Category: Weight Loss

Establishing a Work Out Routine After Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on February 26, 2019

Shoes, workout equipment and water bottle on wood floor

Shoes, workout equipment and water bottle on wood floor

 

Establishing a workout routine after weight loss surgery is a major factor that affects the long-term success of your weight loss journey. Regular exercise will help you recover faster, reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. No matter what your activity level was prior to surgery, we recommend working with your physician and fitness professionals to establish an exercise plan to meet your unique needs and abilities.

 

The Benefits of Exercise After Weight Loss Surgery

 

We can’t stress enough the importance of developing an exercise routine after surgery. Regular exercise leads to measurable improvements in weight loss and better overall health. Setting attainable goals and gradually increasing your daily activity level post-surgery has many benefits including:

  • Maintaining weight loss
  • Improving circulation
  • Strengthening your heart and bones
  • Increasing your metabolic rate
  • Developing muscle strength and endurance
  • Improving blood sugar control
  • Relieving stress
  • Improving your mood

 

When To Start Working Out After Surgery

 

Patients can typically begin very light exercise within the first week after surgery. We understand that this can seem like a daunting task to take on so soon, but once cleared by your surgeon, the sooner you begin being active, the better.

The important thing to remember is to start small and set realistic goals. No one expects you to come straight out of surgery and run a marathon. Focus on adding activities to your daily routine that will encourage you to increase your heart rate, improve flexibility and build endurance.

 

Starting Your Post-Op Workout Routine

 

Week 1 – Week 4 Post-Op: Take this time to focus on getting back into the routine of your normal everyday activities. You should not lift anything over 10 pounds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be active. Need to do the dishes? Try washing them by hand, so you have to stay standing longer. If you have stairs in your home, walk up and down them a few extra times each day to get your heart rate up.

Set a goal to walk for a certain amount of time and then push yourself to walk a little longer each day. Slowly increasing your daily activity level right after weight loss surgery will help you build up stamina and add more active habits in your daily life.

After 4 Weeks Post-Op: Each patient is different, but at four weeks post-op you should be cleared to perform most, if not all, exercises. This is when you can really start ramping up your workout routine and begin exploring different types of exercises to find what you like best.

Walking is a great option, but can be hard on your joints. If that’s the case for you, swap a few days of walking for a few days spent in the pool. Water activities, like aerobics, are typically lower impact and can be a fun new way to stay active.

The important thing to remember throughout your weight loss journey, is that you are not alone. It is easy to get discouraged at times, but there are great resources to help you along the way. We’ve found that patients who seek out support, follow an exercise routine and stick to a healthy diet are far more likely to lose the weight and keep it off.

 

Learn More About Post-Op Exercise from Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery.  Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese.  And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay?  We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions With CoolSculpting

Posted on February 26, 2019

2019 New Year's Resolution

2019 New Year's Resolution

 

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy in 2019? Don’t get discouraged if you haven’t seen the results you were hoping for yet. Even with a healthy diet and strict exercise routine, stubborn pockets of fat can still stick around and seemingly hide all of the progress you’ve made. If this is something you are struggling with, then CoolSculpting may be the perfect solution for you.

 

What is CoolSculpting?

 

CoolSculpting is an FDA cleared, non-surgical procedure that can help you eliminate fat with little to no downtime. It is often used to reduce stubborn fat cells that exist in areas of your body that are difficult to target with diet and exercise alone.

During the procedure, precisely controlled cooling is used to gently and effectively target the fat cells underneath the skin. Once frozen, the fat cells will begin to die and your body will naturally process and eliminate them. Because this is a non-invasive procedure, there is no risk of scarring and you can return to your daily routine almost right away.

 

How Can CoolSculpting Help Me Achieve My New Year’s Resolutions?

 

For many patients, CoolSculpting is the perfect incentive to help them stick to their New Year’s resolutions. It is a great option if you are looking to fine-tune your figure, look slimmer in clothes and regain confidence.

