4 Important Tips for Ensuring a Successful Lap Band Procedure

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent press regarding the Lap Band has some people wondering if it's really as safe as advertised. However, according to Beverly Hills bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz, M.D., his incredible patient success rate for the Lap Band in Los Angeles is a true testament to its safety and effectiveness in facilitating real and permanent weight loss. With over 12 years of combined experience, Dr. Feiz and his associate, Dr. Misra, have performed over 2,000 Lap Band procedures without a single incidence of death or intestinal perforation. Both Dr. Feiz and Dr. Misra have been active academically by training students and fellows in the field of Weight Loss Surgery, and both are Board Certified and Fellowship trained in the field of bariatric surgery.

While there are inherent risks with every surgical procedure, the minimally invasive nature of Lap Band surgery makes it the least risky in comparison to weight loss surgeries such as the gastric bypass. The Lap Band in Beverly Hills is also unique in that it is adjustable and makes no permanent changes to the organs or surrounding tissues.

As with all surgery procedures, pre-op preparation and post op lifestyle change are key aspects of a successful operation. Dr. Feiz (www.drfeiz.com), who performs the Lap Band procedure in more than thirteen locations throughout the LA metropolitan area, offers these tips when considering Lap Band surgery.

1. Healthy eating habits and exercise. Contrary to what some may believe, the Lap Band procedure is not an overnight fix for obesity. Patients who fail to abandon their habits of eating junk food and not exercising will find their initial weight loss rebound. A healthy diet is indispensable.

2. Picking a well qualified and experienced surgeon. Aside from the patient's lifestyle habits, a good bariatric surgeon is inevitably a big factor to be considered. Patients should make sure their surgeon is board certified and has ample experience performing the procedure as well as involvement in the weight loss field on an academic level. This may include lecturing and conducting research and writings for peer reviewed journals. It will also be important to ask the surgeon about his/her success rate for the procedure.

3. Multidisciplinary approach. Since obesity is such a complex condition, merely undergoing a weight loss procedure is typically not sufficient in ensuring the patient's success. A good surgeon takes a multi-doctor approach to the patient's treatment, which means patient consultations with dieticians, nutritionists, mental health specialists, and physicians. This will assure that all the bases are covered for the patient to embrace a new healthier life.

4. Lifelong care. As touched on in the previous paragraph, the surgery itself is just a part of the patient's transition into a healthier life. Finding a surgeon that offers post-op mentoring and guidance is instrumental in the patient's success. By being involved with support groups, nutritional classes, and fitness programs based on the surgeon's recommendations, patients are better equipped to embrace a healthy, more productive lifestyle free from complications.

To learn more about weight loss in Los Angeles with Dr. Feiz, please visit online at www.drfeiz.com

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SOURCE Dr. Feiz Medical Group Public Relations