Most of us feel like we need to lose a few pounds, which brings on a flurry of diets and gym memberships. However, some people need to lose weight for medical reasons, and diet and exercise simply cannot get them to their goal weight. Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S., and his bariatric surgery team understand that some severely obese patients need not just a healthy diet and exercise routine, but surgery from a caring professional, to reach their goals.

Two typical forms of bariatric surgery are the Lap Band, and the gastric sleeve. Dr. Feiz often discusses Lap Band vs. sleeve surgeries with patients. Although many people have heard of gastric bypass, this type of surgery is now considered too extreme for many obese patients. Instead, patients choose either a removable band, or a gastric sleeve. A Lap Band is an adjustable silicone band placed around the top of the stomach. This band makes the useable part of the stomach smaller, so patients become full faster. Additionally, the band is removable, so the surgery can be reversed – this makes many weight loss patients more comfortable.

A gastric sleeve is a permanent surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes part of the stomach. While this might sound severe, many weight loss patients find they have more satisfying results from gastric sleeve, in part because an area of the stomach that produces a hormone called ghrelin is removed during the surgery. Ghrelin is the “hungry hormone,” signaling the brain that the stomach needs more food. This hormone can cause anxiety around lack of food, even when the patient knows they have eaten an appropriate amount of calories. By removing the ghrelin hormone, patients not only physically eat less, but feel more satisfied with smaller meals. If you already have a Lap Band, Dr. Feiz can discuss a band to sleeve revision, called Lap Band revision surgery.

Dr. Feiz and his team have extensive experience in weight loss surgeries, including Lap Band revision surgery for patients who need extra help losing weight. Contact Dr. Feiz today to discuss your primary care doctor’s recommendations, and see which weight loss surgery is right for you.