Tag: gastric sleeve surgery

Sleeve-tober: Limited-Time Offer for Discounted Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on October 1, 2023

gastric sleeve weight loss surgery

gastric sleeve weight loss surgery

Are you ready to transform your life and take a decisive step towards achieving your weight loss goals? This October, seize the opportunity you’ve been waiting for with Sleevetober – a remarkable weight loss surgery promotion brought to you by BMI Surgery.

Don’t let the chance to invest in yourself and experience real, life-changing results pass you by. Throughout this special extended for October, our renowned board-certified surgeon, Dr. Long, and his exceptional team will guide you on a three-day journey to a healthier you.

Discover all the vital details of this exclusive offer, including the who, what, when, where, and how you can embark on this transformative path to a new you. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity in Sleevetober to finally realize your weight loss dreams!

 

How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?

Discover an extraordinary opportunity this October for weight loss surgery at just $7,999, a significant discount from the typical $15,000 price. This all-inclusive rate covers facility, surgeon, and anesthesiologist fees, along with your initial postoperative visit.

Follow-up visits are available at $125 each to ensure optimal results. Additional tests like lab work, EKGs, or chest X-rays are not included but are generally unnecessary. Be informed in advance if any extra testing is required. Unfortunately, we can’t reimburse the price difference if you’ve previously paid for the surgery without enrolling in the Weight Loss Priority Pass program. Don’t miss this unique chance for a life-changing transformation!

Experience the BMI Priority Pass This October

Located in Birmingham, AL, BMI Surgery offers Priority Pass, an accelerated weight loss surgery process. You can undergo preoperative testing and surgery in just two days, returning home on day three. If you live more than two hours away, you may want to recover locally for a day before traveling, but luckily, many hotels offer a discount for our patients.

Who: Body Mass Index Below 60

If your body mass index (BMI) is below 60, you may qualify for this promotion! While we can’t guarantee everyone will be a candidate for this procedure, you will most likely be a suitable candidate if you’re in good health with no previous weight loss surgeries. We require medical clearance from your primary care doctor for surgery and cardiology clearance if you have a history of cardiac issues. Similarly, if you have a history of lung disease, we’ll need approval from your pulmonologist. We’ll provide the forms…you just need to send them!

Please note that if we haven’t received clearance from your care team within seven days before surgery, your operation will be canceled, and the cancellation fee will be applied.

When: October

To get this exceptional pricing, your surgery must be performed in October 2023, a.k.a. Sleevetober. There’s limited availability, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact a friendly member of our team for more information.

You’ll need to begin a preoperative liquid diet, so consider this when selecting your surgery date. The duration of this diet depends on your BMI, and a staff member will cover this and other ways to prepare before your surgery.

Where: Outpatient Services East

All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at Outpatient Services East. We’ve been performing outpatient weight loss surgery in this outstanding facility for more than ten years.

This facility is also connected to St. Vincent’s East, a full-service hospital facility. If you’re anxious before your procedure, knowing you’re a stone’s throw away from the nearest hospital often offers peace of mind.

What: More Details

Preparation is key, especially when it comes to weight loss surgery. To begin, paperwork will be emailed to you as soon as your appointment is booked and will need to be completed within 24 hours of booking. If not, your appointment may be canceled. Additionally, if you’re taking any blood thinning medication, you’ll need to come off this medication as soon as possible. Be sure to consult with your primary care doctor before removing blood thinners from your daily routine.

It’s important to note that there’s a $500 cancellation fee if the procedure is canceled or rescheduled within ten days of surgery. However, in the rare case that the anesthesiologist reviews your history and decides you aren’t a candidate for surgery at the Outpatient center, you can cancel the procedure without a penalty or schedule the procedure for same-day in the hospital (at a higher cost than the Sleevetober price).

The Time is Now: Invest in Yourself with BMI Surgery

Now is the perfect moment to embark on a journey of self-transformation. With weight loss surgery, you can enhance not only your self-assurance but also alleviate weight-related health issues such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis, and more.

A brighter, healthier life awaits you. Will you take the first step?

Want to Take Advantage of Sleevetober? Call Us Today!

Proudly serving Birmingham, AL, and surrounding areas, BMI Surgery offers fast, effective, and safe weight loss surgeries, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and more. For more information about Sleevetober, call us at (205) 833-6907 or contact us online today!

