Tag: weight loss

Potential Complications After Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on December 16, 2024

A female surgeon discusses potential complications from weight loss surgery with her female patient.

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.

Maintain Your Weight Loss After LAP-Band Surgery

Posted on December 2, 2024

A pair of feet on a scale belonging to a person who wants to maintain weight loss after LAP-Band surgery.

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.

The Benefits of Staple Reinforcement for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Posted on September 17, 2024

A young female weight loss doctor in a white coat with dark hair sitting at a desk hands a paper to an older male patient in a pink shirt explaining the benefits of a staple-reinforced gastric sleeve.

There are many different types of weight loss surgeries available today. With so many options, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. One thing to consider when making this decision is how the surgery is performed, as this can make a difference in your recovery time, risk of complications, and overall results.

Gastric sleeves, for example, have the best results when using staple reinforcement. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery exclusively offers this type of procedure to our patients in Alabama. Below, our bariatric surgeons highlight some of the benefits of staple reinforcement for gastric sleeves and other bariatric procedures.

The Benefits of Staple Reinforcement in Bariatric Surgery

Approximately 70% of bariatric surgeons, including those at BMI, have adopted the practice of staple reinforcement in their procedures. Along with improving patient outcomes, staple reinforcement offers a variety of benefits, which we will review below. To learn more about this method of performing bariatric surgery, consult with your surgeon, who will answer any questions you may have during your consultation.

1. Reduced Risk of Complications

Like any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery comes with a risk of complications. These can range from mild side effects like nausea to more serious concerns like internal bleeding. The use of staple reinforcement reduces the risk of such issues arising during or after surgery.

In particular, for gastric sleeves it reduces the risk of leaking. A gastric sleeve leak occurs when gastric fluids leak outside of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a potentially serious infection. The increased reinforcement from the use of the staple reduces, and often eliminates, the risk of these leaks.

2. Faster, Easier Recovery

When you have surgery of any kind, including bariatric procedures, you want to recover as quickly as possible so you can return to your normal daily activities. Staple reinforcements in bariatric surgery allow you to do just that. By reducing the amount of time spent in surgery and in the hospital, you can return home sooner after your procedure, allowing you to heal in the comfort of your own space.

Patients also report fewer symptoms like bleeding and nausea after their procedures with staple reinforcement. With fewer side effects, recovering from bariatric surgery is easier and more comfortable. However, your personal risk of these symptoms may vary. Your surgeon will discuss these during your initial consultation and provide you with aftercare instructions to manage any side effects you may have.

3. Better Patient Outcomes

Patients who have a gastric sleeve with staple reinforcement have better outcomes than those who do not. The reduced risk of complications and easier recovery allows for better results. Patients who have had this procedure tend to lose more weight and keep it off longer, reducing the need for invasive revisional weight loss surgery.

In fact, gastric sleeves with staple reinforcement can be done as a revisional procedure for those with LAP-Bands who are seeking better results. If you are such a patient, your surgeon can help you determine if this option is right for you, along with the potential outcomes of this procedure based on your individual goals.

4. Reduced Costs

Weight loss surgery can be costly, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover it. By reducing the amount of time you are hospitalized, if at all, staple reinforcement can lower the cost of your procedure. Gastric sleeves are typically performed at an outpatient surgical center, which is less expensive than a traditional hospital.

This method of performing this procedure, along with our partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL, is part of how BMI has been able to offer our patients the most affordable gastric sleeve procedure in the United States. To learn more about your financing options for this procedure, schedule a consultation today.

Explore Your Weight Loss Surgery Options in Alabama

The decision to have weight loss surgery is one that should be well-researched. This includes learning how procedures are performed and how they can help you reach your weight loss goals. The more well-informed you are about your options, the more empowered you will be to make decisions about your care.

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery offers a variety of bariatric procedures, including staple-reinforced gastric sleeves. Our bariatric surgeons can help you determine which one is right for you and create a customized care plan. To explore your options for weight loss surgery in Alabama, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Learn More About Staple-Reinforced Gastric Sleeves at BMI

Finding the right bariatric procedure to help you reach your weight loss goals can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. The Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery team is here to help you explore the options you have for your bariatric treatment. To learn more about any of the procedures we offer, including staple-reinforced gastric sleeves, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Partners in Care – BMI’s Relationship With St. Vincent’s Hospital

Posted on September 3, 2024

A high-rise urban hospital building with a large “H” on the side with a cloudy blue sky in the background. Home to a bariatric surgical center.

