Category: Weight Loss

One of the most difficult challenges people face after weight loss surgery is dietary and lifestyle changes in their social lives. Trying to steer away from old eating habits and social pressures with family, coworkers, and friends can make you feel lost or unsupported. However, with the following tips and tricks in your toolbelt, you’ll get closer to finding normalcy in your social life while maintaining healthy choices.

What to Do When Going Out to Eat After Weight Loss Surgery

Whether you are going out with friends or on a date, it can be frustrating navigating dinner plans and your new diet. Here are some tips for dining out after weight loss to make sure you have a great time without worry:

• Call the restaurant beforehand and see if they will be willing to make accommodations for your dietary needs.
• Be open with close friends and dates about your diet.
• Have a backup plan just in case the restaurant cannot make the accommodations you require.

The most important thing is for you to be knowledgeable about your diet. As long as you have a keen understanding of your new dietary needs, you will be able to communicate them to friends and restaurant staff. 

At BMI we always begin with nutrition education and training before and after weight loss surgery to help you avoid common mistakes. If you ever have doubts or concerns about life after your surgery, please reach out to us.

How to Handle Social Events After Weight Loss Surgery

Going out can be challenging after weight loss surgery. Events like weddings, work gatherings, sporting events, and other social events may not provide the nutritious food you need to stay on track with your new diet.

When you plan on going to social events, be sure to bring snacks that will fit your dietary restrictions or eat beforehand to make sure you won’t be tempted by unhealthy buffets or concession stands.

If you are going to a party where people will be drinking alcohol, it’s best to avoid joining in because of the excess calories. Bring your own favorite healthy beverage to enjoy with your friends, instead! 

How to Plan for Travel After Weight Loss Surgery

After you have recovered from weight loss surgery, it’s perfectly natural to experience a sense of wanderlust. However, there are a few things you will need to plan for to stay healthy and comfortable while traveling. Here are some tips:

1. Pack nutritious snacks. Bring along healthy snacks that fit into your new diet plan so you can avoid unhealthy temptations on your journey.
2. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is vital when traveling, especially if you’re flying, which can really dry you out.
3. Plan your meals. Research restaurants and grocery stores that offer what you need to stick to your post-op diet plan.
4. Move around. Traveling long distances can cause stiffness and blood clots, so make sure you get up and move around as much as possible.
5. Communicate. Speak with your healthcare team about your plans and ask for advice based on your unique case.
6. Listen to your body. Don’t push yourself too hard, and rest when you feel tired.

Traveling after weight loss surgery can be fun. Once you are fully healed and have a solid diet plan in place, planning for new trips and adventures will be a breeze.

Maintaining Healthy Choices After Weight Loss Surgery

At BMI, we work with you to create a post-op diet plan based on your needs. We also provide extensive education about your new diet before and after surgery.

Life after weight loss surgery can be wonderful, especially if you have a plan and plenty of support. If you are ever in a situation where you are unsure about how certain foods or beverages will affect your body, whether you are on a trip or planning a date, the experts at BMI are here to answer your questions.

Healthy and Happy Living After Weight Loss Surgery at BMI

After weight loss surgery, your life will change in significant ways. Social events and going out will provide new challenges, but you don’t have to go it alone. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery supports you by ensuring you have a strong understanding of your dietary needs and a support network in place.  

If you have specific concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.

Getting bariatric surgery is a major life-changing journey that marks a significant turning point in one’s life. Of course, this journey doesn’t end in the operating room. One of the things we value most at Birmingham Minimally Invasive is knowing that our weight-loss surgery patients have a network of support for everything that comes after their surgery. 

A support network is vitally important to your well-being after bariatric surgeries like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Support groups serve as pillars of strength, providing invaluable resources, empathy, and encouragement to navigate challenges and celebrate successes. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how support groups, online communities, and regular counseling will help you build a strong network of support and get the best outcomes after your bariatric surgery. 

The Importance of Support Groups After Bariatric Surgery

Putting together or finding a support group is a vital part of your journey through bariatric surgery. Connecting with others who have walked a similar weight loss path fosters a sense of belonging and diminishes feelings of isolation. Support groups are vital to your success because they provide emotional encouragement, empowerment, motivation, and accountability to help you through tough times. 

