Tag: weight loss surgery

BMI Surgery Testimonial: The Weight Loss Surgery Experience

Posted on March 15, 2023

A man in a grey shirt measuring his waist line after weight loss.

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we provide patient-focused care and treatment. Our various weight loss surgeries help those with obesity regain control of their health and well-being. Our board-certified weight loss surgeon, Dr. Long, and his team support our patients not just during their initial consultation but for years beyond their surgery. At BMI Surgery, we can help you lose weight and live a healthier, happier life.

Don’t just take our word for it. One of our patients, Marco A. Williams, spoke with us about how his weight loss surgery drastically improved his life and health. If you’ve been considering weight loss surgery but haven’t fully decided, William’s words of wisdom may help you determine if weight loss surgery is right for you.

What Is Weight Loss Surgery?

Before we jump into William’s testimonial, we’d like to discuss the basics of weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is a surgical procedure that reduces stomach capacity, which minimizes food intake. If you’ve tried dieting and exercise with no luck, or have a genetic condition that makes it difficult for you to lose weight, weight loss surgery can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle. With a decreased food intake, patients will lose weight.

There are various types of weight loss surgeries, each with a different technique and method to help patients lose weight. The most popular choices available at BMI include Lap Band and Sleeve Gastrectomy, but there are also other surgery options available. At BMI Surgery, Dr. Long and his team work one-on-one with each patient to decide which weight loss option best suits your needs.

Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?

Weight loss surgery can be an emotional decision to make, but the professionals at BMI make it the most comfortable experience possible. Take it from one of our success stories, William. Williams says his 215-pound weight loss wouldn’t have been possible without Dr. Long and his team. He added that “everyone I’ve sent to Dr. Long has had great success.”

At BMI Surgery, we don’t just provide successful weight loss operations but also care for you and your family. Throughout the process, we are ready to answer any questions you or your loved ones may have, while providing encouragement and support. Weight loss surgery is life-changing, and you want a team that will stand by your side before, during, and after your transformative procedure.

“I chose Dr. Long because of the way I was treated. Just the way they really cared, explained everything, and supported my family. I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else for my weight loss surgery,” says Williams.

We are honored to participate in our patient’s weight loss journey at BMI Surgery and are thrilled that Williams is as excited about his transformation as we are!

Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?

At BMI Surgery, our provider, Dr. Long is trained in minimally invasive & bariatric surgery and certified by the American Board of Surgery. While all surgeries have possible complications, weight loss surgery has helped people with obesity for years. At BMI Surgery, Dr. Long has been performing weight loss surgeries since 2002 with outstanding results. Additionally, weight loss surgery can help those suffering from other health conditions caused by their weight.

“Without Dr. Long and BMI, I probably wouldn’t be alive today. Since then, I started doing things I wouldn’t be able to do,” says Williams. He now participates in go-karting, an activity he couldn’t do safely before his operation at BMI Surgery. Beyond the decreased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health ailments, many patients can live fuller, healthier lives—something Williams is experiencing first-hand.

Begin Your Journey Toward a Healthier You

Our patients are our mission at BMI Surgery, and we couldn’t be happier hearing stories of life-changing operations. Willams and many others found real results when there seemed to be no hope for a healthier life. If you’re interested in weight loss surgery or have questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at BMI Surgery!

Lose Weight for Good at BMI Surgery

Dr. Long is board-certified and the top weight loss surgeon in Alabama and beyond. Boost your confidence and live your life to the fullest with the help of our team. Call us at 205-850-1973 or schedule an appointment online or discuss your weight loss journey today!

National Heart Month: Preventing Obesity & Heart Disease

Posted on January 15, 2023

Red heart shaped hand exercise ball with doctor physician's stethoscope on white background.

There’s no mistaking that obesity is on the rise in America. Data shows that 41.9% of Americans are obese. Not only can obesity be uncomfortable and diminish one’s quality of life, but it can also contribute to other health conditions, like heart disease. In fact, if you’re obese, you’re over 20% more likely to develop heart disease.

In honor of National Heart Month, the team at BMI Surgery is discussing the connection between obesity and heart health, specifically the higher risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Combat obesity and heart disease with the knowledge of how to prevent both. Keep on reading to learn more!

How Can Obesity Contribute to Heart Disease?