Choosing where to have surgery, especially for weight loss, is a major decision that requires a lot of research and consideration. You want to know that your safety and comfort will be prioritized. With 63% of all bariatric procedures in the United States performed in outpatient settings, you may think that you do not need the resources of a hospital in this situation.

However, choosing a bariatric surgical center with a connection to a hospital can provide peace of mind, knowing you have extra support in an emergency situation. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is proud to have such a partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL. Below, we highlight the numerous benefits this relationship provides to our patients.

Benefits of Choosing a Surgical Center Connected to a Hospital

Along with additional support in the event of an emergency, choosing a bariatric surgical center connected to a hospital offers a variety of benefits, which we discuss below. Please note that your personal risks and benefits may vary. Your surgeon will discuss these with you as part of your initial consultation for your procedure.

1. Education & Training

To better serve our patients, the team at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery participates in ongoing education on various weight loss procedures and topics. Much of this education has come from our relationship with St. Vincent’s Hospital. This has allowed us to offer seminars to other providers to help them better understand the needs of patients seeking bariatric care.

Our partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital has also allowed us to provide educational programming and informative resources, such as online nutrition classes and support groups, to our current and prospective patients in Birmingham, AL. By providing educational resources on weight-related topics, we empower patients to make more well-informed decisions regarding their care.

2. More Customized Care

Each patient is unique, so we customize their care to meet their needs. Each procedure starts with an initial consultation, where we discuss the patient’s desired outcome. Then, we create a care plan based on this conversation. Sometimes, that involves the support of partners outside of our surgical center.

In the case of patients with extremely high BMIs or those who require more invasive procedures, like revisional weight loss surgery, we recommend they have their surgery at St. Vincent’s Hospital. However, we will continue to support the patient by providing any necessary referrals and follow-up appointments.

3. Emergency Assistance

Like with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery comes with a risk of complications. While most procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, a partnership with a hospital can provide peace of mind. Often, these complications require support beyond what is available at the surgical center.

In the event of an emergency, a patient can be easily transferred to a hospital for additional care. Most patients do not experience these issues during bariatric surgery, though your individual risks may vary. Your surgeon can discuss these with you at your initial consultation before your procedure.

4. Increased Affordability

While some insurance policies cover bariatric surgery, many do not, which can make accessing this type of care costly. Through hospital partnerships, bariatric surgical centers like BMI can negotiate more affordable rates for their patients.

This is how BMI is able to offer one of the lowest prices for a gastric sleeve in the United States. We also offer financing options for patients who qualify. If you are in need of such assistance, please inquire about it at your initial consultation.

5. Consistent Care

Many hospitals have primary care clinics that can refer patients to surgical centers like BMI for bariatric treatment. Through a relationship with one of these hospitals, surgical centers can easily access patient records to provide more consistent care.

Primary care physicians also have easier access to their patients’ records from the surgical center, allowing them to provide the necessary follow-up care. This saves patients the time and hassle of obtaining records and sharing them with providers.

Find the Right Bariatric Surgical Center in Alabama

The decision to have weight loss surgery should not be taken lightly. This includes the choice of where to have the procedure done. Choosing a bariatric surgical center that partners with a local hospital, like Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, offers a variety of benefits. To learn more about our bariatric surgical center and its partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Learn More About BMI’s Partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital

Finding the right bariatric surgical center to help you reach your weight loss goals can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery’s partnership with St. Vincent’s Hospital provides you with the options you need for your bariatric treatment. Contact us to learn more about this partnership or any of the procedures we offer at (205) 858-1211.

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.

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.

Losing the Weight & Losing the Stigma: A Weight Loss Revolution

Posted on July 1, 2024

A white scale and a yellow measuring tape on a plain background.

Weight is a topic that is still heavily stigmatized in modern society. As a result, many people are not seeking the treatment they need for obesity and other health conditions. It is estimated that 53% of people who are overweight have reported that their own physicians have made inappropriate comments about their weight.

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, our team specializes in weight loss, so we know how to handle conversations about weight with compassion and empathy. We understand our patients have many physical and emotional needs, so we do all we can to meet them, including reducing the stigma related to weight.

What is Weight-Related Stigma?

Weight stigma consists of discriminatory attitudes and actions taken towards individuals due to their weight. As a result, individuals who face weight stigma have lower self-esteem and confidence, which can lead to mental health issues like depression. It stems from societal beliefs that perceive those who are overweight as lacking willpower, having poor moral character, and other negative qualities.

