The Sleep-Obesity Connection

Sleep is easily the most mysterious and least well understood of any of our vital bodily functions. With all of today's vast medical knowledge it's still a fact that scientists are not even exactly sure why we need to sleep, though it's clear that we can't survive very long without it.

As specialists in weight loss surgery in Los Angeles, we're obviously especially concerned with how, on the one  hand, obesity impacts sleep and, on the other hand, how sleep, or the lack of it, may impact obesity. Specifically, obesity is pretty directly associated in many patients with the condition known as sleep apnea. This is a condition in which sleep is constantly interrupted, resulting in fatigue, depressions and numerous other health risks, some of them quite serious.

Even more interesting, however, are a number of studies showing how poor sleep is related to excessive eating, which is obviously pretty closely related to obesity. Indeed, according to one study we came across from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the hunger hormone ghrelin appears to increase as quality sleep decreases. That's especially interesting to us at Dr. Feiz & Associates because we've been at the forefront of spreading the world about how sleeve gastrectomies appears to greatly reduce the production of ghrelin, which is produced in an area of the stomach that is removed during this type of bariatric surgery.

So, if severe obesity is making you lose sleep...or if losing sleep is making your severe obesity worse...there's a lot that we can do. Give us a call.

It All Comes Down to Appetite

If you've spent much time in organized weight loss groups, you've probably heard more than your share of discussion about the difference between appetite and hunger. The idea seems clear enough, we might feel like eating for a host of reasons, but that's not the same as actually needing to eat. While it's true that sometimes we eat out of boredom or to deal with certain feelings or simply because we love donuts, obesity is not nearly that simple.

While it helps to learn to deal with emotional eating, that's only one small part of the problem. As we have learned at Dr. Feiz & Associates, as we lose get serious about restricting our eating, very strong feelings emerge wich can be almost impossible to distinguish from genuine hunger.

You see, the more overweight we are, and the more weight we lose, the stronger and more impossible to ignore these feelings become. Indeed, even people trying to lose relatively small amounts of weight can find themselves obsessing over food while dieting. That's why there's a need for bariatric surgery; people who have a lot of weight to lose, and who need to keep it off for the long term, need help suppressing these pangs that feel so very close to true hunger.

That's also why many of us get so frustrated when we hear uninformed people describing a weight loss surgery as "the easy way out." The fact of the matter is that, for most people, it's the only workable way out of obesity.

If you've found attempting to lose significant amounts of weight and/or trying to keep it off, an all but impossible task, then weight loss surgery in Los Angeles with Dr. Feiz might your very best option. Call us today.

For Men and Women, Weight Loss Surgery is an Equal Opportunity Issue!

Recently, a new study came to light concerning the demographic breakdown of patients of bariatric surgery. The most striking numbers showed that the numbers were dramatically skewed toward women, and that, by far, more female patients undergo weight loss surgery than men. According to the numbers, women make up 80% of all bariatric surgeries performed. As a highly experienced and respected center for bariatric surgery, here at Dr. Feiz & Associates we think these numbers are problematic because it means severely obese men are less likely to seek out and receive the treatment they need to achieve a healthier lifestyle. 

Though some incorrectly believe that weight loss is primarily a women’s issue, the truth is that obesity affects men and women equally. In fact, obesity rates in America are nearly equal for both sexes. Further still, the reasons to pursue weight loss surgery in Los Angeles and beyond are not cosmetic. Severe obesity is linked to major medical issues that include diabetes, heart attack, and stroke to name a few. Weight loss surgery is proven to be the best method to combat severe obesity and improve the quality of life. Living a better, happier, longer, and more healthy life is something both men and women deserve!

 

Should More Patients be Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery?

In an article recently published by General Surgery News, several doctors put forward the idea that bariatric surgery could benefit patients with a BMI below 35 just as it does for patients whose BMI exceeds that threshold. Current standards say that only patients with a BMI over 35 are eligible for weight loss surgery in Los Angeles, but after studying cases in which people with a BMI below 35 had a procedure, it was found that the benefits for them were great as well.

