When the average American realizes they need to lose a few pounds, they may consult their doctor, develop an exercise routine, and find ways to eat healthier foods. For people who struggle with obesity or severe obesity, however, losing weight is not that simple. These people have worked many times to lose weight, but have been unable to keep it off. In some cases, they gain extra pounds when they gain rebound weight after a seemingly successful weight loss, which means they are at an even higher risk of comorbid diseases like diabetes and high cholesterol. Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S, and his incredible team at Dr. Feiz & Associates, have expertise in many weight loss surgery techniques, from Lap Band to band to sleeve revision, that help severely obese people reach a healthy weight and stay there.

For most patients, Dr. Feiz recommends minimally invasive procedures, typically Lap Band vs. sleeve gastrectomy, also called gastric sleeve. The Lap Band procedure involves wrapping a medical device around part of the stomach, to create a smaller organ that more slowly filters food through the digestive system. Most importantly, this device helps the patient feel full after a smaller meal, encouraging them to eat less and lose weight. Gastric sleeve, however, is great for people who experience intense cravings for food that are caused by the “hungry hormone,” ghrelin. This hormone signals the brain that the body is hungry, but in some people, it also leads to intense cravings, or a feeling like they must keep eating even if they have finished their meal and consumer more than enough. Gastric sleeve removes part of the stomach, which ghrelin is produced, so the patient not only feels full, but also satisfied, after a smaller meal.

Dr. Feiz is also uniquely qualified to perform Lap Band revision surgery. He is one of the few bariatric surgeons in the U.S. who can perform this procedure, so contact him today for a consultation.