The Impact of Weight-Related Stigma on Weight Loss

While some argue stigmatization will motivate individuals to lose weight, the reality is exactly the opposite. Obesity affects people from all walks of life. These individuals are often motivated to improve their health and appearance through weight loss. However, they find the stigma around weight limits them. They fear judgment from friends, family, and even their own physicians, so they do not seek the care needed.

How to Reduce Weight-Related Stigma in Healthcare Settings

Physicians and surgeons, like those at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, hold a great deal of responsibility in reducing the stigma around weight. In order to best serve our patients, we take these steps to reduce weight stigma:

1. Education

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, our team participates in ongoing education to learn the best ways to handle various weight loss procedures and topics. As a result, we’ve been able to improve patient care by providing a variety of options for weight loss while discussing their weight in a nonjudgmental manner.

As part of our commitment to reducing weight stigma in healthcare, we offer seminars to other providers to help them better understand the needs of patients seeking treatment for weight-related concerns. We partner with St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL, to provide this programming to the community.

Along with educating other healthcare providers, we provide informative resources like online nutrition classes and support groups to our patients. By learning all they can about weight-related issues, patients can reduce the stigma around this topic by having conversations about it from a well-informed perspective.

2. Using Person-First Language

In our communications with patients, we use person-first language to reduce stigma. For example, we refer to patients who are obese as “people with obesity” rather than “obese people.” This allows patients to feel like their condition is being acknowledged by their doctor while not letting it define them as a person.

3. Customized Care

Understanding that each patient is unique, we customize their care to meet their needs. Each treatment starts with an initial consultation where we discuss the patient’s desired outcome and the best way to reach it. Then, we create a care plan based on this conversation. We may use a variety of non-surgical and surgical methods to help them achieve their goals.

Lose Weight Without the Stigma of BMI

Don’t let stigma hold you back from losing weight. Working with a compassionate healthcare team specializing in weight loss, like the one at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, can help you achieve your goals faster and without judgment. To get started on your weight loss journey, contact us at (205) 858-1211.

Achieve Stigma-Free Weight Loss at BMI

Regardless of your weight loss goals, you can achieve them without judgment or stigma at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. If you have specific concerns or questions about our weight loss procedures, contact us for personalized support at (205) 858-1211.

Weight Loss Surgery Vs. Diet Trends – Which is Better?

Posted on September 30, 2023

Adult with black shirt and jeans measuring their waist after having weight loss surgery

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and instant gratification, it’s no surprise that many individuals struggling with weight management turn to miracle pills and impossible diets. The promise of shedding those unwanted pounds through the latest diet trends or diet pills can be enticing, but the reality is those options may not always work as expected.

Today, we’ll delve into why diet and exercise might not be effective for everyone, explore some trending diets and diet pills, and discuss the merits of weight loss surgery with the experts at BMI as an alternative approach.

The Diet and Exercise Dilemma

Diet and exercise are often touted as the holy grail of weight loss, but they don’t always yield the desired results. Several factors contribute to diet and exercise not working for everyone:

One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Not all bodies are the same. What works for one person might not work for another. The diet and exercise plans that become trendy are often designed as one-size-fits-all solutions, failing to consider individual variations in metabolism, genetics, and lifestyle.

Lack of Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

Many diets encourage extreme calorie restrictions or the elimination of entire food groups. Such drastic changes can be challenging to maintain over the long term, leading to rebound weight gain once you return to your usual eating habits.

Plateauing and Adaptation

Our bodies are incredibly adaptable. Over time, they can become resistant to the effects of diet and exercise, making it increasingly difficult to lose weight. This often leads to frustration and a sense that diet and exercise are not working.

Psychological Factors

Weight loss is not solely a physical journey but also a psychological one. Stress, emotional eating, and other mental health factors can sabotage even the best diet and exercise efforts.

Trending Diets: Promises and Pitfalls

With each passing year, new diet trends emerge, promising revolutionary results. While some of these diets may help certain individuals shed pounds temporarily, they may not be sustainable or suitable for everyone. Let’s take a look at a few trending diets and why they may not work for all:

Keto Diet

The ketogenic diet has gained immense popularity for its promise of rapid weight loss through carb restriction. However, not everyone can adapt to such a low-carb lifestyle, and the “keto flu” can deter many from sticking with it. Moreover, the long-term health effects of the keto diet remain a topic of debate.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. While some people find success with this approach, others may struggle with hunger, irritability, and overeating during non-fasting periods. It may not be a sustainable solution for everyone.