While CoolSculpting is not a weight loss solution, it can help you lose unwanted fat in areas of your body that are difficult to target with just diet and exercise. Additionally, because it is a non-surgical procedure, you won’t have to worry about taking a break from your fitness regime. You can continue to focus on getting healthy and fit, all while seeing the slimming effects of reducing unwanted fat in those troublesome areas.  

 

Getting Started with CoolSculpting

 

Every CoolSculpting patient is different and we at BMI Surgery take extra care to make sure we provide the best treatment options to meet our patients’ needs. We start with a one-on-one consultation, during which we complete a physical evaluation, discuss your desired results and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.

If we determine that you are a good fit for CoolSculpting, we will then create a customized treatment plan that will help you achieve your fat loss goals and get you one step closer to making your New Year’s resolutions come true.

Want to learn more about if CoolSculpting is right for you? Schedule a free consultation with us today!

Learn More About How CoolSculpting Can Help You Reach Your Fat Loss Goals from Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery.  Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese.  And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay?  We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

Weight Loss Surgery and Diabetes: What You Need to Know About Gastric Bypass

Posted on January 3, 2019

bariatric surgeon and type two diabetes

When determining which weight loss surgery is going to be right for you, there’s most definitely a lot to learn and a range of factors to consider. While gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and the LAP-BAND each offer their own unique benefits, for those who are obese and have poorly controlled diabetes, there’s one that deserves a closer look, and that’s the gastric bypass procedure.

Since we now have countless studies proving gastric bypass has the ability to cure type 2 diabetes, this is often the best option for many who’ve been unable to get their diabetes under control.

Gastric Bypass: A Proven Cure for Diabetes

With excess body fat being one of the main contributors to type 2 diabetes, weight loss surgery is recognized as the most effective treatment among affected individuals with a BMI of 35 or more.

According to the American Society for Metbolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS):

  • 95% of patients see an improvement in type 2 diabetes after gastric bypass surgery
  • 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes experience remission after gastric bypass surgery

Simply looking at the rates at which diabetes has been cured or improved through gastric bypass gives many hope in finding the cure they’ve been searching for.

The Importance of Curing Diabetes As Soon As Possible

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Center of Disease Control, reducing life expectancy by a startling 12 to 14 years. This is exactly why it’s so important to seek treatment for complete remission or improvement as soon as possible.

Through gastric bypass, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of achieving normal blood sugar levels and eliminate the need for diabetes medications. This alone has ability to help you take control of your health and once again, live your life to the absolute fullest.

Learn More About Gastric Bypass for Diabetes at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery Today

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery.  Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese.  And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay?  We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

How Bariatric Surgery Patients Can Use These Top 4 New Year’s Resolutions To Stay Healthy in the New Year

Posted on December 7, 2018

New years resolutions

During the holidays, sometimes even despite our best efforts, many of us find ourselves getting off track with our healthy habits. While this can be discouraging, we like to see the quickly-approaching New Year as a prime opportunity to restore those good habits or even take them to the next level.

Especially for those who recently, or not so recently, had weight loss surgery, it’s important to keep up with healthy habits that contribute to maintaining or getting back to an ideal weight.

Top 4 New Year’s Resolutions for Bariatric Surgery Patients

#1 Begin or ramp up your workout routine.

Even after weight loss surgery, the key is to remember that there’s still work to be done when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, and a big part of that is exercising. Even if you struggle with joint or knee pain, use the New Year as an opportunity to discover the endless ways to get in a low-impact workout, or seek out a new, exciting routine that you look forward to completing each day.

#2 Eat proper portion sizes and nutrient-dense foods.

Again, while weight loss surgery isn’t a miracle cure, it’s essential to keep your portion sizes smaller and loaded with nutrient-packed foods. Since you’re eating less than you use to, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting as many nutrients as possible. Now that the holidays are almost over, this is the perfect time to remember how great and energized your body feels when eating the right foods.

#3 Get involved in a support group.

If you aren’t already a member, it’s time to join a support group. We’ve seen this be a huge motivator and predictor of long-term weight loss with our patients, and that’s why we encourage everyone to get the support they need for as long as possible. Whether through our Facebook support group, Saints for Wellness, or other online or in-person groups, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding one you really enjoy being a part of.

