Tag: bariatric surgery

Why Not Everyone Can Lose Weight with Diet & Exercise Alone

Posted on August 15, 2024

A heart-shaped bowl of produce on a table surrounded by a glass, weights, sneakers, a stethoscope, and a prescription script.

A heart-shaped bowl of produce on a table surrounded by a glass, weights, sneakers, a stethoscope, and a prescription script.

Losing weight and keeping it off can be challenging. While diet and exercise are important to maintaining a healthy weight, they may not be effective for everyone. Today, there are many options available to those looking to lose weight. The bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to explore these options and how they can help you achieve your goals.

What Are My Options for Weight Loss? 

Starting a weight loss program is a common experience, with half of American adults attempting to lose weight in the past year alone. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be challenging. With so many options to choose from, you may not know where to start. Below, we discuss some common methods individuals use to lose weight. 

Diet 

Eating a healthy diet is an essential first step in any weight loss journey. Reducing the number of calories you consume, along with choosing healthier options, can help you kickstart your journey. If you’re not sure how to start eating healthier, consider signing up for a nutrition class. You will learn about the health benefits of certain foods and how to prepare them in a way that is both nutritious and delicious. 

Diet is especially important for those who have had weight loss surgery, like a gastric sleeve. The nature of some of these procedures requires you to modify your eating habits to avoid regaining any weight you may have lost. You may need to eat smaller portions or different foods. Your bariatric surgeon can provide you with a detailed diet plan to help you maximize the weight loss benefits of your procedure. 

Exercise

Both the number of calories you consume and the amount you use are important to consider when trying to lose weight. You want to burn more calories than you consume. Exercise can help you to do that. However, it is not always effective on its own and should be combined with other methods, like a healthy diet. 

If you’ve had weight loss surgery, exercise can help you maximize the benefits provided by your procedure. Starting a fitness regimen can begin soon after your surgery with walking or other gentle exercises. Your bariatric surgeon can help you to determine the amount and types of activities you can safely partake in. 

Medication

While still fairly new, weight loss medications like Ozempic have been proven to be effective for those looking to lose a significant amount of weight. They are recommended for individuals with a BMI over 30. Like any medication, there is a risk of side effects. You may also need to follow a special diet and exercise plan while taking the medication. Your doctor can help you to determine if this option is right for you. 

Bariatric Surgery

Although you should attempt to lose weight through non-surgical methods first, sometimes, surgery may be the only option to help you reach your goals. If that is the case, there are a variety of different surgical procedures available to help you lose weight, including:

Gastric Sleeve

A gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, works by changing the size and structure of your stomach in order to limit the amount of calories you can consume from food.

Gastric Bypass

A gastric bypass involves creating a small stomach pouch to which a section of the small intestine is attached to reduce the absorption of nutrients and calorie intake.

LAP-Band

A LAP-Band is a device that is placed around part of your stomach to reduce its capacity and, therefore, the amount of food that you can consume. 

Gastric Balloon

A gastric balloon is a device placed into the stomach to help you feel fuller faster. Due to its temporary nature, it is a less invasive option compared to other procedures.

Regardless of which procedure you choose, surgery is only recommended for those with a BMI over 30 or who have other health concerns. While surgical options are very effective, you may regain weight over time and require revisional weight loss surgery. A consultation with a bariatric surgeon, like those at BMI, can help you explore your options.

Discover Effective Weight Loss Solutions at BMI

With so many options available for weight loss today, you may be wondering which one is best. The team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is here to help you explore these options and select the best one for your needs. To get started on your weight loss journey, contact us at (205) 858-1211. 

Explore Your Options for Weight Loss at BMI

When you want weight loss solutions that are safe and effective, look no further than Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. We offer a variety of both surgical and non-surgical options to our patients to help them reach their weight loss goals. To explore these options, contact us to schedule a consultation at (205) 858-1211.

Should I Get a Gastric Sleeve for Weight Loss?

Posted on July 18, 2024

A female doctor in a white coat is holding up a tablet with an illustration of the digestive system to show a male patient in a tan plaid shirt.

A female doctor in a white coat is holding up a tablet with an illustration of the digestive system to show a male patient in a tan plaid shirt.

