If you have struggled with being severely obese, you may qualify for weight loss surgery. Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S. and his team at Dr. Feiz & Associates are some of the most highly skilled weight loss surgeons on the West Coast. They are here to help you lose weight and keep it off, so you can reduce the impact of comorbid diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure – or even get rid of them altogether! Dr. Feiz has extensive knowledge of and experience with weight loss surgery, including band to sleeve revision, Lap Band procedures, and gastric sleeve surgery.

Most patients who choose the Lap Band procedure experience real weight loss results. However, in some rare cases, the band does not work as well as it ought to. Dr. Feiz has seen some problems with the Lap Band due to ghrelin, also known as the “hungry hormone.” In an average person, this hormone is produced by the stomach to signal the brain when the body needs food, and after the person has eaten, the stomach mostly stops producing this hormone. In many obese patients, however, the stomach over-produces ghrelin and it actually gets worse as patients begin to lose weight. If a patient chooses the Lap Band, the stomach might continue to produce ghrelin even after the patient has eaten much more than enough. This can cause distressing hunger pangs. Sleeve gastrectomy after Lap Band, however, removes the part of the stomach that largely produces ghrelin, helping patients feel emotionally satisfied with smaller, healthier meals.

Dr. Feiz is there to answer patient questions throughout the process. During the very first consultation, he will discuss all of a patient’s questions and options, including the benefits of Lap Band vs. gastric sleeve, so the patient can make the most informed decision possible. Contact Dr. Feiz & Associates today.