can increase your lifespan. Just as importantly, they can improve the quality of your life. We don't promise that all of your problems will go away once you undergo bariatric surgery, but it is a vital step toward restoring the self-esteem that you so richly deserve. You can be happy again. You can feel good about yourself again. Exploring weight loss surgery means reclaiming control of your life, and it's not a road you have to travel alone. Contact us for a FREE consultation on any of our procedures, including the Lap Band in Beverly Hills.

What are the different types of bariatric surgery?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to bariatric surgery. Here at Dr. Feiz & Associates, we offer three major approaches to weight loss in Los Angeles. You may be a good candidate for more than one, or none at all. It is important to consult with us first to review your medical history, assess your health, and determine the best course of action. Many people are inquiring about the Lap Band in Los Angeles, in part because it is a relatively non-invasive procedure. We offer the Lap Band in Beverly Hills, along with gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. To find out more about these procedures, and to share your personal goals and concerns with us, please don't hesitate to schedule a FREE consultation.