General Surgery For Houston Patients
Living in Houston means having access to some of the country’s most respected healthcare institutions. Ironically, that can make choosing a surgeon even more challenging. With so many options available, patients often find themselves asking a different question. Who has the experience, surgical philosophy, and approach that feels right for me?
That question is exactly what brings many patients to BMI Surgery. Dr. Long has spent nearly two decades focused on minimally invasive general surgery, performing thousands of procedures using advanced laparoscopic techniques. For many, traveling to Birmingham becomes less about distance and more about confidence in the surgeon performing their procedure.
Conditions That May Require General Surgery
Some conditions improve over time. Others require a minimally invasive solution.No two surgical conditions follow the same path, and no two patients arrive with the same concerns. Some people have lived with symptoms for years. Others receive an unexpected diagnosis and suddenly need answers. Our role is to listen first, evaluate carefully, and recommend the treatment approach that best fits your situation.
If your diagnosis isn’t listed here, we encourage you to contact our office. The conditions listed above are just the most common we see, not a stopping point for our abilities.
Questions Houston Patients Ask Before Scheduling Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery has changed the way common surgical procedures are performed. Instead of creating one larger incision to access the treatment area, surgeons use specialized instruments and a small camera inserted through smaller incisions to complete the procedure.
For the right patient and the right condition, this approach may offer several advantages, including:
- Smaller incisions and less visible scarring
- Less discomfort after surgery
- A quicker return to normal activities
- Lower risk of certain wound-related complications
- Shorter recovery periods for most procedures
Recovery time after general surgery depends on the specific procedure, the complexity of your condition, your overall health, and how your body responds to healing. For example:
- Gallbladder Surgery (cholecystectomy): Many patients return to light daily activities within a few days and resume normal routines within one to two weeks.
- Hernia Repair: Recovery depends on the location and size of the hernia. Patients are walking soon after surgery and require several weeks of healing.
- Appendectomy: Patients recovering from appendix removal often return to normal activities within a couple of weeks. More complicated cases, such as a ruptured appendix, may require a longer recovery period.
- Acid Reflux Surgery: Patients may need time to adjust their diet and gradually return to normal eating habits as the body heals, so recovery timeframes vary.
Before surgery, Dr. Long will explain what your recovery timeline may look like, including when you can return to work, exercise, drive, and other daily activities.
No. BMI Surgery is a specialized outpatient surgical facility focused on minimally invasive general surgery and bariatric procedures.
Unlike a traditional hospital that provides care across many medical specialties, BMI Surgery is designed specifically around surgical procedures. This focused environment allows our team to concentrate on providing personalized care for patients undergoing planned operations.
Not necessarily. You are more than welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Long without a referral. However, some patients are referred by another physician, such as a primary care provider or specialist, who believes a surgical consultation would be helpful.
Yes, we work with many insurance plans for eligible general surgery procedures. Coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance provider, your plan benefits, the procedure being performed, and any requirements your insurance company may have.
Before scheduling your procedure, our team will review the necessary details to move forward with your care. We understand that navigating insurance can feel complicated, so we work to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
Your Search For the Right Surgeon Doesn’t Have to End Close to Home
Choosing surgery is an important decision. Choosing the surgeon who performs it is equally important. If you’re looking for an experienced surgeon who takes time to understand your concerns and provide advanced laparoscopic care, BMI Surgery is ready for you.