Emotional Support and Empowerment

After bariatric surgery, your life will change in meaningful ways, which means your journey may include some emotional challenges. Support groups offer a safe space to share fears, doubts, and victories with individuals who understand the unique challenges of weight loss surgery. 

These connections inspire and empower you to take ownership of your health and well-being and to embrace your journey with confidence and resilience.

Practical Guidance and Motivation

Navigating life post-bariatric surgery can feel overwhelming at first. From dietary adjustments to new exercise routines, you may find yourself struggling to set a new routine. Support groups can provide tips, strategies, and advice from people with first-hand experience, making the process much less daunting. 

Support groups can give you advice on how to troubleshoot stalls in weight loss or help you find creative ways to find motivation. They can also help you with accountability as you share goals, progress, and setbacks. 

It takes dedication and perseverance to stay on track after your surgery. The encouragement and motivation received from peers can make all the difference on days when self-discipline wanes. 

Online Communities for Life After Weight Loss

Online communities offer a wealth of resources, from recommended nutritionists and fitness programs to informative articles and webinars. Online communities are a great way to find out where local support groups meet and to see if there are any events, workshops, or guest speakers coming to your area. 

The resources you find online will provide a lot of opportunities to expand your knowledge and connect with other people worldwide who are on weight loss journeys of their own. 

Further Support for Mental Health Through Counseling

Bariatric surgery can unearth underlying mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders. Counseling services offer a safe space for individuals to explore these concerns, receive appropriate treatment, and develop strategies for managing mental health in conjunction with their weight loss journey. 

Postoperative Adjustment Counseling

The period after surgery can be emotionally taxing as you adapt to significant lifestyle changes and take on new challenges. Counseling services provide a supportive environment where you can process your emotions, learn to manage stress, and develop tools for coping with any psychological hurdles that may arise. 

Behavioral Modification Therapy After Surgery

Sustainable weight loss will entail more than just physical changes – you will also need to make changes to your mindset and behavior. Counseling services help you identify and address underlying issues related to eating habits, self-esteem, and emotional health. 

This type of therapy involves cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational counseling that will help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and positive lifestyle changes. 

The support and guidance you will find from counseling services will be crucial after your surgery. By addressing any psychological barriers and promoting well-being in a professional setting, counselors can empower you to maintain healthy habits and navigate setbacks for long-term success after your surgery. 

Postoperative Support Networks Contribute to Long-Term Success

Research consistently shows that individuals who connect with support groups, online communities, or counseling services after surgery experience long-term success in maintaining weight loss and overall health. 

Bonds form within support communities that extend well beyond the immediate postoperative period. The connections forged in these groups have been shown to foster lifelong habits and relationships that contribute to sustained well-being. 

Find the Support You Need After Bariatric Surgery at BMI

Despite the life-changing benefits of bariatric surgery, challenges will arise along the way. From adjusting to new eating habits to coping with body image issues, support groups will provide the compassionate ear you need to overcome any obstacles. 

Knowing that others have faced the same challenges as you and made it out on the other side feeling better will be a great comfort to you, and it can provide great inspiration during difficult times. 

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive, one of our very first steps in any weight loss surgery is ensuring you have all the resources you need to find support after you leave our care. Whether that’s ensuring you have family or close friends to help you through or finding a support group for you to connect with, we’ll be with you every step of the way. 

Healthy and Happy Living After Weight Loss Surgery at BMI

After weight loss surgery a lot about your life will change. People who can help you get through these tough changes will be vital to maintaining your health and a happy lifestyle. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery supports you by ensuring you have a strong support network.  If you have specific concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.

If you recently had a type of weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve surgery, you’re probably wondering what types of exercises you can do to maintain your newer, fitter lifestyle.  

In addition to maintaining a healthy diet, an appropriate exercise routine is an excellent way to ensure you’re staying lean and strong after surgery. Furthermore, exercise is known to help with mental health and positive outlooks–yet another benefit at the start of your post-surgery life.  