Sleevetember: Discounted Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on August 20, 2023

Woman in gray sweatpants illustrating how much weight she lost on a pink background.

Woman in gray sweatpants illustrating how much weight she lost on a pink background.If you’ve been considering weight loss surgery but haven’t made the leap to invest in yourself with a weight loss method that REALLY works, Sleevetember may be your long-awaited solution! This September, BMI Surgery offers bariatric surgery at a discounted rate so you can finally achieve your weight loss goals.

In just three days, you can achieve jaw-dropping results with the help of our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Long, and his exceptional team. Learn everything you need to know about this promotion, including the who, what, when, where, and how you can take advantage of this offer.

How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?

Typically, weight loss surgery can cost upwards of $15,000, but with our September special, you can undergo a complete transformation at a discounted price—$7,999! This cost covers the facility, surgeon, and anesthesiologist fees, plus the first postoperative visit 10 to 14 days after surgery. It’s important to note that subsequent follow-up visits aren’t included in this discounted rate, costing $125 per visit. However, they are well worth it to maintain your results!

Lab work, EKGs, or chest X-rays aren’t included in this price, but fortunately, most patients don’t require these tests. We will let you know ahead of time (if possible) if you need extra testing. If you previously paid for the surgery and didn’t participate in Priority Pass (discussed below), we unfortunately cannot reimburse the difference.

Priority Pass This September

Located in Birmingham, AL, BMI Surgery offers Priority Pass, an accelerated weight loss surgery process. You can undergo preoperative testing and surgery in just two days, returning home on day three. If you live more than two hours away, you may want to recover locally for a day before traveling, but luckily, many hotels offer a discount for our patients.

Who: Body Mass Index Below 60

If your body mass index (BMI) is below 60, you may qualify for this promotion! While we can’t guarantee everyone will be a candidate for this procedure, you will most likely be a suitable candidate if you’re in good health with no previous weight loss surgeries. We require medical clearance from your primary care doctor for surgery and cardiology clearance if you have a history of cardiac issues. Similarly, if you have a history of lung disease, we’ll need approval from your pulmonologist. We’ll provide the forms…you just need to send them!

Please note that if we haven’t received clearance from your care team within seven days before surgery, your operation will be canceled, and the cancellation fee will be applied.

When: September

To get this exceptional pricing, your surgery must be performed in September 2023, a.k.a. Sleevetember. There’s limited availability, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate to contact a friendly member of our team for more information.

You’ll need to begin a preoperative liquid diet, so consider this when selecting your surgery date. The duration of this diet depends on your BMI, and a staff member will cover this and other ways to prepare before your surgery.

Where: Outpatient Services East

All procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at Outpatient Services East. We’ve been performing outpatient weight loss surgery in this outstanding facility for more than ten years.

This facility is also connected to St. Vincent’s East, a full-service hospital facility. If you’re anxious before your procedure, knowing you’re a stone’s throw away from the nearest hospital often offers peace of mind.

What: More Details

Preparation is key, especially when it comes to weight loss surgery. To begin, paperwork will be emailed to you as soon as your appointment is booked and will need to be completed within 24 hours of booking. If not, your appointment may be canceled. Additionally, if you’re taking any blood thinning medication, you’ll need to come off this medication as soon as possible. Be sure to consult with your primary care doctor before removing blood thinners from your daily routine.

It’s important to note that there’s a $500 cancellation fee if the procedure is canceled or rescheduled within ten days of surgery. However, in the rare case that the anesthesiologist reviews your history and decides you aren’t a candidate for surgery at the Outpatient center, you can cancel the procedure without a penalty or schedule the procedure for same-day in the hospital (at a higher cost than the Sleevetember price).

Invest in Yourself (At a Discounted Rate) with BMI Surgery

There’s no better time than the present to change your life for the better. With weight loss surgery, you not only feel more confident but also improve any weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis, and more.

Your new life is calling! Are you going to answer?

Want to Take Advantage of Sleevetember? Call Us Today!

Proudly serving Birmingham, AL, and surrounding areas, BMI Surgery offers fast, effective, and safe weight loss surgeries, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and more. For more information about Sleevetember, call us at (205) 833-6907 or contact us online today!

Is Gastric Sleeve Permanent? Weight Loss Surgery Maintenance

Posted on August 15, 2023

Woman looking sideways while drinking fruit detox juice in the kitchen at home.

Woman looking sideways while drinking fruit detox juice in the kitchen at home.

