Perception That Less Invasive, Laparoscopic Techniques are Always Better is Wrong, Says Jamshid Nazarian M.D., Veteran of Over 2,000 Open and Laparoscopic Procedures -

As the number of Angelenos seeking a surgical remedy to the problem of morbid obesity increases, LivLite's Jamshid Nazarian, M.D., F.A.C.S. -- one of California's most experienced bariatric surgeons -- can explain how the infinite variety of patient conditions requires that a surgeon be prepared to use the full array of bariatric techniques -- from laparoscopic incisions to more demanding procedures such as the open gastric bypass.

Dr. Nazarian said that factors that might make traditional bariatric techniques preferable to a laparoscopic procedure include the thickness of the abdominal wall, heart conditions, the presence of an enlarged liver or an extremely high Body Mass Index (BMI). He also can guide editors through the different options available to surgeons, evaluating the benefits and drawbacks of the different procedures -- Roux-en-Y (gastric bypass), vertical ring gastroplasty (stomach stapling) and biliopancreatic diversion -- and the circumstances in which they are best applied.

Dr. Nazarian is also available to comment on the risks of bariatric surgery, including the most common challenge patients face: internal leakage and infection. A surgeon for 17 years, he has performed more than 2,000 weight loss surgeries and has been involved in managing several thousand more.

"Since the first bariatric operation was performed in 1960, we have continually improved the art and science of weight loss, and the risk of leakage and infection is lower now than ever before," said Dr. Nazarian. "However, every surgery carries risks and in bariatric cases the post-operative monitoring of the patient is as important as the operation itself. Patients should be careful to ensure that their choice of weight loss surgery program provides for thorough hospitalized care and ongoing support and counseling."

A full understanding of bariatric patients and of the different type of procedures, risks, benefits and nutritional facts is also significant.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Nazarian, contact Jeremy Morgan or Tracy Williams at 310.396.2400, email jmorgan@cswpr.com

About LivLite

Headquartered in Los Angeles, JEG Diversified Healthcare, Inc. (www.liv-lite.com) manages the LivLite Surgical Weight Loss Program at 11 hospitals throughout the U.S. The program -- the oldest, largest and fastest growing of its kind in the nation -- serves individuals diagnosed with severe or morbid obesity, weighing from 75 to 100 pounds beyond their ideal body weight. JEG's Client Business Services division provides bariatric surgery billing and collections.