Tag: obesity

Beyond the aesthetic, there are many reasons people wish to lose weight. For many, their physical health is a primary reason, as obesity is linked to various health conditions, including heart disease. In fact, those who are obese have a 28% higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those of a normal weight.

Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce your risk of developing these conditions. The bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to offer advice to those who want to improve their cardiovascular health through weight loss. We’ve helped countless patients do just that since our founding nearly 20 years ago.

How Does Obesity Contribute to Heart Disease?

While you may know obesity increases your risk of heart disease, you may not know exactly how. Being aware of these risk factors can help you make more informed and proactive decisions regarding your health. If you have any of these concerns, please share them with your primary care physician. They can provide the guidance you need to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and maintain a healthy weight. 

1. Increased Cholesterol Levels

Excess weight can lead to increases in cholesterol levels. This, in turn, can lead to heart disease as plaque builds up in your arteries, narrowing them and blocking blood flow to your heart. While this can be hereditary, eating a diet low in saturated fat can help keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. You can monitor your cholesterol levels by having regular blood tests done. 

2. High Blood Pressure

Those with obesity require more blood to supply oxygen and nutrients to different parts of their bodies. This, in turn, causes an increase in blood pressure as your body requires more pressure to move blood around. 

High blood pressure is a common cause of heart attacks. However, it can be managed through both medication and a healthy diet. You can even check your blood pressure at home with the right equipment. 

3. Risk of Diabetes

Diabetes, obesity, and heart disease are closely linked. In fact, individuals who are diabetic are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than those who are not. If you have diabetes, you should also pay close attention to both your weight and cardiovascular health under the guidance of your physician. 

How Can I Reduce My Risk of Heart Disease? 

While your personal risk of heart disease may vary depending on your genetics and lifestyle, there are ways you can reduce your risk. These include: 

1. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

As obesity and heart disease are closely linked, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of such disorders. A low-fat diet can help you lose weight along with getting regular exercise. For optimal weight loss and maintenance, we recommend that most healthy adults get around 30 minutes of exercise per day.

However, if you find that diet and exercise are not helping you reach your desired weight, you may want to consider bariatric surgery. These procedures are best for those with a BMI of 30 or higher with other risk factors related to obesity. The surgeons at BMI can help you explore your options if you choose this pathway. 

2. Lifestyle Changes

Beyond diet and exercise, other aspects of your lifestyle can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. These include:  

• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress
• Limiting alcohol consumption

As with any lifestyle change, please consult your physician before implementing these recommendations to ensure your health and safety. 

3. Manage Your Overall Health

Beyond obesity, many conditions, like diabetes, are linked to heart disease. This makes managing your overall health especially important when it comes to reducing your risk. Regularly visiting your doctor can help you keep track of your health and manage any existing conditions you may have. 

Discover The Link Between Heart Health & Obesity at BMI

When you’re ready to start improving your heart health through weight loss, the experienced bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to help. We understand that your weight loss goals may include improving your cardiovascular health, and we can customize a plan to meet them. To learn more and start your weight loss journey today, contact us online or call us at (205) 858-1211. 

Lose Weight & Improve Your Cardiovascular Health at BMI

As experts in weight loss in the state of Alabama, the Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery team understands the link between heart health and obesity. Our bariatric surgeons can provide you with the support you need to lose weight and improve your cardiovascular health, whether through surgery or lifestyle changes.

If you have specific concerns or questions about how your weight is affecting your cardiovascular health, contact us online or call us at (205) 858-1211 to schedule a consultation with us today. We would be happy to answer your questions and offer expert advice on how to improve your heart health through weight loss.

Today, there are many options for weight loss surgery. However, you may need to travel to get the support you need to reach your weight loss goals. Medical tourists account for at least 2% of bariatric procedures globally, and this percentage is expected to grow.

While this type of travel may seem challenging, Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery makes it easy with our priority pass. No worries if you’re unsure whether this option is right for you. Our experienced bariatric surgeons are here to answer your questions about this program.

Understanding Weight Loss

Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight requires a multifaceted process beyond diet and exercise. It involves a comprehensive approach that includes healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, and a positive mindset. Weight loss efforts should be tailored to individual needs and goals, considering age, gender, body composition, and underlying health conditions.