Heart disease is a general term for various heart conditions. When fat cells enlarge, chronic inflammation can occur by way of your hormones. Chronic inflammation can disrupt your insulin levels, which means your body may have trouble regulating blood sugar. The presence of long-term insulin resistance is called metabolic syndrome, which can make you much more likely to develop certain health conditions.

While high blood pressure isn’t a heart disease, it can lead to heart diseases like heart failure, heart attack, and arrhythmia. High blood pressure requires the heart to work harder to circulate blood to the rest of the body, which causes various heart problems, like heart failure, Peripheral artery disease (PAD), and coronary artery disease. In other cases, excess fat can build up in the arteries that carry blood to your heart. If these pathways are blocked, a heart attack or other heart ailments can occur.

Additionally, the extra work can cause the heart to enlarge, which can lead to heart failure. Obese people may experience heart arrhythmias (heart beats too fast or too slow) more frequently. This occurs when the left ventricle becomes too large with the extra effort required with excess body fat.

How Can I Prevent Obesity & Heart Disease?

The best measures to prevent obesity and heart disease are proper exercise and nutrition. If you have a family history of heart disease, your lifestyle and habits are especially important. We recommend speaking with your doctor about nutritional and exercise plans customized for your current weight.

If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be raising your chances of developing obesity and heart disease. In fact, if you sleep fewer than six hours a night, you have a 20% higher risk of a heart attack. When you sleep, your heart rate lowers, and you’re less likely to crave salty and sweet foods that aren’t heart-healthy. To prevent heart disease and obesity, we advise seven to nine hours of sleep per night.

Can Weight Loss Surgery Treat Obesity?

Weight loss surgery can treat obesity! Also called bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery can reduce your stomach size to decrease food consumption and absorption. Weight loss surgery may be right for you if other weight loss methods haven’t been successful, like diet or exercise.

There are various weight loss surgeries available, such as laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and LAP-BAND®. Each surgery is a little different, but each can effectively treat obesity. After weight loss surgery, you’ll still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Celebrate National Heart Month & Reduce Your Risk

If you’re suffering from obesity, or know someone who is, we encourage you to seek treatment. A weight loss specialist can provide options for surgery, support groups, nutritional plans, and more. At BMI Surgery, we have been transforming bodies since 2002 and specialize in weight loss solutions that last for decades to come. Don’t let obesity affect your overall health and well-being– contact the experts today!

Begin Your Journey Towards a Healthier, Happier Life This February

Reduce your risk of heart disease this February! Our team at BMI Surgery can help you lose weight 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!

Obesity 101: Common Causes, Signs, & Symptoms

Posted on January 15, 2023

A female dietitian holding a diet plan during a consultation with a patient in the office.

Over 40% of Americans are obese. While many of us know what obesity is, you may not know how dangerous it can be for one’s health. Those suffering from obesity are often at higher risk for health conditions such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

While obesity rates are rising in America, this condition is preventable. The experts at BMI Surgery discuss obesity’s causes, signs, and symptoms so that you can educate yourself and those around you about the dangers of obesity. If you are struggling with obesity, there are treatments available–don’t hesitate to reach out to weight loss specialists.

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is characterized by excess body fat relative to one’s weight and is measured with the BMI (body mass index) scale. Obesity is often progressive and can change the way your body functions. Doctors consider anyone with a BMI greater than 30 as obese. However, there are three classes of obesity, each becoming more serious the higher the class.

The three types of obesity are broken into the first, second, and third classes. The following measurements are standards for doctors across America.

Class I obesity: BMI 30 to <35 kg/m².
Class II obesity: BMI 35 to <40 kg/m².
Class III obesity: BMI 40+ kg/m².

While often diminishing quality of life, obesity can impact one’s overall health. Obesity has been linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, sleep apnea, metabolic syndrome, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, pregnancy problems, and certain types of cancer.

What Causes Obesity?

On the surface, obesity is caused by eating more calories consumed than burned. But every case of obesity is different, and there are often other factors that cause obesity. For example, certain medications or hormonal changes can increase your appetite and lead you to become obese. Additionally, certain genetic mutations cause hereditary obesity.

If you’re depressed, anxious, or stressed, you may eat more than your body can consume to cope with challenging emotions and feelings. Fast food and convenience foods are at our fingertips, and these foods often increase the process of gaining excess body fat. Additionally, living a very sedentary lifestyle while over-consuming food can quickly lead to obesity.