There are many options available for weight loss surgery. One such option is a gastric sleeve, also called sleeve gastrectomy. It is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the world. In the United States alone, over half of bariatric surgeries performed per year are gastric sleeves. 

Despite its popularity, many patients wonder if a gastric sleeve is a suitable option for them. The experienced bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with this increasingly popular bariatric procedure. 

What is a Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a procedure that changes your stomach’s size and structure. After the procedure, your stomach will be smaller, which will limit the number of calories you can consume from food. However, it will still function normally. This, in turn, will help you reach your weight loss goals faster with minimal downtime after surgery. 

This procedure, performed laparoscopically, does not involve large abdominal incisions, making it less invasive than other options. It also takes less than an hour to complete. During the procedure, your surgeon will divide your stomach to remove about two-thirds of it. The remaining portion will be joined together using surgical staples, resulting in a smaller stomach. 

Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Gastric Sleeve?

Different patients have different needs and desires when it comes to weight loss surgery. A gastric sleeve is ideal for those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. However, patients with BMIs between 30 and 40 who have other health concerns like diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, or high blood pressure will also be considered for a gastric sleeve. 

Gastric sleeves can also be a good option for those who have had weight loss surgery in the past and regained weight or did not achieve the desired results. Converting a LAP-Band to a gastric sleeve is a common revisional weight loss surgery. In this case, the original LAP-Band is removed before a standard gastric sleeve procedure is performed. Regardless of whether the gastric sleeve is your first or second weight loss surgery, a consultation with a bariatric surgeon can help you determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. 

What Risks Are Involved With Gastric Sleeves?

Like with any surgery, a gastric sleeve does come with the risk of potential complications. You may experience some pain after the procedure, but it can be managed with medication. Most commonly, the stomach stretches over time, which leads to weight gain. In this case, revisional weight loss surgery, like a duodenal switch or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, may be required to achieve the desired result. 

Though most patients respond well to this procedure, it is not recommended for those with severe reflux disease and other similar health conditions. As your individual risks may vary, it is best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon at your initial consultation. They will be able to determine your specific risk of complications after a gastric sleeve and provide you with alternatives to this procedure, if necessary. 

What Dietary Restrictions Come with a Gastric Sleeve? 

Like with any weight loss surgery, you must follow a special diet after a gastric sleeve procedure to maximize results and avoid stretching your stomach. Immediately after, you will be started on a clear liquid diet. After about two weeks, you will be able to consume pureed food before moving on to soft foods one month post-surgery. 

You will be able to return to a normal diet while consuming smaller portions after two months. To learn more about this diet, consider signing up for a nutrition class through BMI. We discuss the dietary needs presented by bariatric surgery and give you the skills to manage your diet before and after your gastric sleeve procedure. 

Learn if a Gastric Sleeve is Right for You at BMI

If you’re still not sure whether you’re a candidate for a gastric sleeve, call on the experienced bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. We offer a variety of options to help our patients lose weight, including gastric sleeves. Our experienced team will discuss your options with you to find the best one for your needs. To learn if a gastric sleeve is right for you, contact us at (205) 858-1211. 

Schedule a Consultation for a Gastric Sleeve at BMI

As a leader in bariatric surgery in Alabama, Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery offers a variety of options to our patients to help them reach their weight loss goals, including gastric sleeves. If you have specific concerns or questions about our weight loss procedures, including gastric sleeves, contact us to schedule a consultation at (205) 858-1211. We look forward to helping you along your weight loss journey.

Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass – Which is Right for You?

Posted on July 1, 2024

A woman with brown hair in a pink shirt sitting next to a female doctor with dark hair in a white coat holding a piece of paper with a green plant behind them.

A woman with brown hair in a pink shirt sitting next to a female doctor with dark hair in a white coat holding a piece of paper with a green plant behind them.

Getting bariatric surgery for weight loss is a major decision that could be potentially life-altering. However, it has become increasingly popular, with an estimated 250,000 procedures performed each year in the United States alone. Despite its popularity, deciding on weight loss surgery can prompt many questions.

With so many options available, you may not know which is right for you. Fortunately, the team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is here to discuss the pros and cons of two popular bariatric procedures: gastric sleeves and gastric bypass surgery. We perform these procedures, along with others, at our Birmingham center. 