Slow and steady wins the race. You may have heard this adage before and brushed it off as a funny saying, but it couldn’t be more true for weight loss. If you’ve tried losing weight with no success, you already know how hard it can be. Many weight loss gimmicks, like fad diets and juice cleanses, boast a drastic drop in weight, only for participants to put it back on right after the program ends.

Fortunately, weight loss surgery is an effective and safe method for lasting weight loss success. However, for the results to last, you must make steady, consistently healthy choices after surgery. Learn more about the importance of maintenance after gastric sleeve surgery from the experts at BMI Surgery.

Is Gastric Sleeve Permanent?

During gastric sleeve surgery, your surgeon removes up to two-thirds of your stomach, reducing your overall stomach capacity and calorie intake. The part of the stomach removed produces the hunger hormone called ghrelin, so many patients find they’re much less hungry after surgery too. Compared to other weight loss surgeries like LAP-BAND, gastric sleeve is permanent and cannot be reversed.

Importance of Maintenance

Patients with proper aftercare lose up to 70% of excess weight throughout the first one to two years. Not only is maintenance essential to steady weight loss but also for your health. Since your stomach will be much smaller than it once was, supplementation is vital for your nutrition. Let’s look deeper at diet, medication, exercise, and other lifestyle changes you can expect to adopt to live a healthier, happier life.

Diet

Before surgery, you and your weight loss team will discuss your diet, usually a liquid diet, for the first few weeks. However, once cleared by your surgeon, protein intake is essential to promote continued weight loss. We recommend 60 to 80 grams of protein daily, but it may be more or less depending on your individual needs.

Check out this blog for more information about preparing for your postoperative diet.

Supplements

You can expect to take a multivitamin and calcium supplement daily to prevent nutritional deficiencies. A multivitamin is an easy, hassle-free way to ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs every day.

Calcium supports bone health, and as your body changes from surgery (and weight loss), a supplement ensures your body stays strong. You may take other supplements like Vitamin D3 or B12, but your doctor will go over your supplements in-depth with you before surgery.

Exercise

Exercise after bariatric surgery strengthens your bones and joints, promotes heart and lung health, boosts your metabolic rate, and much more. Right after surgery, you’ll get up and moving, and your surgeon will discuss a routine for the weeks following recovery. In the interest of maximizing long-term results, and per CDC recommendations, we advise 150 minutes of intense physical activity coupled with two days of muscle-strengthening training per week.

Support

After weight loss surgery, and every day for that matter, you should be proud of yourself! Even if some days are more challenging than others, you can rest assured you’re showing up for yourself. We offer support groups at BMI Surgery for those who’ve undergone weight loss surgery. Sharing triumphs and tribulations with like-minded peers can support your emotional well-being amidst drastic physical changes.

Discover a Life-Long Weight Loss Transformation

At BMI Surgery, we’re not offering a quick fix but a complete transformation that’ll last a lifetime. With years of experience, you can count on our team for comprehensive, effective, and personalized weight-loss solutions. And it doesn’t stop there. From nutritional counseling and support groups to follow-up appointments, Dr. Long and his team are with you every step of the way.

Interested in Learning More About Gastric Sleeve Surgery? Call Today!

Proudly serving Birmingham, AL, BMI Surgery is your ultimate destination for permanent weight loss. Our board-certified weight loss surgeon, Dr. Long, is experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate, creating personalized weight loss plans for each patient. Call us at (205) 833-6907 or schedule your consultation online to learn more about priority pass gastric sleeve surgery!

Top 4 Exercises To Do After Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on July 15, 2023

emale athlete working out with resistance bands outdoors.

Exercises To Do After Weight Loss Surgery

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.

Top 5 Ways to Stay Healthy at Work: Holiday Edition

Posted on November 15, 2022

Group business colleagues having fun at a Christmas party in the office wearing Santa hats.

Stay Healthy at Work

As the year draws closer, holiday parties are in full swing. While this can often be an exciting and exceptionally cheerful time, it can be challenging to stay on track with your weight loss goals amidst office-sponsored parties, break room treats, holiday lunch specials, and long workdays.

At BMI Surgery, we want to help you make healthy choices this winter. Here, we discuss our top tips for maintaining weight loss, like hydration, meal prepping, and managing stress so that you can feel confident this holiday season.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration boosts your energy, increases focus and helps you maintain your weight loss goals. If you aren’t properly hydrated, your body compensates by slowing down metabolic processes leading to weight gain, lethargy, headaches, and more. And, if you’re dehydrated, you may mistake thirst for hunger and possibly overheat.