#4 Share your story with others.

Once you’ve hit your ideal weight after bariatric surgery, it’s time to tell your story to those you feel confident and comfortable sharing it with. Not only can it help you practice what you preach, but you can encourage others to live a healthier lifestyle. Whether it’s through an online testimonial or talking one-on-one with a friend, inspiring others can do wonders for your mental and physical health. 

As the New Year creeps in, we encourage you to take the time to recenter, set attainable goals, and get ready to accomplish those goals with a positive attitude and wholehearted commitment. Losing weight and/or maintaining a healthy weight is something to be proud of, and 2019 is a fresh start to continue doing just that.

Discuss Your Weight Loss Surgery Resolutions at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery Today

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery.  Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese.  And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay?  We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

How the LAP-BAND System Offers Bariatric Surgery Patients Fewer Risks and Side Effects

Posted on December 7, 2018

Gastric band flat icons concept. Vector illustration. Element template for design.

Gastric band flat icons concept. Vector illustration. Element template for design.

Choosing the right weight loss surgery isn’t always easy. You want to choose the one that’s A) Going to help you lose weight, B) Not going to restrict you to the point where you’d be unhappy, and C) Going to be worth the risks.

With any surgery, even a minimally invasive one, there’s going to be some degree of risks involved, but it’s important to have a thorough understanding of these risks before making any decisions.

While the most common bariatric surgeries include the LAP-BAND, gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, they each have their own unique advantages, but for many, the LAP-BAND is the perfect surgical weight loss solution.

The LAP-BAND System: Fewer Risks and Side Effects

If fewer risks and side effects are at the top of your list when choosing a weight loss surgery, you should know the LAP-BAND offers a variety of benefits when compared to other procedures, and we’ve listed out some of the major advantages below.

  • Lower mortality risk than other weight loss surgery procedures. Both total complications and mortality rate are extremely low for the LAP-BAND with a mortality rate of only 0.1%, according to Obesity News Today.
  • Low risk of nutritional deficiencies like those associated with gastric bypass. Though having its own unique benefits like the ability to cure diabetes, patients that have the gastric bypass procedure are required to be on nutritional supplements for life due to the malabsorption of food. With the LAP-BAND, you’re not changing the anatomy of the stomach, therefore, food and nutrients will continue to be properly absorbed into the body.
  • Reduced risk of hair loss. Since this typically occurs as a result of a nutritional deficiency, hair loss is much more common with other weight loss procedures. Of course, there can be other factors that may increase these chances, such as psychological stress or hormone disruption.
  • No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions. Dumping syndrome occurs when the food passes too quickly to the lower intestine, but because the anatomy isn’t changed during the procedure, this is unlikely to occur in LAP-BAND patients.

Other Advantages of the LAP-BAND

Along with fewer risks and side effects, there are also some other major advantages of going with the LAP-BAND with the main one being the fact that it’s adjustable. Without the need for additional surgery, you can have the band adjusted to better meet your needs and weight loss goals. At the same time, patients also take comfort in the fact that it’s reversible, and if the patient wishes, the stomach can be restored to its original form and function.

It’s also one of the more cost-effective procedures, being about $2,000 less than the gastric sleeve.

With the average patient losing 30-40% of their excess body weight within two years, there’s no doubt this procedure is effective and can help you restore and maintain your health for years to come.

Find More Information on the LAP-BAND System at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery Today

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery.  Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese.  And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay?  We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

The Differences in the Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, and the LAP-BAND and Which One Is Right for You

Posted on November 1, 2018

By Caitlin Hastings, Physician Assistant

Patients often come to Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery wanting the least invasive surgery possible, and while this is completely understandable, the fact is, all of our weight loss surgery options are, well, minimally invasive. With the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND being the most common of the weight loss procedures, each is done laparoscopically, requiring only 4-6 tiny incisions and less than 2 hours in the operating room.

Another factor that patients often overlook is how insurance plays a major role in choosing which weight loss procedure is best for them. While many insurance companies require a certain BMI for different surgeries, this can often dictate which ones are covered. On the other hand, for those paying out of pocket, the cost of the procedure often plays a major role. Take a closer look at the most common weight loss surgeries below to get a better understanding of which one might be right for you.