While the results just from patients of Dr. Feiz & Associates are not big enough sample to wholeheartedly support this change, what is clear is that the risks associated with bariatric surgery are much lower than many people used to think. One of the reasons for this past threshold was that the procedures were perceived as risky, so they would only be performed when a patient’s obesity was detrimentally affecting their health. Now that we know bariatric surgery is as safe as common procedures like an appendectomy, this concern merits revisiting. For now, though, if you have a BMI over 35 and believe you can benefit from bariatric surgery, don’t hesitate to contact us today!

The Power of Fame

It was, of course, good to hear Chris Christie tell Matt Lauer of "The Today Show" that his decision to take advantage of bariatric surgery has turned out well for him. We're happy, of course, not only for the health of this very likely presidential contender, but because his example will help many other individuals struggling with severe obesity to take the plunge and learn more about their weight loss options.

Of course, some might say that famous people -- whether they are actors, musicians or politicians -- hold too much sway over the popular mind. After all, why is Chris Christie's success with his lap band or Rosie O'Donnell's good fortune with her gastric sleeve any more important than the results enjoyed by countless men and women around the world?

Regardless, at Dr. Feiz & Associates, we believe that anything that gets people's attention on their health and happiness is a net positive. So, we're always delighted when anyone well known decides to go public with their procedure. Of course, while a weight loss surgery in Los Angeles or anywhere else is of huge help for a great many people, it's not for everyone. If you'd like to learn more, give us a call at 310-855-8058 to find out more about one of our free informational seminars.

The Science of Hunger

If you're a veteran of traditional weight loss courses, you've probably encountered the efforts to help overweight people distinguish between a psychological craving and actual hunger. Still, more and more the evidence we're seeing here at Dr. Feiz & Associates is pointing to the very strong likelihood that, especially for severely obese people, the distinctions between these feelings may, very often, be close to meaningless.

An extreme example of what we're talking is exemplified in the case of 13 year-old Alexis Shapiro. Recent news stories have told of the the success of bariatric surgery in treating obesity caused by uncontrollable bouts of hunger. As a 9 year-old, young Alexis had a brain tumor removed. Unfortunately, along with the tumor, doctors also had to remove the brain's hypothalamus, which largely controls the body's appetite and metabolism. The result was a rare condition, hypothalamic obesity, caused by the girl's suddenly uncontrolled appetite.

This syndrome is an extreme example of how powerful the brain is in terms of creating the feeling of hunger, a drive which really can be all but uncontrollable...even if we know intellectually that we've had enough to eat. Indeed, while hypothalmic obesity is rare, it appears that nearly everyone who loses any weight deals with an increase in the production of certain hormones, most notably ghrelin, that tell the brain we're hungry and create a feeling all but identical to actual need-driven hunger. This may be be a major reason why it is so difficult to lose weight and to keep that weight off over the long term.

As we've mentioned many times before, this hormonal link may be a significant reason that a sleeve gastrectomy may be especially effective for many patients.That particular surgery removes a large portion of the stomach, including a section, the fundus, believed to be responsible for the production of ghrelin. All in all, it's a sign that we should be spending a lot less time shaming people with weight problems for gluttony and a lot more time examining the role of the brain and hormones in driving overeating.

In the meantime, if you or a loved one is dealing with severe obesity sustained by persistent feelings of hunger, it might well be time to consider weight loss surgery in Los Angeles or one of our other Southern California offices.

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!

More and More Patients are Finding Success with Revision Surgery

Weight loss surgery with Dr. Feiz & Associates has helped countless patients lose their excess weight and keep it off. Yet, some gastric band patients have had difficulties getting to their ideal weight. But, instead of giving up on their weight loss journey, they know that the best option is to opt for revision surgery to turn their gastric band into a sleeve gastrectomy.

Dr. Feiz has years of experience performing laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, which has the added benefit of limiting the hunger cravings by limiting a patient’s hormones. One of the reasons why we get hunger cravings is that the stomach releases a hormone called ghrelin whenever it is empty. Because the sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a sizable portion of the stomach, a lot of the area where ghrelin is released is also removed, resulting in less of the hormone released into your bloodstream.

