Sometimes in life we come to a crossroads and suddenly realize that we need to make a big decision. As one of the nation's leading weight loss surgeons, Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S., has helped countless people to obtain the surgery that works best for them in their particular situation. An acknowledged master of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, he has the knowledge and sensitivity to help patients make the right comparisons vis a vis lap band vs gastric sleeve procedures – the most common choice facing prospective bariatric patients today.

Of course, the most basic decision is whether a weight loss procedure is called for in the first place. Most patients who obtain an operation of this type are either considered medically to be morbidly obese, or they may be less excessively overweight people whose obesity is nevertheless accompanied by substantial health problems, or comorbidities.

Once a patient and her doctors decide that she is a candidate for weight loss surgery, many patients first decide to look at a lap band. It is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure that is also adjustable and reversible. Another operation that has been gaining popularity in recent years, however, is the gastric sleeve, which removes between 75 and 85 percent of the stomach to create a sleeve like pouch. This procedure has proven to be extremely reliable in producing outstanding results. In some cases, patients who have received lap bands but who have not achieved the desired results have had surgery by Dr. Feiz to convert band to sleeve procedures.

Dr. Feiz is happy to invite prospective patients to a free seminar where they can learn about the differences in the procedures. Whichever direction a patients take afterward, it's very likely the first step on the road to healthier, happier life.