The Gastric Sleeve Procedure

During gastric sleeve surgery, we’re basically cutting away the top and largest part of the stomach called the fundus. This is where the hunger hormone, ghrelin, lives, and that’s why we often hear our post-surgery patients say they’re never hungry. Along with eliminating this hunger hormone, we’re also removing about 2/3 of the stomach, which is why these two combining factors lead to significant weight loss.

 

Who’s a good candidate for gastric sleeve?

Those using insurance to cover the procedure must have a minimum BMI of 35 to 40, along with various comorbidities like diabetes, sleep apnea, or heart disease or a BMI > 40 with or without comorbidities. While the sleeve is great for anyone that meets these requirements, patients that have severe acid reflux disease aren’t going to be good candidates since this procedure has shown to be acid inducing.

What are the benefits of the sleeve as opposed to other weight loss surgeries?

Compared to other weight loss surgery options, the sleeve is definitely a simpler procedure. We’re not rerouting the intestines like we do during the gastric bypass, and we’re not putting in a foreign body like we do with the LAP-BAND. It’s a quick procedure where we’re literally stapling the stomach and cutting 2/3 of it away, leaving the patient with a very small banana-sized stomach.

Gastric Bypass Procedure

With the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, we create a very small stomach pouch that restricts food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch that allows food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine).This ultimately reduces the amount of food you can take in because you have a very small stomach that holds about one to two ounces. At the same time, we’re decreasing the absorption of food and nutrients, which also aids in the weight loss.

 

Who’s a good candidate for gastric bypass?

The bypass is usually a better option for our heavier patients because most will lose up to 80% of their excess body weight as opposed to about 60% with the sleeve. It’s also going to be the better option for anyone with severe acid reflux or poorly controlled diabetes since the bypass has proven to cure both.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of gastric bypass?

The gastric bypass is technically considered reversible, but we never want to reverse this procedure because you will gain all of your weight back. After surgery, you do have to be on nutritional and vitamin supplements for life because of the malabsorption of food. For patients with more weight to lose and more comorbidities, like sleep apnea, high blood pressure and/or diabetes, gastric bypass really is going to be a better procedure overall with more rapid weight loss.  

A lot of people are afraid of the bypass because they think it’s a much more “invasive” procedure, but it’s really not. It’s about the same amount of incisions, 6 versus 5, and it’s still done completely laparoscopically. It’s just a little more labor intensive because we’re changing the anatomy.  

The LAP-BAND Procedure

During this procedure, we place the LAP-BAND, a foreign body made of a special material, near the top of the of the stomach where it meets the esophagus. This creates a very small pouch that empties into the larger remaining portion of the stomach. The band is connected to a port, which is underneath the skin of the abdomen, and this port how we put fluid in the band, allowing us to make the band opening larger or smaller in size, giving the patient more or less restriction.

 

Why choose the LAP-BAND?

Many patients prefer the LAP-BAND because they don’t want anything permanent done, and with the LAP-BAND were not changing the anatomy of the stomach…so it’s completely reversible. We can always go in and take the LAP-BAND out if the patient chooses to do so.

Another reason patients prefer the LAP-BAND, especially those paying out of pocket, is because it’s about $2,000 less than a sleeve…so it’s one of our more cost effective procedures.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the LAP-BAND?

The LAP-BAND isn’t necessarily an overnight fix. We have to find that “happy place” where the patient is able to get food down but also able to maintain smaller portion sizes, and that’s where these band adjustments come into play.

The goal of all of these procedures is for the patient to lose weight, but it’s still important to keep in mind that none of them are a magic fix for permanent weight loss. While it will certainly help, diet and exercise are still going to be important. Eating the right foods, not consuming excess calories, and establishing an exercise routine are essential when you’re trying to lose weight and keep it off.  No matter which weight loss surgery a patient ends up going with, it’s important that they have the right mindset and are ready to make major lifestyle changes.