A successful weight loss program is not about quick fixes or extreme diets; it’s about making sustainable lifestyle changes that promote long-term health and well-being. This includes adopting healthy eating habits, such as following a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can help you lose weight and maintain weight loss by burning calories and building muscle.

It’s also essential to address any underlying issues affecting your weight, such as emotional eating or stress. Working with healthcare professionals, such as registered dietitians and mental health experts, can provide valuable support and guidance on your weight loss journey. Remember, the goal is to achieve a healthy body weight that allows you to feel energetic, confident, and capable of efficiently performing daily activities.

What is a Healthy Weight?

A healthy weight minimizes the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers while also allowing you to feel energetic and confident in your daily life. Unlike the often unrealistic societal beauty standards, a healthy weight is based on your health needs and goals.

Healthcare professionals commonly use the body mass index (BMI) to determine a healthy weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy, while a BMI of 25-29.9 is categorized as overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese. However, BMI is not a perfect measure as it doesn’t account for muscle mass or body composition. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine a healthy weight that’s right for you.

What is BMI’s Priority Pass?

The Priority Pass program at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery helps individuals worldwide get weight loss surgery quickly and affordably. This program is designed around our gastric sleeve procedure, which is adequate for most patients seeking to lose weight.

With our priority pass, you receive an initial consultation, pre-operative testing if necessary, and bariatric surgery within two days. All appointments occur at our outpatient surgical center, which is affiliated with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. The hospital provides emergency and other support to our patients and staff alike.

One of our highly experienced, board-certified bariatric surgeons completes each procedure. If you are traveling a long distance, we can see you via telemedicine once you leave our facility for the required follow-up appointments, allowing you to access care from home.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for the Priority Pass Weight Loss Program?

When it comes to losing weight, people have different goals and desires. This program is ideal for those with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 and no previous history of weight loss surgery. Depending on your health history, you may need medical clearance for surgery.

A consultation with our bariatric surgeon can help determine if you are a candidate for this program or any other procedure we offer. For health and safety reasons, you must participate in this consultation and complete a medical history form before proceeding with your surgery.

Which Procedures Can I Get With My Priority Pass for Weight Management?

Through the Priority Pass program, patients can get a sleeve gastrectomy, also known as a gastric sleeve. This procedure changes the structure of the stomach, reducing its size by at least two-thirds. The result is a smaller stomach that fills up quickly and limits the quantity of food you can eat.

After your procedure, you must follow a special diet to avoid stretching your stomach and maximize results. You will be on a clear liquid diet immediately after surgery before being able to consume pureed food after about two weeks. After two months, you can return to a regular diet while consuming smaller portions.

Like any weight loss surgery, gastric sleeves come with the risk of complications. While you may experience pain after the procedure, it can be managed with medication. Your risks may vary, so we recommend discussing your worries with your bariatric surgeon at your first consultation.

How Much Will My Procedure Cost?

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we understand that cost can be a barrier to getting the care you need, especially regarding bariatric procedures. That’s why we offer programs like our priority pass to make care more affordable for our patients. Our options can work for nearly any budget.

With the Priority Pass, the cost of your initial consultation, surgery, and first post-operative visit totals just $7,999. Subsequent follow-up appointments will only cost $125 per visit. We also offer financing options to discuss during your first consultation.

Mindset and Behavior Modification

Mindset for Losing Weight

Embarking on a weight loss journey requires more than just changes in diet and exercise; it necessitates a shift in mindset. Healthy habits and positive relationships with food and your body are crucial for long-term success. Here are some key mindset shifts to help you achieve your weight loss goals:

1. Focus on Addition, Not Subtraction: Instead of eliminating foods you love, concentrate on adding nutritious foods to your diet. This approach helps you feel more positive and empowered about your food choices.
2. Emphasize Self-Care: Weight loss isn’t solely about food and exercise; it’s also about nurturing your mental and emotional health. Prioritize self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or spending quality time with loved ones.
3. Celebrate Small Victories: Recognize and celebrate small milestones along your weight loss journey. This practice keeps you motivated and encourages you to continue making healthy choices.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that setbacks are a normal part of the weight loss process. Instead of being hard on yourself for slip-ups, practice self-compassion and focus on getting back on track.
5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Weight loss is about making progress toward your goals, not achieving perfection. Celebrate your progress and avoid striving for an unrealistic ideal.