This type or revision surgery is quickly gaining popularity, as the gastric sleeve is the fastest growing method of weight loss surgery in Los Angeles. And, thanks to his skill and years of experience, there is no better choice of surgeon than Dr. Feiz.

Government Sponsored Weight Loss Surgery?

As a leading center for weight loss surgery in Los Angeles, here at Dr. Feiz and Associates, our team is committed to improving the quality of life with effective bariatric solutions. Because the medical consensus is that bariatric surgery is the only consistently proven method for someone with severe obesity to approach a healthy weight and ward off debilitating and life threatening health conditions, we strongly advise any severely obese individual to carefully consider their options. 

In the UK, like the United States, obesity has been declared a public health concern due to the associated health risks. In an interesting development, many public health officials are advocating that weight loss surgery be paid for by the government for severely obese individuals who qualify. The officials claim that though the costs may initially appear to be significant, are in fact better in the long run as severely obese individuals almost always develop health conditions that require consistent treatment and medical attention. Government funded weight loss surgery may seem radical, however, at  Dr. Feiz & Associates , we can’t help but understand the reasoning.

Asthma is Just the Latest Condition that Weight Loss Surgery is Proven to Alleviate

According to a study that was just published by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, weight loss surgery seemed to improve asthma sufferers’ symptoms and their ability to manage their condition. Specifically, weight loss surgery cut in half the number of emergency room visits due to Asthma within two years. This is obviously outstanding news for any asthma sufferers considering weight loss surgery in Los Angeles, and joins the list of other conditions that weight loss surgery improves. These include:

• Diabetes – Many patients who had previously suffered from Type 2 Diabetes before bariatric surgery found that the weight loss that the surgery helped them achieve sent the disease into remission. It was also found that patients who were considered at risk for developing diabetes were less likely to do so after having surgery.
• Heart Disease - A study on bariatric surgery’s effect on heart disease showed that those who had the surgery were 40% less likely to die from a heart attack within 14 years of having the surgery.

Losing weight has long been known to improve a person’s overall health, but these studies are important reminders of exactly how it can help obese patients. And, for obese patients who have struggled with dieting, weight loss surgery with Dr. Feiz & Associates is one of the best ways to lose weight.

Weight Loss Surgery: Finding the Support You Need

For people who suffer from severe obesity, day to day life can be challenging and impaired by the many various associated health conditions. For local residents who choose to pursue  weight loss surgery in Los Angeles, they are taking a major step toward improving the quality of their life, decreasing the odds of succumbing to life threatening medical complications, and lengthening their lifespan. Never-the-less, even though weight loss surgery, like the high quality procedures we perform here at Dr. Feiz & Associates, is proven to be safe and effective, it’s still a life altering decision, and a very significant one at that. That’s why anyone who intends to  undergo a bariatric operation should have as much support as possible. 

As medical professionals who are dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle we work hard to provide our patients with all the resources and support they need. We provide information and support group contacts on website to help our patients, past, present, and future, reach out and interact with one another. We also make ourselves available through a quick and easy online contact form to give you the firsthand expertise from the professionals who know best. Your decision toward a better you is an important one, and we’ll help you through it every step of the way.

Tools to Fight the Battle Against Obesity

An article that we linked to earlier today highlights the fact that many experts agree on obesity being a disease that cannot be easily “cured” with just diet and exercise. There are many biological and hormonal problems that stick with people their entire life, across multiple years and multiple diets. Experts agree that weight loss surgery in Los Angeles is a great tool that can have lifelong benefits in the fight against these hunger cravings.

There is no better choice than Dr. Feiz & Associates when picking a surgeon to perform your sleeve gastrectomy, both because of his proven skill as a surgeon, and because of the spectacular post-surgical support that our staff provides to help guide you through your weight loss journey.

The sleeve gastrectomy procedure, as performed by Dr. Feiz, helps both physically by limiting the size of the patient’s stomach, but also hormonally. The stomach omits a hormone called ghrelin that travels to the brain and gives off signals that give people food cravings. Because the sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a portion of the stomach which omits ghrelin, the procedure reduces the amount of ghrelin that reaches the brain, therefore reducing hunger cravings.