Paleo Diet

The paleo diet encourages eating foods that our ancestors supposedly consumed. While it promotes whole foods and eliminates processed ones, it can be challenging to follow and expensive. Not to mention, it doesn’t consider modern dietary needs and preferences.

Vegan Diet

Veganism has gained popularity not only for ethical reasons but also as a potential weight loss strategy. However, adopting a vegan diet requires careful planning to ensure you get all the essential nutrients. Some may struggle to maintain proper nutrition, leading to health issues.

Diet Pills: A Quick Fix with Caveats

In the quest for a magic weight loss solution, many people turn to diet pills. These pills often promise to boost metabolism, suppress appetite, or block fat absorption. While some individuals may experience short-term benefits, there are significant downsides to consider.

Safety Concerns

The safety of many diet pills is questionable, with potential side effects ranging from mild to severe. Some have even been banned due to adverse health outcomes.

Short-Term Results

Diet pills often deliver short-term results. Once you stop taking them, the weight can return, sometimes even more rapidly.

Lack of Sustainable Habits

Relying on diet pills may deter individuals from adopting healthier lifestyle habits. Weight loss achieved through pills alone is unlikely to be maintained without other significant lifestyle changes.

Weight Loss Surgery vs. Diet and Exercise

Weight loss surgery can be a viable option for those who have struggled with diet and exercise. It’s essential to understand that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix but a tool that, when used correctly, can lead to significant and lasting results. Here’s how it compares to traditional diet and exercise:

Effectiveness

Weight loss surgery is often more effective than diet and exercise alone, especially for individuals with severe obesity. Procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy can lead to substantial weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions.

Sustainable Results

Weight loss surgery helps reset the body’s metabolism and appetite regulation, making it easier for individuals to maintain a healthy weight over the long term.

Comprehensive Approach

Surgery is typically accompanied by comprehensive pre and post-operative care, including dietary and lifestyle counseling. This support helps patients develop healthier habits for sustained success.

Individualized Treatment

Weight loss surgery is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring a more personalized approach than one-size-fits-all diets.

Making The Right Choice For Your Health

While diet and exercise are crucial components of a healthy lifestyle, they may not be the right solution for everyone and may not always yield the desired results. Trending diets and diet pills can be tempting, but their effectiveness varies from person to person, and they often lack long-term sustainability.

Weight loss surgery, on the other hand, provides a viable alternative for individuals struggling with obesity, offering effective and lasting results when combined with proper lifestyle changes. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional at BMI to determine the most suitable approach for your weight loss journey, considering your unique needs and circumstances.

Proudly serving Birmingham, AL, and surrounding areas, Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is your ultimate destination for weight loss surgery. Our surgeon, Dr. Long, M.D., FACS, has transformed thousands of lives through safe and effective procedures. If you want to learn more about our weight loss surgery options, contact us at (205) 858-1211 or online!

Healthy Eating Habits for Your Weight Loss Journey

Posted on September 15, 2022

A woman’s hands holding a lunchbox with nuts, berries, and an apple on an isolated dark wooden table

Losing weight in a healthy and sustainable way is essential to gain lasting results for your physique. But knowing how to achieve a healthy weight and maintain it can be challenging. Weight loss surgery is highly effective, but to sustain the results, combining your procedure with healthy eating is essential.

In this blog, the experts at BMI Surgery examine some healthy foods that can help you achieve more significant results from your weight loss journey and increase your chances of success.

Our Top 3 Lifestyle Changes after Surgery

To see the results you hope for, we recommend combining the following three lifestyle changes with your surgery:

Make healthy snack choices
Eat fat-burning foods that boost your metabolism
Control portion sizes

Make Healthy Snack Choices

Snacking is the downfall of many diets. Research shows that making healthy snack choices can help you to keep hunger at bay, ensuring that you feel fuller for longer while making it easier to manage your weight. Choosing healthy snacks will guarantee what you eat between meals and supports your weight loss efforts rather than sabotaging your good intentions.

The following options contain a combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them excellent choices:

Carrot sticks with hummus
Mixed nuts (walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, and almonds)
Greek yogurt with berries
Wholegrain crackers with avocado
Cherry tomatoes with mozzarella

Choose Fat-Burning Foods

Choosing foods that help you burn fat and speed up your metabolism is a great way to maximize your weight loss efforts. Here are some of the fat-burning, metabolism-boosting food heroes to include in your weight loss diet:

Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known to have fat-burning properties.
Green tea: Green tea may not be a food, but the beverage’s reputed thermogenic properties can help you burn more calories.
Eggs: Eggs are a high-protein food, and eating them can trigger a thermic effect that boosts your metabolism.
Chicken: Chicken is a form of lean protein and helps to increase your muscle mass, which burns more calories.

