NFL Training Camp Spotlights a Lap Band Success Story

With Wimbledon over, the World Cup coming to a grand finale and Major League Baseball's All Star game on deck, it can seem Americans are up to their necks in sports. However something major still looms: the start of training camp for the upcoming National Football League season.

American football, with the NFL as its showcase, is arguably the most popular sport in the nation. With training camps set to start at the end of the month, players and most involved with the professional league will have the spotlight shined brightly on them.

Fans can wonder if their favorite player did anything special over the off-season to gain an edge once real games begin in early fall.

Someone who made the news recently was New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who had a lap band surgery in 2010. Since then, he says he's lost 130 pounds.

Before the surgery, a doctor asked him how many people he knows who weigh 350 pounds who are over 50 years old. "Not many," Ryan responded.

The doctor replied, "Yeah, because they don't exist." Ryan told CBS Sports that it was then he knew he had to do something.

That something was lap-band surgery for significant weight loss and the associated health benefits.

The Lap Band is in the News!

Yesterday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie shared with the world that he had weight loss surgery back in February. Here at Dr. Feiz and Associates, we are so happy that he has taken control of his health. It's an exciting time for him and his family on the start to a healthier life! Gov. Christie had the lap band procedure and you can learn more about it at drfeiz.com or call 1-800-868-5946 to schedule your free consult today! 

Watch a sneak preview of his interview with Brian Williams Here!

Uncompromising Commitment is the Key to Success

Weight loss through bariatric surgery begins with a decision and is followed by uncompromising commitment. The success stories of Dr. Michael Feiz’ Patient Ambassadors have been published by news outlets throughout the country over the past several months. In reading many of these testimonies, one sees that the dramatic and necessary weight loss of each person was indeed a result of the FDA approved lap band and gastric sleeve surgeries officiated by Dr. Feiz & Associates. However, this is not to discount the patient’s ongoing commitment to a healthy lifestyle. In the days or months leading up to each surgery, Dr. Feiz builds a solid working relationship with each client for an easy flow of communication on all aspects of the procedure. It is very important that each band or  gastric sleeve patient follows recovery guidelines, with diet as a key element. While Dr. Feiz and his team are continually available to the patient, the day will come when he or she has recovered from surgery and settles back into daily life.

After taking initial cues from Dr. Feiz, the patient utilizes his or her own will power to stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan. Many of our patients relate that going to the gym or getting some cardio in isn’t always first on the list, but they realize the benefits of staying true to the fitness regimen, in addition to watching portion size, avoiding alcohol and sodas, taking proper nutritional supplements, and so on. The clinic would like to take the opportunity to commend all of our wonderful patients, to say well done and keep it going! Those who are a part of the Dr. Feiz family are all too aware of the commitment that is involved in achieving and then maintaining a healthy weight. Our clinic congratulates you.

Band-to-Sleeve Conversions are Expertly Performed by Dr. Feiz

By now, many of our patients and followers have read about our January Patient Ambassadors, sisters Stacy and Robyn Harris. Both received bariatric surgeries from Dr. Feiz in the recent past. Today, both have reached their weight loss goal, with Stacy losing approximately 85 pounds and Robyn losing about 45 pounds. Congratulations, Harris sisters!

Both patients received gastric sleeve surgeries, but more specifically, Stacy Harris' 2011 surgery with Dr. Feiz was a lap band to sleeve conversion. Several years ago, Stacy received the FDA approved lap band, but in later years, she felt that sleeve gastrectomy was her real weight loss solution. It takes a highly knowledgeable and extremely skilled surgeon to complete the band-to-sleeve revision operation. There is the possibility that scar tissue is present as a result of the band or the chance that the band has eroded over the course of time. Sleeve gastrectomy is offered as a solution to this erosion, and ultimately, for the patient’s permanent weight loss. Bariatric expert Dr. Feiz has performed many successful band-to-sleeve surgeries for patients like Stacy. She and other band-to-sleeve recipients now experience extreme success with gastic sleeve.

To find your ideal bariatric solution, contact Dr. Feiz & Associates today!

Sleeve Gastrectomy Impacts the Family Unit in Meaningful Ways

This week, our clinic recognizes our December Patient Ambassadors, husband and wife team Roger and Mayra Rosales from Oxnard, California. Their story has now been shared in hundreds of publications throughout the country. A year ago to the week, the two received gastric sleeve surgeries from Dr. Feiz & Associates. Although it has only been a year, the benefits of their surgeries have been extremely far-reaching. The two are younger adults (Roger is 30 and Mayra, 29), but prior to the surgeries, both spoke of being sick and often dealing with back pain and headaches. These days, the two feel quite healthy, keying in on exercise and healthy eating as a result of working with Dr. Feiz and his team. At this point, Roger has lost 150 pounds, and Mayra has lost 80!

The health benefits of sleeve surgery and the FDA-compliant LAP Band are obvious; but a case like the Rosales' demonstrates the impact weight loss surgery has on familial relationships. During our recent talk with Mayra, she related that her nine-year-old son was embarrassed by her excessive weight. Now, he often invites his mother to his school events and has even told her that some of his classmates thought she was his older sister! Additionally, the gastric sleeve surgery really fanned the flame of romance for the couple. These days, Mayra and Roger regularly make time for weekend date nights.

Through listening to the Rosales' story, we see that bariatric surgery can improve the overall happiness of the family unit. If you would like to read more about sleeve gastrectomy from Dr. Feiz, visit the gastric sleeve surgery page on our website. 

Surviving the Weight Loss Downs and Ups

The phrase "ups and downs" is bit confusing when we're talking about the lifelong battle to keep our weight under control. That's because, well, when you're weight is down that's more likely to feel like what we'd usually call an "up" and when it's up, you're quite likely to feel pretty down! Still, those of us who've had weight loss surgery should understand that fluctuations both in our behavior and our actual weight is normal.