Next time you’re headed to a holiday celebration, bring a reusable water bottle to help you stay hydrated. Better yet, keep one at your desk daily so you can easily refill it whenever you need it. The average amount of fluids you should aim for is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily for men and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women. Most of this fluid intake should be water. If you drink caffeine, we recommend no more than 400 milligrams per day–that’s about 4 cups of coffee. Once you reach that, choose decaf tea or lemonade if you’re still thirsty for something other than water.

Create a Healthy Snack Tray

During a busy workday, it can be easy to grab the first available food option—healthy or not. To avoid the temptation of break room treats, vending machine snacks, or sugary drinks that may derail your weight loss efforts, try creating a healthy snack tray at your desk.

We recommend filling this try with snacks you actually enjoy so you’re excited to stay on track and they don’t go to waste. Some of our favorite snacks for maintaining weight loss include:

  • Nuts
  • Berries
  • Granola
  • Cheese
  • Jerky

If you place this tray in a convenient spot, like on top of your desk or inside a drawer, you are more likely to choose a healthy alternative to the vending machine and keep your eye on the weight loss prize.

Prioritize Staying Active

Long periods of sitting aren’t doing you any weight loss favors, and these sedentary periods can even increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and other ailments. While we can’t help all ditch our desks for a more active alternative, there are still some ways to prioritize activity throughout the day.

One of the best ways to stay active throughout the workday is by utilizing your lunch break. Instead of eating lunch at your desk or in the break room, get your heart rate up and stand up to eat your meal. Afterward, take a walk outside, walk up and down the stairs, or sneak in a quick workout.

If you find yourself waiting for coffee in the office, heating food in the microwave, or waiting for a meeting room to open up, practice small forms of exercise while you wait. Squats, lunges, calf raises, and arm circles are great ways to stay active amidst a busy workday.

Meal Prep Your Work Day Meals

Planning is essential to maintain your weight loss, especially during the hectic holiday season. If you prepare and portion out your workday meals ahead of time in grab & go containers, it can make your week less stressful and support your maintenance efforts. We recommend preparing meals you like, so you’ll be less tempted to ditch Tupperware for not-so-nutritious takeout.

A few of our favorite meal prep recipes are curried chicken salad, spicy spaghetti squash with shrimp, and slow-cooker bean and barley soup. When in doubt, combining a protein source (chicken, beef, fish), vegetable or fruits (broccoli, asparagus, berries), and grains (corn, beans, whole wheat bread) is the foundation of excellent meal preparation.

Manage Your Stress

The holiday season is full of jolliness, festive cheer, and, often, stress. Many of us experience an uptick in work deadlines and mandatory holiday parties, both of which can be nerve-racking. Did you know that stress can contribute to weight gain? The hormone released when your body is stressed, called cortisol, stimulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism, creating increased hunger and cravings for sweet, fatty, or salty foods.

We recommend finding a stress management tool that works for you and sticking to it. You might consider meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, talking with a friend, and walking. No matter how you manage your stress, the best methods are free, applicable to many situations, and provide noticeable relief.

Feel Your Best This Winter

Stay on track with your fitness goals during the most special time of the year! Whether you work in an office or work from home, you can apply these tips and tricks to make healthy choices at your next office party or your next busy holiday workday. The team at BMI Surgery can provide more knowledge and advice about maintaining weight loss this winter. Feel your best with BMI Surgery!

Begin Your Weight Loss Journey Today at BMI Surgery

Maintain your weight loss while at work with help from Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Contact us online or call us to set up a consultation at 205-850-1973.

Maintain Your Goals: A Guide to Healthy Holiday Recipes

Posted on November 15, 2022

Female feet on digital scales with a sign "omg!" surrounded by Christmas decorations, bottles, a glass of alcohol, and sweets.

Healthy Holiday Recipes

The holiday season is full of fun, festivities, and feasting. It can be easy to treat yourself more than a few times during the many celebrations and accidentally get off track with your fitness goals. As you prepare for the holiday parties, Thanksgiving dinners, and family potlucks, consider learning how to make tasty meals that don’t sacrifice all your weight loss progress.