Support Systems and Resources

Working with Nutrition Experts

Collaborating with a registered dietitian or nutrition expert can significantly enhance your weight loss efforts. These professionals offer valuable insights and personalized guidance to help you achieve your goals. Here’s how a nutrition expert can support you:

1. Develop a Personalized Eating Plan: A nutrition expert can create a tailored eating plan that aligns with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
2. Set Realistic Goals: They can help you set achievable weight loss goals and develop a strategic plan.
3. Stay Accountable: Regular check-ins with a nutrition expert can keep you on track and motivated to continue making healthy choices.
4. Address Underlying Issues: They can help identify and address underlying issues, such as emotional or disordered eating, that may hinder your weight loss efforts.
5. Provide Ongoing Support: A nutrition expert offers continuous support and guidance as you work toward your weight loss goals.

When choosing a nutrition expert, finding someone who is a good fit for you is essential. Look for a professional who is:

1. Credentialed: Ensure the nutrition expert is credentialed and has experience working with clients with similar needs and goals.
2. Non-judgmental: Find someone who is supportive and non-judgmental and who will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your needs.
3. Knowledgeable: Choose a nutrition expert who stays updated on the latest research and trends in nutrition and weight loss.
4. Accessible: Select someone accessible and available to answer your questions and provide ongoing support.

By working with a nutrition expert, you can develop healthy eating habits, manage your food intake, and achieve a healthy body weight, all while receiving the support and guidance you need to succeed.

Learn More About BMI’s Priority Pass Program

Regardless of your candidacy, our team can help you explore various options to help you lose weight. To learn if BMI’s priority pass program is right for you, contact us online or at (205) 858-1211.

See if You Qualify for BMI’s Priority Pass Program to Maintain Weight Loss Today

As a leader in bariatric surgery in Alabama and the United States, Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery receives many patients from around the world through our priority pass program. Once they arrive, we offer our patients various options to help them reach their weight loss goals.

If you have concerns or questions about our Priority Pass program or weight loss procedures, please contact us online or call (205) 858-1211 to schedule a consultation. Our team would happily answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.

Each new year brings a fresh chance to focus on personal goals, and weight loss is often at the top of the list. In fact, 20% of Americans say losing weight is their New Year’s resolution. This goal can be met in a variety of ways, including diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss. 

As experts in weight loss, the bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to offer advice to those who want to lose weight this year. We’ve helped countless patients reach their weight loss goals and keep their New Year’s resolutions since our practice opened nearly 20 years ago.

Tips to Help You Reach Your Weight Loss Goals in 2025

While losing weight can be challenging, making small lifestyle changes can help you reach your goals in the new year and beyond. Below are some tips from our bariatric surgeons to help you lose weight and keep it off as part of your New Year’s resolution. As with any lifestyle change, consult with your doctor before taking these steps. 

1. Eat Healthier

You know that the type of food you eat and how much can impact your weight. Focusing on consuming foods that contain nutrients that keep you feeling fuller longer, like protein and fiber, can help you lose weight and keep it off. 

If you’re not sure where to start, consider taking a nutrition class, like those offered by BMI, to learn how to eat healthier. These classes offer advice on how to prepare various foods that are both good for your health and taste great. 

Also, consider keeping a food journal to track what you are eating and when. This will allow you to have more informed and productive conversations with your doctor about your eating habits and how they impact your weight.

2. Exercise More

Losing weight is just as much about the number of calories you burn as the amount you consume. That’s why having an exercise routine can help you reach your weight loss goals. While you may not think you have time to exercise, most healthy adults only require about 30 minutes per day of exercise. 

To make exercise more appealing, consider joining a class or partaking in a fun fitness activity, like dance. Along with making exercise more enjoyable, you will add a social element that can help you find the emotional support you need on your weight loss journey in the form of a new friend.  

3. Join a Weight Loss Support Group

Just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to weight loss is emotional support. Losing weight can be emotionally taxing. While you can talk to friends or family about your weight loss journey, it may be helpful to join a support group. 

