Author: bell

Make 2021 the Year You Finally Commit to Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on January 5, 2021

weight loss surgery

weight loss surgery
You’ve been thinking about it for a while. You follow us on Facebook. You read our blog posts every month and keep coming back to our website again and again. You even know someone who’s had weight loss surgery and have talked to them about it.

But you still haven’t done it yourself. We know it’s a big decision. The decision to change your life and potentially save your life is enormous. So will 2021 be the year when you finally go for it?

Making the Decision to Have Weight Loss Surgery

Our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long, is the best in finding the right weight loss surgery option for you. He’s also the best when it comes to performing all of these procedures. Dr. Long, along with other team members, will be with you every step of the way to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

We have three primary weight loss surgery options: gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and the LAP-BAND. Here is some basic information about them all.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can help you lose weight and keep it off. It is a very popular procedure at Birmingham Minimally Invasive for many reasons. One significant advantage is that we perform gastric sleeve laparoscopically, which means there is a shorter recovery time than other bariatric surgeries, allowing you to resume your normal daily life sooner. 

Compared to other options, gastric sleeve is considered to be a more straightforward procedure. We cut away the top and largest part of the stomach and remove about two-thirds of it. We do not reroute the intestines. It typically takes only about 30 to 45 minutes, and there are no large abdominal incisions. After gastric sleeve, patients usually experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster overall recovery.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass is often an excellent option for our heavier patients because most lose up to 80% of their excess body weight instead of about 60% with a gastric sleeve. This rapid weight loss can be beneficial for those with more severe health issues, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It’s also a good option for anyone with severe acid reflux or poorly controlled diabetes since gastric bypass has been proven to cure both. 

With gastric bypass (also called Roux-en-Y), we create a small stomach pouch that restricts food intake. Doing so reduces the amount of food you can take in because your stomach holds only one to two ounces. This bypass also reduces the absorption of nutrients and thereby reduces calorie intake.

We have heard that some people think gastric bypass is more invasive than other options, but we take a minimally invasive approach. We typically make six incisions, and it’s done entirely laparoscopically. It is a little more labor-intensive for the surgeon, but the inpatient surgery takes only one to two hours and requires a hospital stay of one or two nights.

The LAP-BAND

We typically perform the LAP-BAND procedure in our outpatient surgery center, and you are usually discharged the same day. Some patients prefer the LAP-BAND because it is not permanent. We are not changing the stomach anatomy, and we can take the LAP-BAND out if you choose to do so. 

With this procedure, we place the LAP-BAND near the top of the stomach, where it meets the esophagus. This creates a tiny pouch that empties into the larger remaining portion of the stomach. We connect the band to a port, which is located underneath the skin of the abdomen. This port is how we put fluid in the band, which allows us to make the band opening larger or smaller in size, providing more or less restriction.

Why the Time for Weight Loss Surgery is Now

We all know that we should lead a healthy lifestyle. We should maintain an appropriate weight, eat healthy foods, and exercise. But one thing we learned on a much more specific level in 2020 is that being overweight or obese can lead to devastating results for diseases, such as COVID-19 and many others. 

You need to get healthy now so that your body can better handle anything that comes its way in 2021 and every year after that. With all three of our weight loss surgeries, the goal is for you to lose weight and become healthier, hopefully eliminating or reducing the severity of other health issues. 

Let BMI Surgery help you get healthier and achieve your goals in 2021!

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. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

4 New Year’s Resolutions for Weight Loss You May Not Have Considered Before

Posted on December 21, 2020

weight loss resolutions

weight loss resolutions
Lose weight. Eat healthier. Exercise more. These are admirable resolutions, but they are also very generic and non-specific. If you are struggling with your weight and you make resolutions such as these, you are probably setting yourself up for failure. 

That may be a hard truth, but instead of suggesting these typical resolutions, we want to share advice from patients of Birmingham Minimally Invasive that will help you make much more specific and attainable goals for 2021.

Weight Loss Resolutions that Will Really Make a Difference in 2021

1. Be mindful about weight gain & honest with yourself

If there’s one thing we hear often from patients it’s that the weight just started creeping up without them really realizing how bad it was getting. June was one of these patients. She says, “Over the years, I consistently gained weight. I’d gain about 5 to 10 pounds every couple of months, and literally before I knew it, I was pushing 300 pounds. It just kind of happens before you know it.” 