What Are the Symptoms of Obesity?

Beyond gaining weight, there are a few other symptoms of obesity you may notice. Some of these signs include:

Back pain
Joint pain
Insomnia
Excessive sweating
Fatigue
Depression
Shortness of breath

If you notice you or a loved one developing symptoms of obesity, don’t hesitate to seek medical care. You may feel nervous about finding treatment, but a doctor can provide remedies to improve your quality of life and health.

What Are Treatment Options for Obesity?

There are many treatments available for obesity. At BMI Surgery, our doctors recommend losing a minimum of 5% to 10% of your total weight. This percentage may not seem like much, but even the most minor weight loss can significantly reduce your risk of developing health problems. Your weight loss specialist will recommend dietary treatments, exercise regimens, and other lifestyle changes.

Likewise, your doctor may prescribe certain medications that can decrease your appetite. Medication isn’t a long-term treatment but may be beneficial in the beginning. Similarly, another treatment option for obesity is weight loss surgery.

Is Weight Loss Surgery an Effective Treatment for Obesity?

Yes! Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, reduces stomach capacity to lower food intake. Weight loss surgery isn’t performed unless other treatment methods haven’t worked, like diet or exercise changes, and your obesity must be impacting your health.

Common weight loss procedures include:

Sleeve gastrectomy
Laparoscopic gastric bypass
LAP-BAND®
Orbera® gastric balloon
Revisional weight loss surgery

Begin Your Journey Towards a Happier & Healthier Life

Obesity can cause various health issues that may impact your well-being for years to come. Luckily, with some help from experts, you can find effective ways to treat obesity. While it may seem overwhelming to seek treatment, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor for the betterment of your physical and mental health.

If you’re interested in weight loss surgery or know of a loved one who may benefit, a Board-certified weight loss surgeon can help you lead a healthier, happier life. At BMI Surgery, we offer various types of weight loss surgery, support groups, nutritional and exercise advice, preparation class, and more.

Discover Weight Loss Surgery Options at BMI Surgery

Our surgeon, Dr. Long, is board-certified and has successfully performed weight loss surgeries for 20 years. Don’t wait to become the happiest, healthiest version of yourself—contact BMI Surgery today. To schedule an appointment or discuss your weight loss journey, call 205-850-1973 or contact us online.

How To Lose Weight: Set Small Goals for Weight Loss

Posted on December 15, 2022

A woman filling out a meal plan on a wooden desk near a green apple and pink hand weights.

During the holiday season, festive parties, work events, and socializing with family fill our calendars. Many of these celebrations are filled with tasty treats and delicious cocktails, causing many of us to overindulge and feel discouraged about our weight loss goals. Instead of feeling frustrated and trying to make monumental lifestyle changes the following day, we recommend incorporating small changes that are manageable and motivating.

Small goals may feel useless, but they can make a big difference. Small wins over a period of time can amount to one giant success. As you consider weight loss, take a look at some manageable goals that you can practice throughout the week from the experts at BMI Surgery.

1. Drink More Water

We all know water is great for our health, but you may not know that it’s excellent for weight loss too. Water can lessen appetite, boost metabolism, and enhance workouts. Your stomach becomes fuller as you drink more water, creating less room for food. The body also expends energy to raise body temperature in reaction to cool water, called thermogenesis, which promotes a faster metabolism.

The recommended amount of water is about 64 ounces per day. We advise drinking water throughout the day, especially before and after exercise. As you sweat, your body’s overall water content is lost and must be replenished. Keep track of how many glasses you’ve drunk throughout the day and mark your overall progress. If you intentionally drink a few more ounces of water than usual, you’ll be on the way to your next weight-loss goal in no time!

2. Take Quick Exercise Breaks

Multiple quick exercise breaks throughout the day can keep you motivated and promote weight loss. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you consume. When this happens, your body is in a caloric deficit and burns stored fat for energy. As you burn stored fat, you lose weight.

Exercise can burn extra calories to help you into a calorie deficit. And exercise doesn’t necessarily have to be long hours in the gym—instead, it can be frequent moments of movement throughout the day. For example, calf raises while washing the dishes, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and taking a quick walk around the block can all be accomplished in 10 minutes or less. As you become more comfortable with the exercise, you can up the amount of time you’re exercising for further weight loss.

