You Bet Your Life

At University Bariatrics, we hear every day about all the ways our patients have attempted to lose weight. Of course, by the time a patient is thinking about a weight loss procedure, they typically have attempted to lose weight countless times by dieting and/or exercise with no positive permanent results. However, the weight loss procedure such as a lap band, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric bypass is actually not there to replace caloric restriction and increased physical activity. It's there to make weight loss efforts more successful by significantly reducing a patient's appetite.

Naturally, then, we've been watching with some interest and amusement the phenomenon discussed in today's US News and World Report discussing sites that allow individuals to place bests with other overweight people on their weight loss. Anyone who's ever played poker or visited Las Vegas knows that, for many of us at least, the feeling of winning and losing money is extremely powerful and might be a truly excellent motivator.

Of course, we suspect the message boards and other social aspects of these sites may ultimately be more useful than the actual betting. That's because weight loss, with or without a cash bet or a far more powerful aid like bariatric surgery, is a lifelong process. Bonding with others confronting the same issues is a proven way of helping people achieve all kinds of goals. Making new friends is always a good thing, also.

Still, for many of us suffering from severe cases of obesity, a physical boost is needed to combat the pangs of appetite that make long term weight loss so difficult, and such procedures as a gastric sleeve or an adjustable band in Thousand Oaks might be the best answer for many. If you or a loved one is struggling with a serious weight problem, we're here to help. Just call (805) 379-9796 or visit our website contact page for more information.

Are Some Left Out by Current Thinking About Bariatric Surgery?

In recent years, obesity has become a growing problem - and bariatric surgery has become one of the best methods to defend against the disease. However, Reuters reports that the current way we think about bariatric surgery may be keeping men, substance users and older patients from receiving potentially life-saving treatment. .

A study from a Canadian program designed to encourage obese people to undergo weight loss treatment came to these results. Dr. Fayez Quereshy, the senior author of the study says that men, smokers, drinkers, drug users and people over 60 years of age and older were more likely than others to quit the program before undergoing the operation. 

It is unknown what caused these people to drop out of the program - or if they were refused treatment - but it is unfortunate, since many past cases have shown that bariatric surgery can be more effective than diet, exercise, therapy and drugs at helping obese people to shed weight. However, it is hoped that this study will help medical professionals like Dr. Mehran at University Bariatrics to know how to best tailor future bariatric surgery services to each patient's specific needs.

Dr. Mehran is a licensed and board certified surgeon in California. He is also a member of multiple surgical societies, and an acclaimed expert among peers and patients alike. Over the course of his career, he has performed approximately 1000 laparoscopic stapled bariatric and operations like gastric bypass Thousand Oaks, making the surgeon an ideal option for those who are seeking sustainable, safe and rapid weight loss.