Make sure that you do know it. It’s not just about the number on the scale. It’s about how your clothes fit, what your relationship with food is like, and how you feel overall. Don’t let things get too bad before you start making some changes.

2. Go back to a healthier time in your life

For many of us, there has been a time in our lives when we were healthier. There was a time when we were more active, but we have gotten away from that lifestyle for whatever reason. BMI patient, Scott says, “For years, I was active, doing a job I loved that helped keep me at a healthy weight of about 180 to 185 pounds.” But then he switched jobs and became very inactive on a daily basis. 

“If you’re thinking about it, and really want to change your life and get back the old you, do it. I wish I could go back and do it 20 years ago. You can’t keep hoping that everybody will fix you. You have to fix yourself and start taking care of your body. My advice is to listen to it; it will tell you what it needs,” Scott says. 

3. Truly be there for your family

Being there for your family is about more than just being physically present. Your family doesn’t want you sitting on the couch all the time because you have no energy or stamina to do anything else. They need you to play with them, go on walks, to attend activities and baseball games, and so much more. 

Marco says, “I knew I had to do something. I had to come to terms with myself and put myself first this time because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be there for my family.” He could not even go to the grocery store with his wife or kids without having to sit down due to his high blood pressure and high blood sugar. After gastric sleeve surgery, he can now go to the grocery store and do much, much more.

4. Get in touch with people who have already had successful weight loss surgery

Elizabeth also had gastric sleeve surgery at BMI, and her advice for anyone considering the option is to talk to people who have already gone through it.

“Get their perspective – is there stuff they miss? You should go into it with the understanding that you’re not going to be able to eat like the rest of your family, and if you have a really bad day, you can’t eat a whole pizza and drink a bottle of wine. You can have a piece and a glass, but that’s it. Once you learn about the surgery from someone who’s been through it and been successful, I believe you’ll be better prepared going into it.”

As we near the end of 2020, a year that has challenged us all, think about possible resolutions in a new way. It’s not just about losing weight, eating healthier, and exercising more. There is so much more to changing your life than just those broad goals. Be specific and intentional, and you will set yourself up for a fantastic 2021.

Let BMI Surgery help you get started on the road to successful weight loss

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. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

How to Have a Holiday Season that Does Not Revolve Around Food

Posted on December 8, 2020

healthy holidays

healthy holidays
The holiday season and food go hand in hand, and for many of us, it can be a wonderful time of year, even after weight loss surgery. It is absolutely possible to learn new habits and behaviors that you carry with you through festive parties and gatherings so that you continue to feel your best and stay on track with healthy eating and exercise.

But the holidays do often involve temptations that can lead us off track from our healthy habits. A simple indulgence could lead you into an episode of overeating that you really want to avoid. Knowing what to expect and having a plan is crucial!

Tips to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays

Avoiding overeating may not be a huge issue if you’ve had weight loss surgery in the past year or so. During this period of time, your body just won’t let you consume as much food without feeling sick. You learn your lesson pretty quickly, and people are better able to stick with what they know they should do. The challenge will be more for those who have not yet had weight loss surgery or for those who are a few years out from it. 

Here are some healthy tips to help you keep yourself in a positive mindset while handling holiday eating in the best way possible.

Focus on weight maintenance instead of weight loss. Don’t stress yourself out about losing weight during this time. When you let go of this idea, you will hopefully feel more relaxed and handle all of the holiday treats and sweets in a better way. Also remember that one day of splurging will not ruin everything. Commit to making better decisions the next day and move on. 

Start new traditions. Instead of focusing on food-related activities, make holiday crafts that you can give as gifts. Plan to take a walk or play games with relatives instead of having an extended meal that lasts all day. Make a gingerbread house that will be for decoration only. Take a ride around town to see Christmas lights. In general, find new ways of celebrating that do not revolve around food. 

Drink extra water. Even more than 64 ounces during the holidays is a good idea. Weight fluctuations during the holidays may be due to eating a higher amount of salt or carbs which can make you more bloated than usual. Drink extra water to help flush out the extra sodium. 