No One Does it Alone

A new study which found that people lost more weight in an online weight loss program when they participated in its more social aspects is nice to hear, but far from surprising. At Dr. Feiz & Associates, we're keenly aware that human beings are social animals and almost no one achieves their weight loss goals on their own. The more social support we receive during our weight loss efforts the better.

The fact of the matter is that, even with the help of an outstanding weight loss procedure such as a sleeve gastrectomy, permanent and significant weight loss requires a great deal of effort and commitment. Having the support of the people most important to us is, of course, a major help. At the same time, it's also not a bad thing to make new "weight loss buddies." There's definitely something about being able to compare notes with others who are undergoing a similar struggle.

Of  course, weight loss is also a great deal easier when our appetite for excessive food has been subdued. The combination of outstanding weight loss surgery in Los Angeles and social support from both those closest to us and more casual friends can be just about unbeatable.

Why Sleeve Gastrectomy is the Fastest Growing Weight Loss Procedure

There are many types of weight loss surgery that have been proven to help patients lose weight, but not all of them are growing in popularity at the same rate. This is because the gastric sleeve procedure is a happy medium between the Lap Band and Gastric Bypass procedure. The gastric bypass is shown to help patients lose the most weight, but that it is only because it is the most drastic procedure that fundamentally alters the way patients digest food. And, unlike the Lap Band procedure, the sleeve gastrectomy does not require implanting a foreign object in the body, but still produces incredible weight loss results.

Dr. Feiz is an expert at performing the gastric sleeve procedure using minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery methods. Patients of Dr. Feiz & Associates who undergo weight loss surgery in Los Angeles have tremendous things to say about both the expert care and the unmatched results they receive. 

While more and more patients are turning to the gastric sleeve procedure with Dr. Feiz to jump start their weight loss journey, it is true that no one procedure is best for every patient. If you are interested in learning more about your weight loss surgery options, don’t hesitate to schedule a con
sultation with Dr. Feiz today.

New Study Demonstrates Health Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery

Several times a month, a study is released that adds to the already favorable cost-benefit analysis of weight loss surgery in Los Angeles. This week, a study was released in the Journal of the American Medical Association which showed that, over a 14 year period, obese patients who had undergone weight loss surgery were 53 percent less likely to die from a disease attributed to obesity. The report also indicated that age was not a big concern when considering the health benefits. It was seen that older men recover from the surgery just as well as young obese women. No one is too old for a healthy lifestyle!

The study also showed that bariatric surgery is safer now than it ever was. According to the study, the risk of patient death after bariatric surgery was lower in the five year period from 2006 to 2011 compared to 200 to 2005. Even better, Dr. Feiz & Associates has a zero percent mortality rate across hundreds of patients. Much of this has to do with the fact that Dr. Feiz has mastered the minimally invasive laparoscopic method of performing bariatric surgery. Dr. Feiz is the safe choice for an already safe procedure.

The Case for a Long Healthy Life

For a lot of people, healthy eating can feel like a drag. Food is something that we all love, and, just like most of the things we enjoy the most, it’s far too easy to slip into overindulgence. Though the specific reasons for obesity are highly varied and can involve a variety of factors depending on the individual, one issue can make recovery difficult. Many who suffer from severe obesity state that they aren’t concerned with the long term health effects because they would rather enjoy life in the moment. Nevertheless, here at Dr. Feiz & Associates, as healthcare professionals we’re very familiar with the dangers of severe obesity, and want to help convey the need for treatment.

The risk factors associated with obesity are very well known and include a significantly increased risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. These life threatening issues may seem like a long term concern, however living in the moment, and avoiding the issues is not a good path to take. In addition to shortening your life span, severe obesity can significantly deteriorate the quality of life and leave an individual suffering with for years with difficult issues. Rather than living in pain, and difficulty, the clear choice to make is one toward improvement. Weight loss surgery in Los Angeles performed by Dr. Feiz is one of the best ways to get improve you quality of life for a healthy, long, and peaceful existence.