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery. Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese. And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay? We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Losing Weight

Posted on December 27, 2017

woman weighing herself

According to the CDC, more than 36 percent of adults in the United States struggle with obesity. Losing weight and getting healthy is a goal many people find difficult to achieve. Gastric sleeve is a procedure that can help you lose weight and eliminate a variety of weight-related health conditions.

Why Is Losing Weight so Difficult?

The diet industry will often tell you how easy it is to lose weight if you follow their plan or take their pills. You already know, however, there isn’t a simple fix. Taking off excess weight is hard because of several factors. In society, you are surrounded by poor food choices and often live a sedentary lifestyle. You may also struggle against a genetic predisposition to gain weight and a slow metabolism.

Many scientists also believe that set point theory may contribute to your inability to lose weight. According to MIT Medical, a set point is a system of controls similar to a thermostat that’s built into each person. This determines how much fat each person should carry. Changing a set point to achieve weight loss can be extremely difficult.

How Can Gastric Sleeve Help You Lose Weight?

Gastric sleeve is a procedure that can be far more effective in achieving and maintaining weight loss than exercise and diet alone. While you are under general anesthesia, a surgeon removes part of your stomach through a small incision. This procedure reduces the overall size of your stomach and allows you to only eat a small amount at one time.

You can expect to lose weight over the course of several months. While success rates will vary, you may reduce excess weight by approximately 70 percent. The Cleveland Clinic reports there are several health benefits that can be obtained through weight loss surgery. A few include improved cardiovascular functioning, remission of type 2 diabetes and joint pain relief.

What Are the Qualifications for Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric sleeve is a procedure that is usually reserved for individuals who are considered morbidly obese. Many patients will also have additional health conditions, such as sleep apnea or hypertension. Being able to handle the physical stress of surgery is also a requirement.

It’s important to remember that even though gastric sleeve can provide effective and dramatic weight loss, long-term success is maintained by incorporating good exercise and eating habits into your daily routine.

Many insurance plans now cover weight loss procedures including gastric sleeve. If you’ve been struggling with losing weight, now is the time to consider gastric sleeve to help you reach your weight loss goals. Gastric sleeve can be part of an effective and lasting weight loss plan.

Why You Should Use Google Fit After Gastric Sleeve Surgery!

Posted on December 27, 2017

walking

Around 106,000 Americans had gastric sleeve surgery in 2015 — significantly more than the previous year. Experts recommend exercise after a major weight-loss procedure in order to strengthen the heart and bones, build muscle, reduce stress, improve mood and burn calories. Walking is a great idea after gastric sleeve surgery, and the latest technology makes it easy to track this type of exercise. If you have recently undergone a gastric sleeve operation, Google Fit lets you monitor your walking goals and weight loss progress directly from your smartphone.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

A gastric sleeve operation is a procedure where surgeons reduce the size of your stomach by around 15 percent of its original size. This surgery limits the amount of food you can consume, so you should feel fuller after eating small meals.

Why is Walking Important After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Walking improves your blood flow and expedites wound healing after surgery. Lack of exercise after a major operation could put you at a higher risk of developing a blood clot and conditions like pneumonia. Walking also helps you burn calories. A 180-pound person burns, on average, 100 calories for every mile they walk, while a 120-pound person burns 65 calories per mile.

The Benefits of Google Fit

Google Fit is a mobile app that uses the built-in sensors on your smartphone to detect walking steps. This platform tracks more than 120 activities, from slow walking to brisk jogging.

How to Use Google Fit

Download Google Fit from the Google Play Store on your Android device. You can then customize your exercise goals from the Daily Goals tab in the Settings menu. Google Fit will track the number of steps you take every time you hold your phone.

Want to track your progress over time? Head over to the See Graph Details tab for an overview of your walking steps from the previous days, weeks and months. You can also connect third-party exercise apps — RunKeeper, Strava, Runtastic, etc. — with Google Fit.

Google Fit monitors your fitness goals after gastric sleeve surgery. The result? You can improve recovery times and boost your overall health.

