Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Joseph Naim on Lap-Band Technology

Dr. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS is Board-Certified and served as the Clinical Assistant Professor at University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Department of Surgery.  This is where he saw a life-saving and life-changing need to help people suffering with the physical and emotional scars of Morbid Obesity.  A Diplomate of the American College of Surgeons, Naim did a Fellowship in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons.  He has offices in L.A., Long Beach, Orange County and Beverly Hills.  Naim has performed more than 1,000 Lap-Band procedures.  One facility where he performs the Lap-Band procedure on an out-patient basis is South Pacific Surgery Center.  The  Center is owned/ managed by Simin Hashemizadeh.  She offers state-of-the-art surgical excellence and unsurpassed patient care.  In addition to the Lap-Band procedure, the facility offers General Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Gynecology, Podiatry,  Ears, Nose & Throat, Ophthalmology, Urology,  Gastroenterology, Orthopedic, Pain Management and more.     

“Losing weight is a life-changing experience, especially for those who are more than 50 pounds over-weight  and face severe health issues because of their weight.  Some people tend to think about Bariatric surgery for years before they make a decision to have it done.  Because this surgery affects a person’s life so dramatically, it is important that they learn everything there is to know about the surgery and what to expect from their doctor.  As a part of our program we offer dietary and psychiatry evaluation and our staff helps each patient through the insurance verification process.”  

WHY the LAP-BAND is so POPULAR

• No Hospital Stay

• Fast Recovery

• Financing Available

• Covered by PPO Insurance

•  No cutting/stapling of the stomach 

• 100% Reversible

• Minimally Invasive

“Many patients have health-related obesity problems, but with weight loss most of them improve and some are completely resolved.  These include: Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea  and Arthritis to name a few.  Lap-Band surgery is minimally invasive and takes about  45 minutes to perform.  There is no bleeding, patients report minimal pain and are back to normal in 2-3 days.”

HOW IT WORKS

Lap-Band surgery was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2001.  The device is made of a silicone that fastens around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch. Patients experience a sensation of fullness and are satisfied with smaller amounts of food.  Rate of weight loss is 1-3 lbs. a week.  The surgeon adjusts the size of the device to meet individual patient needs by adding or removing saline to inflate or deflate the band to determine the amount and consumption rate of food.  The Lap-Band adjustment is performed during simple out-patient visits in the office. 

“After Lap-Band surgery  a patient’s eating habits change. For the first two weeks after surgery, a patient is instructed to be on a liquid diet;  followed by two weeks of a puree diet.

From then on, each meal consists of about three ounces.  Post-operatively a  patient needs periodic adjustments ranging from three to six “fills” in the year.  People who stay on track, come in for their check-ups and follow a low-fat diet, plus regular exercise can expect excellent results.”

If you’re considering the Lap-Band schedule a consultation at South Pacific Surgery.  You’ll receive information and hear about options open to your individual needs.  Because Lap-Band surgery is crucial for the health and life- span of people, Insurance companies tend to approve the procedure.  Ask about FREE seminars in your area.