For these reasons and nearly too many others to list, exercise is crucial after weight loss surgery. Let’s look at the different kinds of exercise you might consider at each stage of your recovery after weight loss surgery. 

Staying Fit & Maintaining Results After Weight Loss Surgery in Birmingham, AL

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we specialize in gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band weight loss procedures. At our purpose built facility, “minimally invasive” more often means a faster recovery and less pain.

Schedule your consultation today by calling us at (205) 858-1211 or contacting us online! In the meantime, here’s what you can do to bounce back and stay lean after weight loss surgery.

Stage 1: Easy Exercise 

As you begin your recovery after weight loss surgery, it is crucial for you to get up and move around or try light physical activity. Even just walking around the house is a great way to get the blood flowing and improve circulation, which will aid in the recovery process. 

As your strength and stamina increases, you should try to gradually incorporate more activities into your routine, such as gentle joint exercises. 

Stage 2: Gentle Joint Exercises 

Exercises that are gentle on joints are easier on your body after weight loss surgery. Even so, joint exercises still build strength and stamina. Just be sure to take it easy until your body feels ready to speed things up. Always talk to your doctor when you decide to change your exercise routine. 

Here are a few gentle joint exercises you might try: 

• Swimming and pool exercises
• Elliptical training machines and stair machines
• Tai Chi
• Stationary or recumbent cycling

Gentle joint exercises are good for continuing that momentum and building up to greater challenges. 

Stage 3: Aerobics and Strength Training

Eventually, you should be ready to begin more intense aerobic and strength training exercises. Of course, we will discuss where you are in your recovery journey and which exercises will be best for you. Some people are ready after a few weeks, but it can take months to build up the strength for more strenuous exercise routines. 

Here are two different types of exercises you might consider to build strength and continue a healthy lifestyle: aerobic and strength training exercises.  

Aerobic Training After Weight Loss Surgery 

Aerobic exercises involve keeping your heart rate at a steady and consistent level. They are good for building pulmonary stamina and endurance. Types of aerobic exercises include: 

• Running
• Jogging
• Cycling
• Hiking

There are many other aerobic activities you can try. You may also use exercise equipment such as an elliptical machine or treadmill. 

Strength Training After Weight Loss Surgery

This type of exercise focuses on building your muscles. There are many different ways to engage in strength training. Physical trainers can help you decide which muscle groups you should focus on to build strength where you want it most. 

We recommend beginning with very light weights and building your way up slowly. You may even begin with weight resistance bands or other types of strength exercises that don’t involve weights, like push-ups and planks, before moving on to larger weights. 

Here are some strength training exercises you might try after weight loss surgery: 

• Push-ups
• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Lunges
• Pull-ups

There are a wide variety of strength training exercises you can try when your body is ready. Also, it is always good to try many different types of exercises to keep things interesting and to help maintain consistent exercise. 

How often should you exercise after weight loss surgery? 

When your body feels ready, we recommend getting at least 150 minutes (or 2.5 hours) of moderate exercise each week to stay healthy. You should spread this out over the week in a way that will make it easy for you to remain consistent. It can be a challenge for some to stick with a routine, especially if you have a busy schedule, but we are here to help. 

By making exercise of any sort a part of your post-surgery recovery routine, you’re bouncing back faster while preserving your hard-earned benefits. 

Continuing Exercise After Weight Loss Surgery

Every weight loss journey is different, which means every recovery journey is unique. The exercises you do should be tailored to your experience and your body. Listen to your body for signals as to what it needs and communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms to your healthcare team. 

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we’re ready to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey, including what types of exercises will be best for you.

In addition to getting help from your caring team here, you may also seek out the help of friends and family to help you stay dedicated to your health goals. Exercise is always best with someone there to encourage you.  

Healthy Living and Exercise After Gastric Sleeve Surgery at BMI

After gastric sleeve surgery it is vital for you to remain dedicated, patient, and committed to your well-being. The recovery journey is unique for each individual, so any exercise plan will be unique to your needs. If you have specific concerns or questions about what exercises are right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.

