Well-regarded as an expert in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Michael Feiz makes it his duty to educate his patients and the general public on the realities of weight loss surgeries. One facet of weight loss surgery that he likes to discuss with patients is their expectations following a procedure. In addition to helping them make the decision of lap band vs. sleeve gastrectomy, Dr. Feiz wants to make sure they are fully prepared for life following a surgery in order to minimize dejection and inspire them to try harder.

For one, bariatric patients should not get too hung up on appearances or other societal factors. The team at Dr. Feiz and Associates encourages patients to think of bariatric surgery as a tool to help them have a healthier, more active lifestyle. Its ultimate purpose, from lap band to sleeve gastrectomy, is to get patients out of the obese BMI range into a healthier BMI between 25 and 30. This should help them achieve long-term health improvements, including an easier time exercising and the alleviation of many of the comorbidities associated with obesity (which can include type 2 diabetes, heart problems, depression, and much more).

Why Dr. Feiz emphasizes health over an exact number or idealized physique is because the weight loss journey is often a difficult one, even after surgery. Post-bariatric surgery patients will often lose a fair amount of weight pretty quickly over the first few months (and sometimes right before surgery due to the pre-surgical diet Dr. Feiz enforces). At a certain point, though, weight loss will slow down considerably. Weight loss will be steady at this point, however, if the patient persists and follows proper dieting and exercise. If a patient loses no weight or even gains weight, then Dr. Feiz can offer other solutions, including lap band revision surgery, band adjustment, or working out a more stringent diet and exercise plan.