Gastric Sleeve Surgery is often a Weight Loss Patient's Best Bet

LOS ANGELES, March 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass being just three of the procedures currently in use, patients who are considering weight loss surgery are often confused by the increasing number of options available to them. Widely respected bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz has seen firsthand that, for very many patients, gastric sleeve surgery is the most effective option - and a less invasive one - than many other procedures that are currently being practiced. There are numerous reasons why the sleeve might be more effective than other options for some patients when performed by a first-rate surgeon like Dr. Feiz, but researchers are currently looking at a formerly little known hormone called ghrelin as a likely primary factor.

While no two patients are exactly alike and a procedure that may be perfect for one person may be inappropriate for someone else, a number of Dr. Feiz' past patients have seen truly outstanding results thanks to his painstaking work. In fact, a growing number of patients, such as January patient ambassador Stacy Harris, are having their former lap band surgeries revised into gastric sleeves after less than complete results from an earlier surgery. In Ms. Harris' case, she lost 85 pounds after the revision and was so confident in the results she persuaded her sister, Robyn, to have sleeve surgery as well. The most recent patient ambassador for Dr. Feiz' offices, Marlem Jalomo, was set on using the lap band insurance her health policy provided. However, after a discussion with Dr. Feiz, it was determined that she was a candidate for the gastric sleeve procedure. Today Ms. Jalomo is looking fabulous after losing more than 80 pounds and approaching her goal of losing more than 100 pounds.

Many researchers and experts theorize that the reason behind the efficacy of the gastric sleeve may be hormonal. The sleeve is an operation that uses a single incision to remove roughly 75-85% of the stomach. Like all bariatric procedures, it dramatically reduces the capacity of the stomach. While that fact alone tends to significantly decrease the ability to overeat, its effect on appetite may not always have as dramatic an impact on the appetite as you would think. When performed by a first-rate surgeon like Dr. Feiz, however, the gastric sleeve removes a portion of the stomach known as the fundus. This fundus appears to be the seat of the body's production of the hormone known as ghrelin. 

If you've ever wondered why you still feel as if you're physically hungry after you've eaten more than enough food – especially after you have lost weight – excessive production of ghrelin appears to be a very likely culprit. Indeed, gastric surgery patients seem to have a higher success rate and vastly reduced ghrelin production appears to be an important reason for the success.

Of course, not all surgeons are alike and patients need to talk with the most highly qualified medical specialists available. Michael Feiz M.D., F.A.C.S. is one of the nation's finest bariatric surgeons and he and his outstanding staff will be delighted to hear from patients who are wondering if bariatric surgery in general, and the gastric sleeve in particular, is right for them. The best way to find out is to visit Dr. Feiz's website at www.drfeiz.com or call 800-868-5946 for a free initial consultation.

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SOURCE Dr. Feiz and Associates