“New year, new me!”

We’ve all heard, or maybe even said, this common phrase as we ring in a new year. Whether your New Year’s resolutions involve being promoted at work or spending more time with family and friends, your health should always be top of mind. For individuals who have tried conventional methods without achieving their desired results, weight loss is usually at the top of the resolution list. 

At BMI Surgery, we offer comprehensive, minimally invasive weight loss surgery for those suffering from obesity. If you’re ready to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle, take a look at the never-ending benefits of weight loss surgery.

Minimally Invasive Weight Loss Surgery Benefits

Sustained Weight Loss

If you’ve tried losing weight through vigorous exercise and fad dieting to no avail, weight loss surgery has the ability to change the outcome. By altering your digestive system, the team at BMI can help you maintain your weight with proper guidance. Rather than struggling to keep the weight off and giving in to the challenges of traditional weight loss methods, bariatric surgery makes your health journey sustainable.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Struggling with obesity can be a challenge, especially when it comes to performing daily activities. From walking down the street to playing with your children, breathing and moving at a healthy pace can be difficult. But, with minimally invasive weight loss surgery, you can begin to live a life fulfilled.

One week post-treatment, you’ll be able to begin low-impact workouts—making sure to avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds. As your body begins to recover and adjust to the new normal, you’ll be able to perform more advanced activities, participating in more and more physical movements as the days progress. We’ve recently highlighted post-weight loss surgery workouts to follow. Take a look to learn how you can remain active during recovery.

With the reduction of excess body weight, you’ll begin to notice that not only your physical function but also your energy levels will improve. You’ll find yourself more capable of participating in physical activities and daily tasks without feeling fatigued.

Health Improvements

As an individual struggling with weight fluctuations, you may have experienced various health concerns throughout your life. When you undergo minimally invasive weight loss surgery, you’ll begin to notice improvements in your overall health. Weight loss surgery can reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, improve blood sugar control, and resolve obesity-related conditions.

Additionally, weight loss surgery can have a positive impact on a number of other health concerns, including:

• Potential remission of diabetes symptoms
• Sleep apnea relief
• Reduced risk of hypertension
• Improved respiratory function
• Enhanced joint mobility
• Decreased potential for obesity-related cancers

Mental Clarity

Those affected by obesity have a 20% elevated risk of depression and anxiety. This condition is attributed to negative body image and lack of self-esteem, causing obese individuals to stop trying to lose weight. With the help of doctors at BMI, weight loss surgery can change your mental state and put you back on track to a healthier, more positive attitude.

As your body begins to change for the better, you’ll start to experience a more enhanced psychological well-being. Waking up in the morning will get easier, finding motivation to complete tasks will seem simple, and embracing the little things will bring you peace of mind. 

Nutritional Value

Weight loss surgery can have a transformative effect on nutrition by encouraging healthier eating habits. Following bariatric surgery, you’ll experience a reduced capacity for food intake, requiring a focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Your reduced stomach size emphasizes quality of quantity, slowly breaking you away from bad eating habits.

Rather than sneaking off for a late-night dessert or indulging in multiple snacks throughout the day, try a few of these intuitive eating habits to maintain your new weight loss transformation.

Commit to a Healthier Lifestyle With Minimally Invasive Surgery

At BMI Surgery, we’re dedicated to your weight loss journey. With one-on-one consultations and a variety of bariatric surgery options—Orbera gastric balloon, laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and lap-band—our professionals can help you lead a healthy life. We provide monthly support meetings, nutrition classes, and customized high-protein diets to ensure your weight loss is easy to maintain.

Improve Your Overall Well-Being with BMI Surgery

As the trusted bariatric and revisional weight loss professionals in Birmingham, AL, BMI Surgery is here to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t let the fear of commitment and dedication keep you from living your best life. Instead, schedule a consultation with our team or call us at (205) 858-1211 today to discuss which bariatric surgery is right for you.

