LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Actress and gastric sleeve recipient Jodi Taffel has always had a fun-loving, energetic personality, in spite of struggling with excessive weight for years. Although she was not extremely active prior to her surgery, she longed to fully engage in the many activities and trips she and her boyfriend planned together. However, the extra pounds made it difficult for Taffel to feel comfortable even when walking up a flight of stairs.

Last September, the November patient ambassador received a sleeve gastrectomy from leading bariatric surgeon Dr. Michael Feiz, M.D., FACS. Thanks to the expertise of Dr. Feiz and the courage of Taffel, the patient now enjoys a fulfilling career and a wide range of activities, from swimming to zip-lining. Dr. Feiz conducts the FDA-approved lap band surgery, gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgeries in Los Angeles. The changes in a patient's health following a procedure with Dr. Feiz are remarkable, and this can be observed in gastric sleeve and lap band before and after photos. Taffel is no exception.

Taffel first spoke to Dr. Feiz a couple of years ago concerning weight loss surgery. Last summer, the surgeon presented sleeve gastrectomy to Taffel as a highly effective weight loss solution. He explained that during this procedure, 75 to 85% of the patient's stomach is removed with the remaining part shaped into a sleeve-like structure to regulate food consumption.

"Dr. Feiz told me that the surgery removes the part of the stomach that causes cravings," Taffel expressed. "When I heard this, I said, 'Sign me up, I'm in!'"

Taffel consulted with other surgeons, but it was Dr. Feiz' success rate and demeanor that won her over. She found that the surgeon did not sugarcoat the details surrounding the procedure but remained personable while being straightforward.

A music festival and a camping trip were on Taffel's agenda at the time the gastric sleeve was discussed. Not wanting his patient to miss out on these exciting experiences, the surgeon scheduled the gastric sleeve operation for when Taffel would return. This would give the thrill-seeker a few additional months to exercise and strengthen her heart. In the weeks leading up to the surgery, Dr. Feiz provided Taffel with information that would aid in her recovery, as well as his personal contact number in case she needed to discuss any concerns.

"When helping his patients, he seems to take the kind of pleasure one would expect from a family member or spouse," Taffel says of the surgeon. 

After receiving the gastric sleeve, Taffel was amazed at how quickly she began to lose the weight. "It didn't start dropping off immediately, but after the first few weeks, it started coming off pretty quickly. Actually, most of the weight was lost in the first few months."

These days, Taffel feels like she has a new lease on life. She can eat anything she fancies, from candy to steak, but the patient never eats more than she should with the gastric sleeve. She expresses that Dr. Feiz' surgery revolutionized the way she viewed food. When participating in cooking competitions, the patient is more interested in creating food rather than indulging in it.

Apart from cooking, zip-lining, and trapeze classes, Taffel spends a sizable amount of time exercising. The patient ambassador used to joke that she could sweat just from standing still. These days, her endurance is high. Her busy schedule is the only factor that occasionally cuts her workouts short.

The effects of the gastric sleeve on Taffel's career are huge. She used to be called in for roles like the 'leading lady's best friend.' She finds it amusing that she is now asked to read for character types like 'the cougar.'

Taffel would recommend Dr. Feiz to anyone considering a gastric sleeve operation, speaking to his caring, nurturing spirit. She is grateful for the support the surgeon and his staff provided along the way.

To learn more about sleeve gastrectomy, please visit www.drfeiz.com.

PR submitted by www.Cyberset.com

SOURCE Dr. Feiz & Associates