Avoid These Common Mistakes After Bariatric Surgery

Posted on December 27, 2017

If your focus is long-term weight loss, bariatric surgery is a proven way to accomplish this goal. But just as with anything worth having, you have worked hard and follow the guidelines provided by your physician in order to lose the weight and keep it off. Avoiding these common mistakes is a great way to ensure you finally reach your goal weight and stay there.

1. Neglecting Important Vitamins

Your physician will recommend vitamins to help your body recover from the surgery and maintain the best health possible. Don’t try to save money by purchasing over-the-counter vitamins. Take the ones recommended by your doctor to ensure your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs.

2. Not Getting Proper Nutrition

Surgery is serious business, and it is important that your body heals properly. Now that your caloric content is constructed, it’s vital that you pack your diet with healthy nutrients. Your body won’t function well if you use your calorie rations to only eat potato chips or other foods that have no nutritional value. If you don’t eat the foods your physician recommends, you are at risk of developing medical problems, such as heart disease, memory loss, fatigue, etc. Stomach and gastrointestinal problems are also a concern.

3. Forgetting to Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water or healthy liquids is one of the most important things anyone can do to enjoy maximum health. Water helps every part of your body function well. Staying hydrated is particularly important for surgical patients since it helps the body heal provides energy and hastens weight loss. If you don’t like tap water, buy flavored water, add lemon to your water or drink another healthy beverage, such as unsweetened ice tea.

4. Not Watching Your Calories

You may think that a tiny handful of nuts, chips, crackers or candy won’t affect your diet, but these foods pack a lot of calories in small portions. If you don’t count the calories of every morsel, you may wind up consuming hundreds more calories each day. This common mistake is one of the ways bariatric patients fail to reach their long-term weight goals.

5. Indulging in Alcohol

Almost everyone enjoys an alcoholic beverage at times, especially if there is a special occasion. Be cognizant of the fact that alcoholic beverages are full of calories and can quickly cause you to go over your calorie limit.

6. Drinking Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages are quite refreshing but shouldn’t be your beverage of choice when you’re thirsty. They are full of sugar, which substantially increases your calorie intake. Carbonated drinks can also cause gas pain. At times, more serious issues can be mistaken for gas pains, and this can cause you to neglect medical care when you really need it.

Having bariatric surgery is your chance for a new life filled with the quality living you crave. Following the guidelines the doctor gave you ensures you stay focused on this long-term goal and eventually reap the rewards!

Can Weight Loss Surgery Help Reverse Type 2 Diabetes?

Posted on December 27, 2017

Are you suffering from type 2 diabetes? New research says that weight loss surgeries might just be the solution.

One study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that slightly obese people had a better chance of reversing diabetes if they underwent weight loss surgery. And, it was even shown that the life quality of those patients had improved significantly.

Bariatric Surgery

In the study mentioned above, patients underwent bariatric surgery. Five years later, one-third of those patients experienced a complete remission of their illness. Those who only sought help through counseling, therapy and other forms of medication did not fare so well in comparison.

The weight loss surgery enabled patients to have healthier levels of blood sugar, and they also needed less insulin on a day to day basis. Their BMI was lowered, due to the weight loss, resulting in lower cholesterol and improved quality of life. Type 2 diabetes causes extremely high blood sugar levels, so this was one of the most noticeable changes after surgery.

European Findings

Another Swedish study showed similar results in patients who had weight loss surgery. In the research, 72 percent of patients achieved remission in just two years following the surgery.

Another study followed the history of 2,010 obese patients, 343 of whom suffered from type 2 diabetes. From 1987-2001, many of these patients underwent a number of weight loss surgeries. Besides the impressive weight loss and lower cholesterol levels reported, they experienced a significant deterioration of beta cells (which often cause spikes in blood sugar).

Surgery as Preventative Measures

Although researchers still need to further investigate how weight loss surgery can lead to remission, it is reassuring to see that surgery can be one solution for type 2 diabetes patients. A diabetes epidemic is currently plaguing the country, which means actively seeking help for weight control, even before diabetes is diagnosed, is essential.

If you would like to get a personal consultation for your case, call or schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today. We’re glad to help answer any questions you may have regarding surgery and weight loss.