Body image consumes a large portion of our minds on a daily basis. In fact, over 79% of people have had negative body image thoughts throughout their lives. We’ve all been there, asking questions that imply we’re just not happy with the way we look. Whether you’ve struggled with weight your entire life, have developed a condition that prohibits weight loss, or simply let your health goals fall by the wayside, we have a solution. With weight loss surgery from BMI in Birmingham, AL, there’s no longer a need to feel insecure in your body.

At our specialized weight loss practice, we focus on taking care of patients who are obese, encouraging a healthier, empowered lifestyle. If you’ve been searching for an effective way to lose weight and improve your overall well-being, look no further than weight loss surgery. Take a look at the details below to determine if you’re a proper candidate for bariatric surgery today.

Obesity vs. Morbid Obesity

According to the Obesity Medicine Association, obesity is a chronic disease that affects over 14.7 million Americans. Characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat, obesity poses a significant risk to an individual’s health. In addition to affecting your physical appearance, obesity can cause cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders.

On the other side of the spectrum, morbid obesity is typically defined as being 100 lbs or more over your suggested body weight or having a BMI above 40 or between 35 and 40 with other medical problems. Morbid obesity poses a more considerable threat to your health, increasing the risk of significant physical disability or even death.

Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

The most common way to determine whether or not you’re sitting at a healthy weight is with the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates your weight in relation to your height. At BMI Surgery, we offer a BMI calculator to help take the guesswork out of the process. Simply enter your height and current weight, and our calculator will determine where your BMI stands.

It’s important to note that BMI is not a diagnostic tool. Whether a person has a high BMI or low BMI, an individual’s personal measurement should be left to a reputable doctor to determine if excess weight is a health risk.

Requirements For Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a serious medical procedure that demands careful consideration. Although facing challenges with weight loss is a difficult situation, it’s important to recognize that not everyone dealing with weight issues is automatically suitable for bariatric surgery. Here are a few of the requirements for weight loss surgery at Birmingham Minimally Invasive. 

Medical Eligibility

To qualify for weight loss surgery, your BMI must be greater than 30. Typically, those who suffer from a high BMI are accompanied by obesity-related health concerns. These can include high blood pressure, shortness of breath, back and joint pain, and more. Our team will perform routine tests to determine if your BMI level is at the threshold for bariatric surgery.

Lifestyle Qualifications

Weight loss surgery requires a commitment to making significant changes before and after the procedure. This commitment includes a willingness to exercise routinely and adopt healthier eating habits. If you refuse to make changes to your lifestyle to maintain your weight loss results, our doctors reserve the right to refuse surgery. Additionally, if you’ve been diagnosed with debilitating conditions that prevent you from making healthy choices, bariatric surgery may not be recommended.

Psychological Preparedness

Losing a significant amount of weight can take its toll on your mental well-being. While most experience a positive outlook on life, bariatric surgery does require a specific emotional dedication. The team at BMI Surgery may have you undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if you’re prepared for this type of procedure. 

Age Restrictions

Bariatric surgery of any kind is considered safe for adults over 18. Performing weight loss surgery on individuals younger than 18 years of age will require additional requirements that our professionals will be happy to discuss with you. 

Weight Loss Surgery Options Available at BMI Surgery

If you’ve tried losing weight on your own through diet and exercise but have had little to no success, weight loss surgery may be the right option for you. At BMI Surgery in Birmingham, AL, we offer a variety of bariatric surgery options to suit your needs. This surgical procedure assists in decreasing the capacity of the stomach to reduce food intake, as well as changing the hormones of hunger to alter the desire to eat.

Choose from four different weight loss surgeries to enhance your self-esteem and live a healthier, longer life.

• Orbera Gastric Balloon
• Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Lap-Band

Whichever weight loss surgery you choose, the professionals at BMI Surgery will guide you through each step from beginning to end. We’re here to make your weight loss goals tangible and with our innovative and effective bariatric surgeries, they can be. 

Lose Weight Safely & Effectively Today

As professionals specializing in bariatric and revisional surgeries, BMI is here to help you understand your options to correct weight gain. Don’t let your body weight be the reason you stop living life to the fullest. Instead, schedule a consultation with our team or call us at (205) 858-1211 today to discuss which bariatric surgery is right for you.