Never arrive hungry and don’t save your calories. Eat on your normal schedule, which often means smaller meals more frequently after weight loss surgery. It can be tempting to skip meals leading up to a party or dinner, but you are more likely to overeat in the moment if you do this. It’s a strategy that almost always backfires.

Eat the turkey or ham first. People who have had weight loss surgery should always focus on eating protein first, and the holidays are no exception to this rule. Protein is essential for wound healing, preserving lean body mass, enhancing fat-burning metabolism, and minimizing hair loss after weight loss surgery. After you have eaten your protein, take a few, small bites of your favorite dishes.

Think about the foods you know you like the most. A common approach to holiday buffets, cookie exchanges, and potlucks is to try a little bit of everything. After weight loss surgery, this just isn’t possible or a good idea. You will overeat if you try even one bite of all the selections available. Ahead of time, think about those foods that you truly love. Maybe it’s sweet potato pie or eggnog. Enjoy a small amount of those treats, be satisfied, then be done.  

Sit far away from the buffet or kitchen and socialize. It’s a simple fact that if you are enjoying yourself farther away from the food, you are more likely to forget about it. Try to sit somewhere so that the food is not even in sight to avoid mindless nibbling and going back for one more taste. Instead, take the time to really spend quality time with family and friends.

Don’t take home leftovers and give away extras. You can still bake cookies with your kids, but have a plan to deliver the majority of them to family, friends, and neighbors. If attending a dinner, don’t give in to the offer from the host to take home leftovers. Instead, leave any leftovers you might have from the dishes you took for the host or others. You may also be able to donate cookies and other extra goodies to those in need. 

Tweak some of your favorites. It may be possible in many cases to create a healthy version of your favorite dishes or treats that you can enjoy with no concerns. Treat these recipes or recipe changes as you would any other meal or dish. Don’t put these foods up on a pedestal just because of the holidays. 

Here are a few ingredient swaps that may make dishes healthier:

  • Use skim milk instead of whole milk in mashed potatoes
  • Use fat-free creamed soups in recipes rather than the full-fat versions
  • Consider substitutes for sugar, such as unsweetened applesauce or noncaloric sweeteners
  • Add flavor with garlic, spices and herbs rather than fats, such as butter and gravy
  • Combine 1/4 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup butter to replace 1 cup of butter in a recipe
  • When baking your favorite holiday treats, replace each egg with two egg whites, and substitute evaporated skim milk in place of heavy cream

Sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, and hot chocolate can all be made healthier with a few creative swaps. 

Let BMI Surgery help you get started on the road to weight loss during the holidays or any other time of the year

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. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Thanksgiving Dinner After Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on November 18, 2020

after weight loss surgery

after weight loss surgery
No matter what stage of life, or weight loss, you are in, Thanksgiving should always be a wonderful time of year. While Thanksgiving 2020 may look different for many of us due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely to be a day that is focused around food. 

For someone who has had weight loss surgery and lost a significant amount of weight, this may be anxiety-inducing. This is understandable, and you are not alone if you feel this way. 

With the right mindset, commitment to remember and practice everything you have learned about healthy eating, and a positive attitude, Thanksgiving can continue to be a day to look forward to each year.

Tips for Enjoying Thanksgiving After Weight Loss Surgery

First, we want to note that this advice applies to those who are at least six months out from weight loss surgery. If you have had gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, or the LAP-BAND more recently than that, you will still be more restricted on what and how much you can eat. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us to talk more.

Change your mindset about what Thanksgiving is all about.
Plain and simple, Thanksgiving is about eating lots of food for many people. Instead of having this mindset, think of it as a time to see and visit with friends and family. Due to COVID, you may not have seen everyone recently. You may be celebrating outside in a distanced way, but truly enjoy this time and be thankful if you are able to be together.

Take advantage of the opportunity to make one or more healthy dishes.
For many standard Thanksgiving meals, everyone participates by preparing and sharing a dish. You may be assigned something to bring, and in that case, you can create a healthy version. If you get to decide what to take, prepare something healthy that you will be excited to eat and that others will also enjoy.

Start your plate with protein.
It may depend on how it’s prepared, but turkey is often a lower fat protein choice, so that may be a good place to start. If you are concerned that the turkey may be deep-fried or prepared in another unhealthy way, consider making your own herb-roasted turkey breast. It will be less time consuming than roasting a whole turkey, delicious, and healthy!

