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.

emale athlete working out with resistance bands outdoors.

Preparation is key. You may have heard of this adage before, and while it doesn’t hurt to be spontaneous once in a while, preparation is crucial for the success of your weight loss surgery. This July, our experts at BMI Surgery discuss one facet of your weight loss journey—exercise.

Bariatric surgery helps you lose weight, but to maintain your new and improved physique, you must exercise too. However, we understand that for many of our patients, the idea of an exercise routine feels daunting. Don’t fret! If you have no idea where to begin with exercise, you’re in luck. We’re explaining everything you need to know about activity after weight loss surgery so you can feel confident as you plan and prepare for life after your operation.

Why Is Exercise After Weight Loss Surgery Important?

We’re so glad you asked! Exercising after weight loss surgery has numerous benefits, but first and foremost, it helps you reach your weight loss goals. Without exercise (and a healthy diet), you may not be able to maintain your newfound weight loss properly.

Additionally, exercise improves circulation, increases your metabolic rate, reduces stress, and strengthens your heart, bones, and muscle strength. And if you’re suffering from any weight-related conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, exercise may help you manage these illnesses. For more information about the importance of exercising after weight loss surgery, check out this blog.

When Should I Start Exercising After Bariatric Surgery?

Once you feel up to it, we recommend taking brisk walks when you return home. You can begin low-impact workouts one week after surgery, making sure to avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds for about four weeks. Usually, patients can exercise without restrictions after four weeks.

Even if you feel like the newest America’s Next Top Model, it’s essential not to overdo it. After surgery, your body is adjusting to your new calorie intake and exercise routine, and the last thing you want is to slow down recovery. We recommend always following your surgeon’s instructions and waiting until you’re cleared to begin exercising.

What Exercises Should I Do After Weight Loss Surgery?

Now that we’ve covered the importance of exercise post-operation, let’s look at our recommended exercises after weight loss surgery. We advise avoiding high-intensity workouts, like running and cycling, for at least four weeks after surgery. Remember, slow and steady wins the race in the weight loss game.

Walking

Walking is perhaps the easiest, most convenient exercise after bariatric surgery. Do it early in the morning once you’ve woken up, in the evening after dinner, or midday if your schedule allows. You can walk a few laps around your house or the block and then build up to longer, more challenging walks, like incorporating walking up and down hills. Even if it’s just five minutes, you can slowly build up your endurance and strengthen your muscles and joints with regular walking.

Swimming

If walking isn’t your thing, swimming is a great alternative. It doesn’t put as much strain on your knees and maybe more entertaining for some. You can tread water, swim slowly, and walk in the pool. And, if your pool offers any classes like water aerobics or other exercise classes, those can be a fun, engaging way to get in your daily dose of exercise.

Resistance Band

Resistance band workouts can be done in the comfort of your own home. You can gently stretch and practice different exercises, like lunges or squats, with the added resistance of the band to add a bit of a challenge. Resistance bands increase your flexibility and circulation, especially if you’ve been stationary most of the day while recovering. This form of exercise is perfect for those who feel ready to lift weights but don’t want the added pressures of exercising in the gym.

Weight Training

We recommend adding weight training to your routine as you improve your strength and stamina. Weight training can be as simple as light dumbbell exercises like bicep curls, wall sits, and tricep extensions. With weight training (and all these exercises), you can customize the movements to your needs. For example, you can sit while lifting light weights if you find it challenging.

When in doubt, if it doesn’t feel right, stop. You can rest up and try again in a few days. If you’re worried about your form, we recommend watching tutorials online or seeking the advice of a personal trainer to ensure you’re engaging the proper muscles while exercising.

Feel Your Best After Weight Loss Surgery & Beyond

At BMI Surgery, we’re here for you every step of the way. From the moment you walk through our doors to follow-up appointments after surgery, our team of experts is here for you. If you’re preparing for weight loss surgery and want to learn more about what exercise is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can create a customized plan tailored to your needs. Whether it’s walking, swimming, or weight lifting, we strive to empower all our patients to exercise safely.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, BMI Surgery now offers a quick, affordable option called Priority Pass. In as little as three days, you can undergo post-operative consultation and surgery. For more information, contact us at (205) 833-6907 or online.

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Why Not Everyone Can Lose Weight with Diet & Exercise Alone