Control Portion Sizes

Controlling your portion sizes is an easy way to avoid overeating and maintain your weight loss. We recommend using your plate as a guide when making meals at home or eating out.

To do this, think about your plate in sections.

Vegetables, greens, or salad: half a plate
Protein: a quarter of a plate (meat, eggs, dairy, tofu, etc.)
Complex Carbohydrate: a quarter of a plate (whole grains, starchy vegetables, etc.)
Fatty food: half a tablespoon (cheese, oils, butter, etc.)

As you use your plate as a rough guide, note that there is no “one size fits all” method for weight loss, and some people may require more or less food. But, this method is a great start! By being aware of your portions, it can be much easier to lose and maintain weight loss in a healthy, effective way.

Achieving Long-Lasting Weight Loss Results

Figures from the CDC show that almost half the U.S. population (49.1%) is trying to lose weight. So, if you hope to make some lifestyle changes and lose a few pounds, you are certainly not alone.

Losing weight and maintaining weight loss long-term is not always easy. For this reason, many people choose weight loss surgery to assist them. However, maintaining weight loss requires a change in lifestyle alongside bariatric surgery. Committing to making this combination of changes, alongside weight loss surgery will set you off toward success on your weight loss journey and deliver the results you have been hoping to achieve.

Find Support for Your New Habits

Find support for your new habits! With years of experience, our qualified team of experts can create customized plans after your weight loss surgery, so you can stay on track. Find quality support, advice, and encouragement as you embark on your weight loss journey from BMI Surgery!

Transform Your Body at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery

Maintain your weight loss with healthy eating habits! Our team at BMI Surgery can help you with post-operative care and offer expert advice to help you maintain your results! Call us at (205) 850-1973 or contact us online to transform your body today!

WHAT IS GASTRIC DUMPING SYNDROME? SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, & PREVENTION

Posted on August 26, 2022

A woman holding her stomach in pain wearing an off-white blouse and blue jeans sitting on the couch.

Are you experiencing pain, bloating, fatigue, or nausea after eating? If you have recently undergone gastric surgery, you could be encountering dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome, also called rapid gastric emptying, is a condition that can develop after gastric bypass surgery and occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the intestines.

Don’t let your health dictate your social plans, energy levels, and personal comfort. Find the relief you deserve by learning more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for dumping syndrome from the experts at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

What Is Dumping Syndrome (Rapid Gastric Emptying)?

When a person experiences early dumping syndrome, also known as rapid gastric emptying, food is “dumped” into the small intestine without proper digestion. This process leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, swelling, abdominal pain, and other digestive issues.

In addition to these gastrointestinal symptoms, individuals with dumping syndrome may also experience systemic symptoms, including light-headedness and fatigue after meals. These symptoms can manifest anywhere from 10 minutes to 3 hours post-eating. Dumping syndrome is a condition often discussed in the context of digestive and kidney diseases, highlighting its impact on overall health and well-being.

SYMPTOMS OF DUMPING SYNDROME

This can be categorized into two types: early dumping syndrome symptoms and late dumping syndrome. Early dumping syndrome symptoms happen 10 to 30 minutes after a meal, whereas late dumping syndrome happens 1 to 3 hours after eating. Some common symptoms of dumping syndrome include:

Bloating
Swelling
Abdominal pain
Nausea
Facial flushing
Heart palpitations
Dizziness and fatigue
Diarrhea
An uncomfortable feeling of fullness (even after small portions)

CAUSES

To understand the causes of dumping syndrome, it is essential to grasp the workings of the digestive system and the role of rapid gastric emptying. The digestive tract produces and releases hormones that regulate its functions. When food moves too quickly from the stomach to the intestines, a phenomenon known as rapid gastric emptying, the digestive tract releases an excess of these hormones. This triggers the body to shift fluid from the bloodstream into the small intestine. This fluid shift, along with other substances released by the intestines in response to undigested food, leads to the symptoms of dumping syndrome.