Be strategic about the rest of your plate.
We recommend focusing on vegetables as much as possible. Raw veggies are great, as well as other options, such as steamed green beans or carrots. Everyone will love these brussels sprouts with bacon and orange-scented green beans. Remember that items like cranberry relish, rolls, and stuffing will be high in sugar and calories, and they will also fill you up quickly. If you love those things, only leave room on your plate for one of two bites. 

How to handle dessert.
Many of us love and look forward to Thanksgiving pies, and that’s okay even after weight loss surgery! We don’t recommend depriving yourself completely, but you must be careful. Very small portions are the answer, as well as other ideas, such as eating a small amount of filling from pies but not the crust.

The Aftermath of the Big Meal

Because of the sheer amount of different foods involved, you may feel a little more full than normal after your Thanksgiving meal. Eating slowly will help, and remember you can always save your leftovers for later. You may also consider going for a walk, which will likely be just what your body needs. This can be a great activity to do with friends or family members.

We have confidence in you to appropriately handle Thanksgiving! You know what to do and how to eat every other day, and this day is no different. There are tons of healthy Thanksgiving recipes out there — find more ideas here. Happy Thanksgiving!

BMI Patients Share Why They Are Thankful for Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on November 10, 2020

thankful for weight loss

thankful for weight loss
As we get closer to Thanksgiving 2020 and a time to think about all the things we are thankful for, we want to say a big “THANK YOU” to all of our wonderful patients. This year has been challenging for all of us, but with your patience and trust, BMI Surgery has been able to continue seeing patients and performing life-changing weight-loss surgeries even amid a global pandemic.

Continuing to provide our services and surgeries is so important to us because we are able to help people get healthier, both physically and mentally. We love seeing your success and hearing about it. 

Stories of Thanksgiving from BMI Patients

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are sharing some of the stories patients have told us about regarding why they are so thankful they had weight loss surgery. Their starting weights, health conditions, and surgery experiences are all different, but the common thread is that they are thankful for our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long, and how he has helped them on their weight loss journeys.

Patty: Thankful for a great recovery process
“The recovery process after surgery was really good for me. I was only out of work for two weeks. Considering a lot of people are out for six to eight weeks, it was a big plus to have such a short recovery time. Doing the surgery laparoscopically made it possible for me to have minimal down time, so I could get back to my normal life. I didn’t have to miss much work and I haven’t experienced any problems since the surgery.”

Lisa: Thankful for significantly improved health conditions
“Immediately after beginning to lose weight, I was able to live without my diabetes medication. I was no longer diabetic. I no longer had high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. Just being free from all of those diseases and corresponding medications so quickly was a huge surprise to me.”

Natalie: Thankful for a smooth pre- and post-surgery experience
“The process leading up to the surgery was very simple. We scheduled my surgery about two weeks after I first met with Dr. Long. I went to the nutrition class on a Monday, had my surgery on a Tuesday, and went home the same day. The following Monday I was able to help my son get to a doctor’s appointment, and by Tuesday, I was back to work.”

Amber: Thankful for the ability to be active
“I am very active now, and I love it. I enjoy exercising, kayaking, hiking, and keeping up with my active kids! I also love getting dressed up and going out now, whether it be dinner with my husband or going to the movies with my friends. I actually enjoy getting ready and feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Elizabeth: Thankful for the desire to eat healthy
“Since the surgery, while I tend to crave a variety of things, I’d say I eat very healthy most days. If I have something that’s super processed or full of sugar, it makes me feel weird, like I can feel my system is in the wrong gear. Because of this, I definitely crave unhealthy stuff a whole lot less than I did before, and for someone who was able to always pack it in, it’s nice to have an internal governor that makes me want to stop after only a bite or two.”

June: Thankful for a doctor who looks out for your best interests
“When I went to see Dr. Long for the first time, I immediately told him I wanted to do gastric band. After he spent some time getting to know me, he told me he just didn’t think I’d be happy with gastric band. He didn’t think it would fit my lifestyle. He thought I would do better with gastric bypass and said something I’ll never forget. With gastric bypass, he said that at some point in time, I would be able to eat whatever my family eats – I just wouldn’t be able to eat as much. I’m so glad I decided to do gastric bypass because Dr. Long was absolutely right. I have no regrets. None.”