Others in the group may be able to better relate to your struggles with weight loss and provide the guidance you need to overcome any challenges you may be facing. BMI offers such support groups to meet the emotional needs of our patients.

4. Consider Weight Loss Surgery

When you feel like you’ve tried everything but still can’t manage to lose weight, it may be time to consider weight loss surgery. With many options available, you’re sure to find the right one for your needs. A bariatric surgeon, like those at BMI, can help you navigate these options. 

If you decide to get weight loss surgery, we also offer a variety of resources to support you as you prepare for and recover from your procedure. Even if you’ve previously had bariatric surgery, we can help you to maximize the results of your procedure and reach your weight loss goals.

Reach Your Weight Loss Goals in 2025 With BMI

When you’re ready to start losing weight and feeling better, the experienced bariatric surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to help. Along with weight loss surgery, we offer the guidance you need to lose weight and keep it off, including nutrition classes and support groups. To start your weight loss journey, contact us online or call us at (205) 858-1211. We can help you explore your options.

Keep Your Weight Loss New Year’s Resolutions With BMI

As experts in weight loss in both the state of Alabama and the United States at large, Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery has helped countless patients reach their goals. Whether through surgery or lifestyle changes, our bariatric surgeons can provide you with the support you need on your weight loss journey. 

If you have specific concerns or questions about our weight loss procedures or just want to explore your options, contact us online or call us at (205) 858-1211 to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer your questions and offer expert advice on losing weight and keeping it off in 2025 and beyond. 

While no one wants to admit it, there are risks to any weight loss surgery. They should be talked about more often, as around 20% of patients will experience some type of complication during or after their bariatric procedure.

To start this conversation, the surgeons at BMI address common complications associated with weight loss surgery, like dumping syndrome, nutrient deficiencies, and gallstones, and ways to prevent or manage these issues.

What Complications Can Occur With Bariatric Surgery?

Knowing what to expect before surgery can alleviate anxiety and help you feel more empowered. Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery comes with the risk of complications. These include, but are not limited to: 

Dumping Syndrome

Certain bariatric procedures, like gastric bypass, impact how food moves through the digestive system. When food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, it can lead to a condition called dumping syndrome. Symptoms include:

• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Flushed skin
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating
• Feelings of fullness
• Dizziness or fainting 

You can prevent or manage these symptoms by eating smaller meals and limiting your consumption of sugar. In most cases, dumping syndrome is a mild condition that goes away on its own within a few weeks. If symptoms last longer than that, consult with your surgeon for more effective treatment. 

Gallstones

Put simply, gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder as a result of a variety of issues, which include:

• Too much cholesterol in the bile
• High bilirubin levels
• A lack of bile salts in the bile
• The gallbladder does not empty properly

Symptoms of Gallstones

While gallstones sound harmless, if severe enough, you may require your gallbladder to be removed to resolve the issue. Fortunately, there are signs that indicate the presence of gallstones long before surgery becomes necessary, which include:

• Pain, typically in the: 
  • Upper abdomen
  • Back
  • Right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Jaundice

If you notice these symptoms, contact BMI as soon as possible. We can treat gallstones, including through surgery. Gallstones and other gallbladder conditions can potentially be fatal if left untreated, so you need to act quickly. 

Risk Factors of Gallstones

Because certain bariatric procedures change how the body processes food, the risk of developing gallstones increases. Other risk factors include: 

• Gender – Women are more susceptible to gallstones than men.
• Age – Gallstones are common in adults over the age of 40.
• Obesity – Being obese puts one at a higher risk of gallstones.
• Genetics – Having a family history of gallstones increases your risk.

Your personal risk factors may vary. However, your surgeon can help you determine your risk and take steps to prevent the development of gallstones. 

Nutrient Deficiencies

Many bariatric surgeries, like gastric sleeves, reduce your stomach’s capacity. While this means you need to eat less, it also means you may not be getting enough of certain nutrients. Common nutrients patients who have had weight loss surgery may be deficient in include: 

• Iron
• Vitamin B12
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Thiamine
• Copper
• Vitamin A
• Folate
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Vitamin K

Consuming foods rich in these nutrients can help reduce your risk of developing deficiencies. However, you may not be getting enough from food alone. In this case, vitamins and nutritional supplements may be helpful. 