Dumping syndrome is commonly associated with gastric bypass surgery and other types of stomach surgery. There are two types of dumping syndrome: early dumping syndrome, which occurs within 10 to 30 minutes after eating, and late dumping syndrome, which can occur 1 to 3 hours after eating. Both types can result from the rapid transit of food into the intestines, causing a range of symptoms from abdominal pain and bloating to light-headedness and fatigue. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing and treating the condition, particularly in digestive and kidney diseases.

HOME REMEDIES

So, what can you do at home to try and treat this condition? The first thing that you need to do is try to change what you eat and how you eat. Some diet changes include:

Avoid liquids until at least 30 minutes after a meal
Lie down for 30 minutes after a meal to alleviate symptoms
Avoid foods high in simple carbohydrates
Increase your protein and fibre intake
Avoid dairy products
Avoid alcohol

Managing your blood sugar levels by avoiding high-sugar foods can also help alleviate symptoms of dumping syndrome.

Eating 6 small meals daily instead of the traditional 3 meals daily may be beneficial. Your doctor will recommend what specific foods you should avoid and any other steps you need to take to prevent dumping syndrome symptoms.

POST-OP BEST PRACTICES AFTER GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY

If you have had stomach surgery and want to try and limit your symptoms, do not attempt to just “power through” dumping syndrome symptoms. Instead, rest whenever you feel tired. Ample rest will allow your body to regulate its processes.

Daily walks may help alleviate feelings of bloating and puffiness if you can. We also recommend not lifting anything that may cause you to strain, such as a vacuum cleaner, a child, bags of dog food, or a heavy briefcase.

Find Relief from Dumping Syndrome

You deserve to enjoy dinner with friends or breakfast with your family without worrying about possible side effects. If you notice any symptoms of dumping syndrome, it’s essential to contact a doctor. A medical professional may recommend an oral glucose tolerance test to diagnose late-phase dumping syndrome. A medical professional will be able to analyze your unique symptoms and advise treatments to give you relief. Don’t let your health dictate your social plans, energy levels, and comfort!

TREATMENT AT BMI SURGERY

If you are struggling with dumping syndrome, don’t hesitate to contact Dr Long and his team today. Doctors may use the Dumping Symptom Rating Scale to assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. Proudly serving the Birmingham area, we specialize in all types of bariatric surgery and can help you with post-op recovery. Call us today at 205-850-1973 or online to schedule a consultation.

We look forward to helping you take back control of your health!

How To Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle With a Busy Schedule

Posted on August 26, 2022

Healthy dinner from lunch box at office working table

If you feel like your life revolves around all of the things that you have to do, you may believe you don’t have the energy or the time to focus on yourself. You’re not alone in this struggle, since many people across the nation feel that a busy schedule keeps them from maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, it is possible for you to eat well and exercise without compromising your activities and routine.

Eating healthily when you are always on the go, taking the kids to soccer practice, and working full time can be difficult, but with a little bit of planning a preparation, these tips from the experts at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery can make it easy for you to make healthy choices while on the go.

Keep Healthy Snacks Available

If you’re running from meeting to meeting or dropping your kids off at different activities throughout the day, it can be hard to squeeze in a meal. It’s understandable that many people feel as though they’re always picking up fast food when on the go—after all, it’s called fast food for a reason, right? But frequent fast-food stops can quickly upend your healthy eating habits. If you want to avoid this easy temptation, keep a steady supply of healthy snacks in your car so you can keep yourself on track throughout the day.

Prepare Healthy Meals Ahead of Time

We recommend preparing meals ahead of time that are both healthy and something you enjoy. Often, at the end of the day, we feel too tired to cook, and these prepared meals can help you make a healthy choice. Many meals can be stored in the refrigerator or in the freezer. Or, there are many meal services, like Hello Fresh, that will deliver healthy food right to your door.

Stay Active Throughout the Day

By staying active during the day, you can take advantage of little moments that can make a big difference in your health. For example, walking your children to school can allow you to spend time with them while also getting in your exercise for the day. Or, if you work in an office for most of the day, take advantage of your lunch break and walk around the block a few times. We’ve listed a few ideas, but there is no wrong way to get active.

Walk your kids to school
Walk laps during your child’s sports practice
Walk during your lunch break
Take the stairs instead of the elevator
Park far away from work
Exercise during TV commercials

Being active and making healthy diet choices can improve your brain health, help manage weight, and strengthen bone and muscle. With some intentional planning and preparation, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle during even the most hectic of days.

Lose Weight with a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be easier than you think! Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. Planning and preparation can set you up for success when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we want you to feel your best while maintaining healthy habits!

Weight Loss Surgery with BMI Surgery

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-858-1211.