Gastric Sleeves vs. Gastric Bypass Surgery

Two commonly performed bariatric procedures are gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeves. While both are effective for weight loss, each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the patient’s needs and desired outcomes. Your surgeon can discuss these with you further during your initial consultation. 

What Is a Gastric Sleeve?

A gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a procedure that changes the size and structure of your stomach. Since the stomach is smaller after the procedure, the number of calories you can consume from food is limited, helping you reach your weight loss goals. Performed laparoscopically, it requires minimal downtime. 

The ideal candidate for this procedure has a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 and has been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. Patients who have BMIs between 30 and 40, along with other medical problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, or high blood pressure, will also be considered. 

While most patients respond well to this procedure, it does come with some potential complications. Like with any bariatric surgery, you must follow a special diet afterward. The stomach may stretch over time, leading to weight regain. In this case, revisional weight loss surgery may be a possibility to obtain the desired result. 

What Is a Gastric Bypass?

Having been performed since 1967, the gastric bypass is one of the first bariatric surgeries to become available in the United States. It is one of the most effective for achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss. Patients tend to lose a significant amount of weight rapidly in the first six months and then slow down in their weight loss for the next six months.

After gastric bypass surgery, patients will stay in the hospital overnight. The procedure is performed laparoscopically, like a sleeve gastrectomy. However, the procedure is more complicated than sleeve gastrectomy, secondary to disconnecting and reconnecting the intestines. It combines restriction and malabsorption by creating a stomach pouch that only holds around two ounces, with a 150 cm limb of the small intestine bypassed by attaching it to the pouch.

Before and after the procedure, patients must follow a special diet, including nutritional supplements, to maximize results. However, it is considered the ideal procedure for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and other health concerns, as it can be reversed if medically necessary. 

Find the Right Bariatric Procedure for You at BMI

Each patient’s situation is different and requires a customized approach to weight loss. That’s why Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery offers a variety of options to help our patients lose weight, including gastric sleeves and gastric bypass surgery. To get started on your weight loss journey with bariatric surgery, contact us at (205) 858-1211. Our experienced surgeons will discuss your options with you to find the best one for your needs and desired outcome. 

Achieve Stigma-Free Weight Loss at BMI

No matter which bariatric procedure you choose, the team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery can provide the support you need to be successful in your weight loss journey. If you have specific concerns or questions about our weight loss procedures, including gastric sleeves and gastric bypass surgery, contact us for personalized support at (205) 858-1211.

Is Revisional Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

Posted on June 25, 2024

Tan folders with white tabs with “obesity,” “bariatric surgery,” “gastric bypass,” and “sleeve gastrectomy” written on them in black.

Not everyone understands that weight loss surgery can sometimes require refinement based on certain factors, like complications or weight regain. In this blog, the bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery explain what revisional weight loss surgery is and why it’s necessary for some patients.

What is Revisional Weight Loss Surgery?

Revisional weight loss surgery is a procedure for those who have previously had bariatric surgery. While weight loss surgery can lead to effective long-term results, it is possible to start regaining weight later on. In most cases, this may be corrected with diet and exercise. For others with more significant weight regain, revisional surgery may be needed to correct their previous procedure. 

Reasons for Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

Up to 15% of bariatric surgery patients undergo revisional weight loss surgery for various reasons. As time goes on, strict diet and exercise regimens may fall by the wayside, resulting in weight gain. However, there are medical conditions and other complications related to initial weight loss surgery that may result in a patient requiring revisional procedures. Among these are:

  • Weight loss that is not as desired
  • Complications and side effects of an initial bariatric procedure
  • Medical conditions like GERD and hernias
  • Malnutrition

While there are many other reasons why a bariatric procedure may not be as effective as intended, your surgeon can determine if your specific situation warrants revisional weight loss surgery. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

Like any medical procedure, you may have questions about revisional weight loss surgery and whether it is right for you. The surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are willing to answer any questions you may have about this type of procedure. Here are some common questions we hear from patients about revisional weight loss surgery.

1 . When should I consider revisional weight loss surgery?

Due to a greater risk of complications, revisional weight loss surgery should only be considered when all other options are exhausted. Consulting with a bariatric surgeon experienced in bariatric and revisional surgeries can help you understand your options to correct weight gain.