BMI even sells supplements specially designed for those who have had bariatric surgery at our surgical center and in our online store. Your surgeon can help you determine which nutritional supplements are right for you.

Take Steps to Prevent Surgical Complications With BMI

While the possibility of complications with weight loss surgery can be frightening, the good news is most can be managed or even prevented with simple diet and other lifestyle changes. 

A bariatric surgeon, like those at BMI, can help you determine your risk factors and how to best mitigate any complications that arise after your surgery. To get started, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Determine Your Risk of Surgical Complications at BMI 

If you are considering bariatric surgery but are hesitant because of the risk of complications, the BMI team is here to help you make the most informed decision possible. Our surgeons can help you reach your weight loss goals based on your needs and individual risk factors. To learn more, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Bariatric surgery, like the LAP-Band procedure, is only the beginning of your weight loss journey. After surgery, there are still steps you need to take to achieve your weight loss goals. The surgeons at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery are here to offer advice to help you maintain weight loss after LAP-Band surgery. 

What is a LAP-Band?

The LAP-Band is just one of many options available for weight loss surgery today. It involves a hollow band being placed around the upper end of the stomach to create a small pouch and narrow passage into the lower portion of the stomach. 

By reducing the stomach’s capacity, the LAP-Band induces weight loss. It is rather effective, with an expected loss of about 40% of excess weight within two years. A bariatric surgeon at BMI can help you determine if this procedure is right for you. 

How to Maintain Your Weight After LAP-Band Surgery

While bariatric surgery, including the LAP-Band procedure, is effective in helping patients lose weight, it is possible to regain weight afterward. This is a common occurrence, with 1 in 4 patients regaining weight lost within 10 years. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maintain your weight loss after your procedure. Like other lifestyle changes, these steps should be implemented under the guidance of your bariatric surgeon and primary care physician. 

Diet

After any bariatric procedure, you will need to change your eating habits. To start, you will need to eat smaller portions of food as your stomach capacity is reduced. You should also add filling foods higher in nutrients, like protein and fiber, to your diet.

If you’re unsure which diet is right for you, consider taking a nutrition class designed for those who have had or are considering bariatric surgery. BMI offers such classes to our patients through a partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham. 

Exercise

As soon as you can do so after surgery, start exercising, as it can help you maintain your weight loss. You only need around 30 minutes per day of moderate exercise to achieve your weight loss goals. Some exercises that are ideal for those who have had bariatric surgery include:

• Aerobic Exercises – Walking, running, and cycling help you build endurance and stamina as you begin exercising. 
• Joint Exercises – Swimming, yoga, and Tai Chi are exercises that are gentle on the joints while still increasing your balance.
• Strength Training – Along with lifting weights, consider doing squats, pull-ups, and other exercises that strengthen your muscles. 

While many exercises can be done at home, some patients find joining a gym or fitness class adds a social component, which helps them enjoy these activities more. 

Join a Support Group

Seeking the support of others on your weight loss journey can help you achieve your goals. Having someone to encourage you and that you can lean on for emotional support can be a valuable asset. 

While friends or family members can fulfill this role, having others in your exact situation can be helpful. Joining a weight loss support group, like those hosted by BMI, can help you find that support. 

Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

As effective as surgery can be for weight loss, not every procedure is right for every patient. If you find you’re not seeing the results you desire after your bariatric procedure, revisional weight loss surgery may be an option.

One such procedure is a LAP-Band conversion, during which the LAP-Band is removed, and a gastric sleeve is performed. Your surgeon can help you determine if you are a good candidate for this type of procedure.

Manage Your Weight With BMI

Managing your weight, especially after bariatric surgery, can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Through nutrition classes, support groups, and other resources, BMI makes reaching your weight loss goals easy. For more information, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Maintain Your Weight With BMI 

If you have had bariatric surgery and want to maintain your weight, the BMI team is here to help. We offer nutrition classes, support groups, and resources designed to help you reach your weight loss goals. To get started, contact us at (205) 858-1211.