Our team at BMI Surgery discusses our favorite healthy holiday appetizers, side dishes, entrees, and desserts. Host a fantastic dinner party, or bring the fan-favorite dish, while still being health-conscious with these 4 recipes.

Holiday Appetizer: Sweet Potato Chips with Black Olive Tapenade

Swap your traditional cheese and cracker hors d’oeuvres for this easy and tasty recipe! Food Network’s sweet potato chips with olive tapenade only require 5 ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, black olives, scallions, and tomatoes. With its satisfying crunch and delectable toppings, this appetizer is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

These holiday starters are so flavorful you won’t even notice the traditional cheese balls or deep-fried appetizers. Check out some of our other favorite holiday appetizers:

  • Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites
  • Caprese Salad Kabobs

Holiday Side Dish: Balsamic Green Beans with Pearl Onions

This recipe is a must-try if you’re craving green bean casserole but want a healthier alternative. The balsamic green beans with pearl onions from Southern Living are healthy but still flavorful. This recipe can feed a crowd, satisfying everyone’s savory yet sweet appetite. Pair this delicious side with turkey, ham, chicken, beef, and more for a carb-conscious holiday side dish. And best of all, it only takes 20 minutes to prepare!

Swap out your carb-heavy favorite for a lighter, health-conscious option. Check out some of our other favorite holiday side dishes:

  • Skillet Squash Blossom
  • Rosemary-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Holiday Entree

Ditch the sodium-filled meats or bland health-conscious entrees with Food Network’s mushroom-stuffed pork tenderloin. This entree is less than 330 calories per serving and takes only forty-five minutes to cook. A bit of a twist on traditional pork tenderloin, the mushroom, garlic, and lemon zest adds another mouthwatering flavor to your holiday plate.

Enjoy a main course with more flavor than a traditional, health-conscious grilled chicken entree. Check out some of our other favorite holiday entrees:

  • Citrus-Roasted Salmon
  • Mom’s Tuna-Pasta Casserole

Holiday Dessert

Last but certainly not least is everyone’s favorite— dessert! For many of us, when the dessert tray comes around is when it’s hardest to stick to our goals. But with this recipe from Country Living, you won’t even feel like you’re missing out. This chocolate-cinnamon marble bread pairs perfectly with coffee and will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. And this dessert is versatile, so you can use as much or as little sugar as you like.

If you like chocolate or you enjoy something more fruity, each of these calorie-conscious desserts offers something extra sweet. Check out some of our other favorite holiday desserts:

  • Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake
  • Lemon Icebox Bars

Maintain Your Healthy Lifestyle with BMI Surgery

With these tips and tricks, you can feel your best this holiday season. Try these recipes out at your next dinner party or potluck for a tasty meal without compromising your weight loss goals. If you want to learn more about maintaining your weight loss after surgery, our experts at BMI Surgery can provide knowledgeable advice, quality care, and exceptional results. Dr. Long and his staff are well-versed in weight loss maintenance and can help you reach your goals through quality care, minimally invasive procedures, and long-lasting results.

Achieve Your Dream Body for the Holiday Season

Proudly serving the Birmingham area, BMI Surgery specializes in various weight loss surgeries, including gastric sleeve, LAP-BAND, and more. Our team can help you achieve your dream body just in time for the holidays and help you maintain it. Call us at 205-858-1211 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!

Can Your Stomach Stretch After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Posted on October 15, 2022

A female holding up a large pair of pants after weight loss surgery, illustrating that she’s lost weight.

Stomach Stretch After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Weight loss surgery has helped thousands of people achieve their goals, but it’s not a small commitment! You have to plan, take time off work, rest, and learn a new way of taking care of yourself & your health… So it’s totally normal to think, well, why go through this and invest my time & money if it’s not going to be effective?

Well, reader! In this blog, our team at BMI Surgery will answer all your questions about your stomach stretching and why it may happen so, you can feel confident as you work to achieve your weight loss goals.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery works by changing the structure of the stomach. The surgeon will reduce its size by about two-thirds, minimizing the quantity of food you can eat and the number of calories absorbed by your body.

The surgery is minimally invasive. Gastric sleeve, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is performed laparoscopically, which means smaller incisions and generally less recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

The FDA-approved procedure is effective and requires little downtime, so there’s no surprise it’s one of the most popular weight loss surgeries in US.