3. Fill Half Your Plate with Veggies

Like exercise and water intake, vegetables can aid in your journey to shed some pounds. Most vegetables are low in calories but high in water content, making them the perfect food to include in your meals for weight loss. Vegetables can fill you up, and you can eat lots of vegetables guilt-free.

As you prepare your meal, aim to fill half your plate with vegetables for a healthy, satisfying meal. We recommend broccoli, carrots, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, and zucchini—but you can’t go wrong with any vegetable. While vegetables can get a bad reputation for lacking flavor, dress up your favorite veggies with seasonings or low-calorie sauces.

4. Eat Meals Slowly

The hormones released by the human body control almost every process—from sleep to emotions. Before you consume a meal, a hormone called ghrelin is released. This hormone is a signal to alert your body of hunger. After we eat, it can take our brains some time to catch up that we’re full as ghrelin levels may not have decreased yet.

If you eat meals more slowly, your brain has time to catch up that you’re eating a filling meal. Slower eating can aid in a calorie deficit since you may feel fuller quicker. We recommend chewing your food about 15 to 20 times to help slow down your eating.

5. Track Your Progress

As you embark on your weight loss journey, tracking your progress is crucial for success. These progress goals can be anything from how many pounds you want to lose to how much exercise you aim for throughout the week or how many vegetables you want to consume. Whatever you choose, write it down and track your progress.

Once you reach your goals, you can celebrate! Planning out small gifts for each goal reached can keep you motivated, excited, and optimistic about your weight loss. Small celebrations can include a little retail therapy, a healthy takeout meal, or anything else that is a treat for you but doesn’t sacrifice your upcoming goals.

Small Goals Lead to Big Changes

This holiday season, say goodbye to juice cleanses, extreme workouts, and other diet fads, and hello to sustainable, healthy weight loss. While it can be tempting to rearrange your lifestyle the morning after too many sweets, you’re more likely to stick with your healthy alternatives if you adjust your habits slowly.

We can help you on your weight loss journey at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery. Our team provides quality care, expert advice, and innovative solutions so that you can achieve your dream physique. Learn more about setting goals and losing weight from the experts at BMI Surgery!

Begin Your Weight Loss Journey at BMI Surgery

Our team at BMI Surgery can help you with quality care and expert advice to help you achieve your results! Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Call (205) 850-1973 or contact us online to transform your body today!

A Guide to Sugar Intake After Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on December 15, 2022

Sugar cubes spilled from the overturned glass sugar bowl and wrapped by tape measure

During the holidays, it can feel like sugary foods are around every corner. From festive cookies to hot chocolate to decadent cakes, many folks celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with sugary indulgences. And while many of us know the dangers of consuming too much sugar, it’s especially important for those who have undergone weight loss surgery.

After your weight loss surgery journey, we understand you want to maintain your results while feeling your best. Unfortunately, eating too much sugar can cause cramps, bloating, and lightheadedness right after your meal and in the following hours. Learn more about sugar intake after weight loss surgery, and how it can impact your results.

What Happens If I Consume Too Much Sugar?

If you consume too much sugar after bariatric surgery, you may experience an unpleasant condition known as dumping syndrome. Also called rapid gastric emptying, dumping syndrome can happen after eating various foods, but is especially common after consuming foods high in added sugar. There are two types of dumping syndrome—early and late.

In early dumping syndrome, as food enters the small intestine, the sugar draws water from the intestinal tissue and surrounding vessels. This lack of water leads to light-headedness, cramping, nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and an irregular heart rate.

On the other hand, late dumping syndrome occurs one to three hours after eating and can cause different symptoms, such as sweating, skin flushing, dizziness, weakness, and rapid heart rate. The pancreas releases insulin to absorb the excessive sugar, leading to low blood sugar and the associated symptoms.

What Is Added Sugar?

Added sugar is sugar added during food processing, like sucrose or dextrose. These sugars aren’t naturally occurring, like the sugar in apples, milk, or vegetables, but are manufactured to add sweetness. Some common names of added sugar include corn syrup, honey, lactose, maple syrup, molasses, and agave.

How Can I Reduce Added Sugar in My Diet?

If you’ve had weight loss surgery, we recommend no more than 2.5 teaspoons of sugar per meal. If you stick to natural, whole foods, staying under this limit will be a breeze. Some common foods to avoid include ice cream, pastries, cakes, sugar-sweetened beverages, and other desserts.