2. Should I have revisional weight loss surgery or go on a diet? 

If you notice weight gain after bariatric surgery, you may be considering various options, including revisional surgery, to handle it. Before pursuing any procedure, it is critical to evaluate all possible causes of weight gain, including health concerns, diet, and exercise habits. Keeping a food diary detailing a week or more of meals and exercise can help you determine if overeating or a lack of exercise is the root of the issue. If this is determined to be the case, it is better to pursue those options before considering another surgery to avoid complications.

3. Can you reverse my previous weight loss procedure?

Most weight loss procedures are irreversible. However, revisional weight loss surgery can correct previous procedures to obtain more desirable results. For example, a LAP-BAND Conversion removes an existing LAP-BAND and replaces it with a gastric sleeve, often producing better results than the initial procedure.

Learn if Revisional Weight Loss Surgery is Right for You

While bariatric surgery can be an effective method of weight loss, its result can vary by patient. If you have previously had bariatric surgery and are not experiencing the outcomes you desire, revisional weight loss surgery can help. The surgical team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery can help you determine if you are a candidate for these types of procedures. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today!

Get Back on Track with BMI’s Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

If you’re unsure whether you are a candidate for revisional weight loss surgery, the experienced bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery can help. We are available to answer any questions and concerns you may have about these types of procedures. To schedule a consultation for revisional weight loss surgery, contact BMI at (205) 858-1211.

Is LAP-BAND to Gastric Sleeve Conversion Right for You?

Posted on June 11, 2024

A man in a light blue shirt holds a yellow measuring tape around his waistline. 

There are many methods available today to help you lose weight. Using a gastric band, or LAP-BAND, is just one way you can effectively reach your weight loss goals. However, it may not be the right option for everyone. Approximately 20% of patients will not lose the amount of weight they expected from this procedure. Fortunately, there are alternatives available to help these patients achieve the results they desire. Corrective procedures, like LAP-BAND conversions, can be done. The bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive are here to help you determine if this procedure is right for you.

What is a LAP-BAND Conversion?

A LAP-BAND conversion to sleeve, also known as a gastric band-to-sleeve conversion, is a bariatric procedure. It involves removing an existing gastric band, also known as a LAP-BAND, and replacing it with a gastric sleeve, which reduces the size of the stomach by about two-thirds. This procedure is less invasive than other weight loss surgeries as it is typically performed on an outpatient basis and does not alter any part of the gastrointestinal system. While removal of the band alone is possible, it may lead to the patient regaining the weight they previously lost. 

Ideal Candidates for LAP-BAND Conversion

Ideal candidates for this procedure are those who have a LAP-BAND but are not experiencing the results they desire. You may also have complications that force you to remove the band but still want to continue your weight loss journey through the use of bariatric surgery. Converting the LAP-BAND to a gastric sleeve often produces better results than other weight loss methods for these patients. However, your surgeon can further discuss the benefits and risks of this procedure with you as part of your initial consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

Side Effects of LAP-BAND Conversion

Since a LAP-BAND conversion is a repeat operation performed on an individual who has already had bariatric surgery, it does increase the risk of potential side effects. These include an increased risk of bleeding, post-operative leaks, and the need for an open operation instead of a laparoscopic one for both the gastric sleeve and band removal procedures. This risk and the side effects experienced may vary. However, your surgeon can discuss these with you during your initial consultation.

Gastric Sleeves: The Next Step in LAP-BAND Conversion

Once the LAP-BAND is removed as part of the conversion procedure, it is replaced with a gastric sleeve. While it sounds like another band will be added to the stomach in place of the original device, this procedure actually changes the structure of the stomach. These structural changes reduce the size of the stomach, thereby limiting the quantity of food you can eat and the number of calories you consume.

Since you are already under anesthetic for the LAP-BAND removal, the gastric sleeve procedure can be done faster than a standalone surgery. Performed laparoscopically, this procedure does not involve large abdominal incisions. After your LAP-BAND is removed, your surgeon will divide your stomach in a vertical manner to remove a major portion of it, about two-thirds. The remaining portion is joined together using surgical staples, resulting in a smaller stomach.