There are a great many adjustments to deal with in the wake of a weight loss surgery, whether it's a lap band, a gastric sleeve, or something else. The fact of the matter is that while modern day obesity surgery is a genuine medical miracle, it isn't quite on the level of being a magic wand. The battle to watch our diet and keep up an overall healthy lifestyle will continue. The important thing is not to panic every time we experience a minor weight gain or "fall off the wagon" when it comes to what we should be eating.

The other important thing is to try to view the struggle not as a never-ending slog or struggle, but almost as a kind of game in which you will win by gradually improving your habits. The prize, of course, is a better life but the important thing -- and this might sound a little strange -- is to have fun while your doing it.

The Many Benefits of a Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Dr. Michael Feiz, M.D., FACS is one of only a few accomplished bariatric surgeons who are qualified to perform a micro gastric sleeve surgery, employing the single-incision STARR Treatment. Dr. Feiz, who has performed numerous sleeve surgeries and FDA-compliant Lap Band procedures, recommends the STARR Treatment for qualified patients who are concerned about scarring or marks following the operation. Many potential patients are anxious about scars, but with gastric sleeve surgery, those receiving the procedure will only be left with one small mark about the size of a dime, contrasting with the standard laparoscopic method, which only requires a couple small incisions.

With all of the positive feedback from trustworthy medical sources, the gastric sleeve surgery is an excellent choice for the person contemplating a weight-loss procedure. Both young and old people suffering from obesity might be good candidates. The presence of a gastric sleeve may have a positive effect on glucose levels for patients with type 2 diabetes, and the procedure may improve a person’s candidacy for organ transplant. And of course, if you go by the testimonials of Dr. Feiz’s past patients, there is no denying that the gastric sleeve expedites weight loss. The patient will not experience the daily, sometimes hourly, cravings they struggled with prior to their weight loss surgery.

To set up a FREE consultation to see if gastric sleeve surgery might be right for you, please contact our office today.

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.

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.

Lap Band to Sleeve Gastrectomy Conversion Picks up Stragglers

Many patients undergoing bariatric surgery opt for the lap band procedure because it can be an effective tool for dramatic weight loss. It's also one of the least invasive bariatric surgeries available. Yet, even though this surgery has had a life-changing effect on many patients, many can feel that it's not adequate enough. Some lap band patients, though they have a stomach with a reduced capacity, have a hard time feeling full. This is why a percentage of lap band patients turn to Dr. Feiz for a lap band to sleeve gastrectomy conversion.

The lap band has a reputation for predominantly being a behavioral modification procedure as it physically restricts the amount of food a person can eat. On the other hand, sleeve gastrectomy surgery  does that as well while also targeting the hormonal aspect of hunger. A gastric sleeve suppresses the hunger-stimulating hormone Ghrelin, allowing a patient to feel fuller faster. When a patient doesn't get their expected result from a lap band (usually because they still have problems restricting their portion sizes), they get the conversion surgery. This is a huge decision to make, practically as serious as the decision to get bariatric surgery in the first place. If you're considering this surgery, you should consult with an experienced, caring, and honest doctor like Dr. Feiz to discuss your options.

Study says bariatric surgery has healthy implications for patient's family members, too

As more and more people have bariatric surgery, scientists discover unexpected positive effects of the procedure. Since late last year, studies have been released supporting the idea that family members of people who received bariatric surgeries have also lost weight. These surgeries, whether it be a gastric sleeve or a lap band, from Dr. Feiz & Associates are about taking control of your health and it's good to see that they have greater, favorable consequences.

This rippling of weight loss to spouses and children is attributed to many factors. Firstly, surgeons like Dr. Feiz offer diet and lifestyle counseling before and after surgeries. This acts as valuable education, giving patients important information in order to reevaluate their relationship with food. Also, family members tend to support the patient after surgery in healthy ways. Either families will all start walking or exercising together or they remove all the junk food from the house, which has a positive outcome for the familial unit as a whole. Finally, especially when the person receiving the surgery is the primary purchaser and maker of food, meals in these household just get healthier overall.

Bariatric surgeries, of course, should be the last resort for obese patients needing drastic weight loss. Nonetheless, it can be an affirming step for many people (and their loved ones) to reclaim their lives.

Dr. Feiz Honored by ASMBS

Dr. Feiz has been honored with an award for excellence, and it's an important one: The ASMBS "Center of Excellence" designation.

With bariatric surgery's profile growing by leaps and bounds every day, it's important to separate the truly exceptional practitioners and hold them up as examples. The American Society for Metobolic and Bariatric Surgery, or ASMBS is the worlds largest society dedicated to the betterment of bariatric surgery. Their stated purpose is to "improve public health and well being by lessening the burden of the disease of obesity and related diseases throughout the world." The organization selects surgeons and centers that are truly committed to safe and effective care.

Instead of choosing blindly, patients can look to the recommendations of organizations like the ASMBS and make informed choice about who will perform their Lap Band, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass surgeries.  

Trending: Sleep Apnea and Cancer

Lap Band patients, and patients of other bariatric procedures show a marked improvement in the symptoms associate with sleep apnea. That's especially good news, because The New York Times and a few other publications in the fast few weeks have run stories on a link between sleep apnea and cancer. 


One of the studies quoted in The Times was from Spain, where severe Sleep Apnea patients had a startling 65% greater incidence of cancer of some form or another. Those are some startling numbers. In the meantime, unrelated scientists in South Dakota have noticed a direct genetic link between morbid obesity and sleep apnea.

The optimism to be found in all of these stories, however, is the ever growing trust of the public in sleeve gastrectomy and its more familiar cousin, gastric bypass for medical weight loss.