It’s important to note that added sugars can be sneaky and can be found in many sauces and salty foods, like ketchup, low-fat yogurt, and cereal. Other sweeteners like honey, syrups, and table sugar should also be limited.

Try eating small meals throughout the day. Smaller meals can slow down digestion, making it easier to stop eating once you feel full. Similarly, adding foods high in fiber and protein, like meat, nuts, and cottage cheese, can keep you fuller for longer while slowing down gastric emptying. We advise against drinking lots of water during your meal, as it can increase stomach volume and lead to hurried digestion.

Achieve Your Dream Body & Maintain It

Enjoy whole, natural foods this holiday season and feel confident in your weight loss! With these tips for reducing sugar intake, you can avoid dumping syndrome and all the uncomfortable symptoms that come with it. If you want to learn more about weight loss surgery or have questions about your diet, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at BMI Surgery for quality, knowledgeable advice. If you’re intentional about your diet after weight loss surgery, you can maintain your dream body for years to come!

Interested in Learning More About Weight Loss Surgery?

Maintain your weight loss this holiday season with 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

How Much Fiber Do You Need After Weight Loss Surgery?

Posted on October 15, 2022

Athletic girl with gym clothes eats salad at a table

Making the commitment to change your life with weight loss surgery is no easy feat. And after the surgery, you’ve worked hard to recover. A few simple lifestyle choices can make a real difference when maintaining your weight loss. Most importantly, following the proper diet is imperative for long-lasting results to avoid letting your hard work go to waste.

Feel confident about your new weight loss, and keep the pounds off for good by incorporating fiber into your diet with these tips and tricks from Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

What Is Fiber?

Fiber occurs naturally in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, and nuts. The body can’t fully break down natural fiber, causing it to slow down digestion and absorb water. There are two types of dietary fiber, including soluble and insoluble fiber.

Soluble fibers dissolve in water and slow down the digestion process. Some common examples of foods high in soluble fiber include

Oatmeal
Beans
Sweet potatoes
Brussels sprouts
Blueberries
Avocado

On the other hand, insoluble fibers aren’t dissolved in water and help move food and waste through your GI tract. Some common examples of foods high in insoluble fiber include

Celery
Whole wheat bread
Cauliflower
Nuts
Potatoes

While soluble and insoluble fibers are absorbed and broken down differently by the body, they are both important to incorporate into your diet after weight loss surgery.

Why Is Fiber Important?

Incorporating fiber into your diet is crucial to feel full longer, slow digestion, and lower cholesterol levels. Since this nutrient takes much longer to digest compared to other foods, it can stabilize blood sugar levels and make you feel satisfied for longer. And fiber intake helps improve bowel regularity, which can keep your digestive system healthy and help those suffering from constipation.

How Much Fiber Do I Need After Weight Loss Surgery?

Most people need anywhere from 25-35 grams of fiber per day after weight loss surgery. You may need more or less depending on your gender, age, weight, and other genetic factors. Fiber is best absorbed in foods, so we recommend consuming foods that are naturally high in fiber, rather than fortified with fiber, which is overly processed.

If you cannot absorb enough fiber, supplements are available to help your body receive the nutrients it needs. We advise consulting a dietician or your weight loss specialist about specific numbers and recommendations for your body after weight loss surgery.

How Can I Add More Fiber to My Diet?

Slowly add fiber to your diet if you don’t typically consume enough. Too much fiber can cause abdominal discomfort and bloating since your digestive system isn’t used to it yet. Once you start adding fiber into your regime, drink water throughout the day to aid digestion. And opt to add fiber into your meals throughout the day, and not all in one sitting for optimal results.

Some tips for adding fiber to your diet include

Add chia, flax, or hemp seeds to shakes, oatmeal, or yogurt
Swap brown rice for white rice
Snack on crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery
Top desserts or oatmeal with berries
Opt for whole fruits instead of fruit juice

Customized Follow-Up Care

Fiber is essential for weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery. It can help you absorb nutrients, feel full for longer, and aid in the removal of excess waste from the body. At Birmingham Minimally Invasive surgery, our specialists can provide customized dietary plans and follow-ups to ensure you get all the benefits from fiber consumption. From the beginning of your weight loss journey to the end, our BMI Surgery team can help you achieve and maintain your goals.

Contact BMI Surgery to Get Started on Your Weight Loss Journey

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. Contact us online or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-850-1973.

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!