A new study published in the journal Obesity Surgery indicates that bariatric patients benefit from a significantly decreased risk of cancer compared to other obese patients. This news comes as no surprise to Michael Feiz, M.D., F.A.C.S. Well known for performing weight loss surgery at Marina Del Rey Hospital, his offices in Beverly Hills, and throughout Southern California, Dr. Feiz has also been ahead of the curve when it comes to understanding the full health impacts of bariatric procedures. The doctor received a great deal of publicity transforming the lives of a mother and her two daughters via sleeve gastrectomy on The Doctors TV program. The doctor has also been acclaimed, however, for raising awareness of mounting scientific evidence proving the benefits of weight loss procedures.
A comprehensive study led by Brazilian university researcher Daniela Casagrande, including over 54,000 participants, showed that bariatric patients face cancer risks roughly similar to that of the general population, and much lower than obese patients who have had not had the surgery. In other words, postoperative weight loss surgery patients' cancer risk appears to be almost the same as for people with bodyweights in the normal range.
Dr. Feiz points out that this study comes on the heels of several other exciting pieces of research. A number of recent studies have shown that weight loss procedures, including the lap band and gastric sleeve, frequently lead to the actual remission of type 2 diabetes – a goal once thought to be nearly impossible – and nearly always lead to a notable improvement in blood sugar. Another very new study surprised many by showing that type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder not directly related to obesity, can also be significantly improved in obese patients through bariatric procedures. With cancer risks having also been shown to be directly impacted by weight loss procedures, the evidence is clear that bariatric surgery is about much more than simply losing weight.
Of course, all of this good news applies mainly to successful procedures and selecting the right bariatric surgeon is no small matter. Dr. Feiz is known for handling the most delicate procedures and has performed countless operations successfully, including many lap band to gastric sleeve conversion procedures. He has achieved a level of consistent success not only through his highly impressive technical skill, but also through his commitment to following up on the progress of patients in the aftermath of their recovery from surgery.
The association between obesity and an increased risk of cancer has long been known. However with new evidence to support the efficacy of weight loss procedures for severely obese individuals, prospective patients have more reason than ever to call Dr. Feiz's office to inquire about a free seminar.