"It's Something that You Need to do for Yourself and for Your Health": An Interview with Dr. Feiz & Associates October 2013 Patient Ambassador

In 10 weeks after his weight loss surgery with board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz, gastric sleeve patient Robert Berganio has lost 85 pounds and is well on his way to his goal weight.

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Dr. Feiz & Associates

Oct 04, 2013, 12:25 ET

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert Berganio came to a fork in the road in his life; at 405 pounds and 5'9", he knew he needed to lose weight or face the possibility of experiencing obesity-related health problems that could shorten his life. The 38-year-old father of three chose to take the path toward health. He researched specialists who could help him on his weight loss journey, and made the decision to see double board-certified bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz for the gastric sleeve procedure. On June 13^th, he went through with what he calls the best decision he has ever made for himself and his family. Just 10 weeks after his sleeve gastrectomy, Berganio has lost an impressive 85 pounds and 8 inches off his waist measurement, and he credits Dr. Feiz for his weight loss success.

Now, Berganio has been selected as Dr. Feiz & Associates' October 2013 Patient Ambassador. In an interview, Berganio said what attracted him to sleeve gastrectomy surgery was the fact that the constant hunger he faced would be minimized. "What I didn't know and what I found out during Dr. Feiz' free seminar was that the stomach produces the ghrelin hormone, which tells your brain that you're hungry. The surgery removes that part of the stomach that produces ghrelin and you feel a lot less hunger."

Berganio is now content eating small, frequent meals; previously, his diet was unhealthy and frequently consisted of pizza, burgers and Chinese takeout. The best part of having gastric sleeve surgery for Berganio is how he no longer has intense hunger fueling his desire to overeat.

During his initial consultation with Dr. Feiz, Berganio pinpointed the time when his weight got out of control. Although he was always heavyset, during his tenure in the U.S. Marine Corps, he exercised on a daily basis and maintained a healthy weight. However, after his discharge he exercised less and less and immediately began gaining weight. Compounding the problem, food became a way to cope with boredom while he was unemployed for a period of time. In fact, Berganio rapidly gained 100 pounds in a single year, beginning to feel pain in his weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees, which affected his mobility and desire to exercise.

What made Berganio decide that Dr. Feiz was the best choice for him is how comfortable he made him feel, plus the fact that he gave Berganio his personal cell phone number to call him with any questions or concerns put him further at ease. Since his surgery, Dr. Feiz has called to check up on Berganio to make sure he is making steady progress in his weight loss journey.

"People are so skeptical of [which bariatric surgeon] they choose, because it's a scary thing to do, but it's something that you need to do for yourself and for your health," Berganio said, adding, "I'd totally recommend him."

To learn more about sleeve gastrectomy and other types of bariatric surgery, please visit www.drfeiz.com or call Dr. Feiz & Associates at 800-868-5946.

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SOURCE Dr. Feiz & Associates