Get the Results You Desire With LAP-BAND Conversion

Bariatric surgery can be an effective method of weight loss. However, not every procedure is right for every patient. If you have a LAP-BAND and are not experiencing the results you desire, a LAP-BAND conversion may be a better fit. The surgical team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery can help you determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Contact us to set up an initial consultation today! 

Enhance Your Weight Loss With BMI’s LAP-BAND Conversion

If you’re not sure whether you are a candidate for a LAP-BAND Conversion, the experienced bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery can help. We are available to answer any questions and concerns you may have about this procedure or other weight loss methods. If you have specific concerns or questions, contact BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.

Supporting Your Mental Health Journey After Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on May 31, 2024

A distressed woman hiding her face and holding her knees.

A distressed woman hiding her face and holding her knees.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of emotional well-being. While weight loss surgery can be a transformative journey for many, it often comes with emotional and mental health challenges. It’s important to prepare for the many changes that come with bariatric surgery before and after your visit.

In this post, we’ll explore how to manage the common emotional challenges that often come with bariatric surgery, like body image issues, changes in relationships, coping with stress, and seeking support.

Managing Body Image Issues After Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery can lead to significant changes in body shape and size, which may trigger complex emotions about body image. After surgery, many people come to realize their body image struggles don’t automatically disappear.

Body image issues can range from a small annoyance with one of your features to overly obsessing over a part of your body. Some people even experience body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), which is a mental health condition where a person obsesses over one or more perceived flaws of their physical appearance, and this aspect may or may not be evident to other people. BDD often causes a lot of stress and interferes with daily life.

It’s important to practice self-compassion and focus on appreciating your body for its strength and resilience. Consider seeking support from a therapist or support group specializing in body image issues to explore these feelings in a safe and understanding environment.

Changes in Relationships

Weight loss surgery can significantly affect your relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. People in your life may have varying reactions to your transformation. Whether they offer support or express concern, these reactions can present themselves in unanticipated ways.

Successfully navigating these potential relationship changes after weight loss surgery requires open communication. Be honest about your feelings and boundaries, and encourage loved ones to do the same. Remember that healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance, regardless of physical appearance.

Coping with Stress

The post-surgery period is a physically and emotionally challenging time for the majority of bariatric surgery patients. This often leads to excessive stress and anxiety. It is important to work with a therapist or other medical professional to develop healthy coping mechanisms and learn to manage stress effectively as you recover from the procedure and adapt to your changing body.

Coping mechanisms that can help you effectively manage the emotional toll of bariatric surgery include:

  • Mindfulness practices
  • Meditation
  • Physical activities
  • Journaling
  • Spending time in nature
  • Confiding in or leaning on people you trust

Whatever your coping mechanisms, it is vital to practice self-care to nourish your mind, body, and soul. If you are struggling to cope, never hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive for help.

Seeking Support

You don’t have to navigate the post-weight loss surgery journey alone. Reach out for support from friends, family, support groups, and healthcare professionals who understand and can validate your experiences.

You may want to consider joining a support group for people who have had bariatric surgery. A support group connects you with other individuals who have had weight loss surgery to share insights, challenges, and triumphs related to bariatric surgery recovery with each other. Seeking support post-surgery can be scary as it requires you to be vulnerable, but it can also play a crucial role in improving your emotional well-being.

If you need help connecting with others who have had weight-loss surgery, please contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive so that we can ensure you get the support you need.

Life After Bariatric Surgery With BMI

Managing emotional and mental health after weight loss requires a great deal of self-compassion and support. By addressing body image issues, navigating changes in relationships, coping with stress, and seeking support, you can cultivate a positive and resilient mindset on your journey toward wellness.

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive, we understand that mental health is just as important as your physical health. We ensure our patients learn to practice self-care and nurture their emotional well-being every step of the way. That’s why we provide compassionate care for our patients throughout the weight loss surgery process, from pre-op to the end of their recovery, and beyond.

Healthy and Happy Living After Weight Loss Surgery at BMI

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery supports you by ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after your weight loss surgery, including how to manage emotional and mental health after surgery. Our compassionate team will always be here to answer all questions and concerns as they arise. 

If you have specific concerns or questions,  contact BMI for personalized support. You can call us anytime at (205) 858-1211.