Will My Stomach Stretch After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Most often, your stomach will stretch after gastric sleeve surgery. But before you panic, it’s entirely normal for your stomach to expand a little after surgery. Our stomachs naturally stretch as we eat, which won’t change after a gastric sleeve procedure. After digestion, the stomach will contract to its original shape and size.

The problem may come if we overeat. Once your stomach is full, your body will alert you, so you will stop consuming food. But, if we overeat, the stomach will stretch to make room for the extra food. If this happens rarely, the stomach will still shrink after digestion. But if overeating happens often, the stomach can permanently stretch out, and the body can confuse fullness signals as hunger, which may lead to weight gain.

How Can I Avoid My Stomach Stretching After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

You can avoid stretching your stomach after gastric sleeve surgery in various ways. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself. If you overeat a meal or two, don’t be so discouraged that it ruins your efforts. Instead, acknowledge what happened, brainstorm ways to avoid it next time, and plan your next healthy meal.

Some of our tips to avoid a stretched stomach include:

  • Limit volume, not foods or food groups: If you restrict yourself from certain foods, like sweets or carbs, you may end up eating more on accident. Allow yourself to have your favorite foods in moderation.
  • Eat small snacks in between meals if you feel hungry.
  • Plan portioned, healthy meals in advance to help you stay on track, especially if you have a busy schedule.
  • Avoid drinking beverages during your meals. If you drink throughout your meal, you may fill up on fluids instead of nutritious foods. We recommend drinking before and after your meals, but not during.

Find Support & Expert Advice After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Don’t feel like you’re alone on your weight loss journey! We understand that it can be unsettling, knowing you could impact your stomach’s size. That’s why our team at BMI Surgery is dedicated to your overall well-being–from the beginning to the end of your weight loss journey. Our team of experts at BMI Surgery team has years of experience helping people achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.

Begin Your Weight Loss Journey at BMI Surgery in Birmingham, AL

Discover your weight loss surgery options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. With many years of experience, our team provides personalized and quality care to help you meet your goals. Call us at 205-850-1972 or contact us online to learn more about how to get started on your weight loss journey and improve your quality of life!

Why Choose Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Posted on April 24, 2017

Making the decision to undergo weight loss surgery is never a simple one. If you’ve grappled with persistent weight issues and have found it challenging to achieve favorable results on the scale, the prospect of weight loss surgery may be an avenue worth exploring. Among the various options in the realm of bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve surgery has gained significant popularity. As you contemplate the possibility of undergoing this procedure, there are several key factors that merit your consideration.

Why Choose Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Are you fitting the clinical criteria for morbid obesity, characterized by a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or above? Alternatively, do you find yourself in the BMI range of 35 to 39.9 but contend with one or more persistent chronic health conditions? If you find affirmation in any of these scenarios and have persistently encountered challenges in your attempts to shed excess weight and maintain a healthier lifestyle, then you might be an ideal candidate for considering the potential benefits of gastric sleeve surgery.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery:

Beyond its life-saving potential, gastric sleeve surgery can substantially enhance your overall quality of life. Weight loss surgery can provide relief from the persistent joint and back pain often associated with carrying excess weight. It has the capacity to alleviate conditions like sleep apnea, permitting uninterrupted sleep without the need for a CPAP machine. Additionally, you can anticipate a reversal of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels.

Eating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

After bariatric surgery, your entire relationship with food has to change. Not only will you have to eat considerably less after surgery, but how you eat will change as well. For example, you will no longer be able to eat and drink at the same time. According to bariatric surgery nurse Karen Schulz, “Patients should drink their fluids at least 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after eating, but it doesn’t take long for most people to adjust.”

Other changes include eating protein, eliminating sweets, and learning how to handle your emotions without turning to food. After surgery, you will also need vitamins and supplements to make up for nutritional deficiencies in your new diet.

Dangers of Ignoring Gastric Sleeve Diet:

It is crucial that you follow the strict diet given to you by your doctor after having gastric sleeve surgery. If you stray from the diet, you may experience some serious and life-threatening complications. Complications can include vomiting, plugging, a sensation that feels like food is stuck in the upper digestive tract, and minimum to no weight loss. More severe complications include a perforated stomach, which is a leak in your gut, and septic shock, which, if not caught early, can kill you.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, deciding to undergo weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve surgery, is a complex and significant choice. If you’ve been wrestling with persistent weight issues and have struggled to achieve positive results on your weight scale, the prospect of weight loss surgery may be a compelling option.