We are thankful for all of these successes our patients have experienced. We are confident that you will have success as well, and it will probably be better than you could have ever imagined!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Posted on October 15, 2020

gastric sleeve

gastric sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery is one of our most popular weight loss surgery options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive. There are many benefits and reasons to choose this surgery, including the fact that it is a cost-effective choice for many. It’s also a low-risk procedure with a high success rate. 

We like to be as open and honest as possible, and this includes talking about the potential risks of any surgery and what recovery may be like.  

What Happens During Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic bariatric procedure that reconfigures the stomach into a sleeve-like shape. In doing so, we remove a part of the stomach responsible for producing ghrelin, the hormone, that tells your brain when you’re hungry. The surgery also restricts the size of the stomach, making it much harder to eat large portions of food. These two factors combine to help you lose weight.

What Are the Risks of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Overall, gastric sleeve surgery is a very safe procedure. Our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long, has performed the surgery many, many times. While it is a minimally invasive procedure, it is a significant inpatient surgery, which will always carry some risk. Here are the three main risks you should know about:

  1. Internal bleeding — Because of the nature of the procedure, internal bleeding is a risk. However, with so much experience performing gastric sleeve, we have great methods to correct and combat this risk. It is not a common outcome of the surgery.
  2. Infection — All surgeries carry some risk of infection, and gastric sleeve is no different. But infections from this procedure are very rare. If it does occur, we treat the infection with antibiotics.
  3. Eating too much after surgery — This risk is more specific to gastric sleeve surgery. Since it is a restrictive procedure, overeating after surgery can lead to severe abdominal pain and cramps. With overeating, you may also experience vomiting or diarrhea. 

To avoid risk #3, our professionals at BMI Surgery will work with you along the way as much as possible. You will have a diet plan and all the tools and information you need to be successful. It will be a challenge in the beginning, but as time goes on, our patients typically get into a really good groove of knowing what to eat, what their body needs, and how to accomplish their goals. 

What to Expect After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric sleeve surgery greatly reduces the size of your stomach and limits the amount of food that you can eat at one time. It does not cause decreased absorption of nutrients or bypass your intestines. After eating a small amount of food, you will feel full very quickly and continue to feel full for several hours. The procedure may also cause your appetite to decrease due to the removal of the hunger hormone mentioned above.

Depending on your pre-operative weight, you can expect to lose between 40 to 70% of your excess body weight in the first year after gastric sleeve surgery. Additionally, many obesity-related problems improve or resolve after the procedure. This may include diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and abnormal cholesterol levels. 

Gastric Sleeve Recovery

Because we remove a large portion of your stomach, it will take some time to recover. Exactly how long it takes you to get back to normal will depend on many factors, including your starting weight and what type of job you have.  

You will be required to follow a strict post-op eating plan that will look similar to this: 

  • Stage one of the gastric sleeve diet: liquids — right after surgery
  • Stage two of the gastric sleeve diet: protein-rich liquids — a few days after surgery
  • Stage three of the gastric sleeve diet: pureed soft foods — approximately two weeks after surgery
  • Stage four of the gastric sleeve diet: solid foods — approximately four weeks after surgery

Going through this diet plan while letting your body adjust is an extremely important part of recovery. Your body will learn new healthy habits, and most patients stay very motivated to continue eating in the way they should even after the post-op gastric sleeve diet is complete.

Three Tips for Success After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The reality is that you will not be able to go back to your old eating habits, including eating unhealthy foods and eating too much. Your commitment to following your plan will play a huge role in your success. It goes much beyond the fact that your stomach is now smaller. 

While there are many tips, tricks, and pieces of advice that we will provide you with when you have gastric sleeve surgery at BMI, here are three of the most important tips for success:

  1. Eat small portions — By eating small portions, you’ll be likely to absorb more of the nutrients in the food while also feeling full. You will also be less likely to experience any adverse effects of overeating. 
  2. Eat slowly — You won’t feel as full or satisfied when you eat fast, which often causes people to eat more. By eating slowly, you will allow your body to tell you when it’s full.
  3. Only drink between meals — Liquids take up space in your stomach and make you feel full. When having a meal, you need this space for food to provide your body with important vitamins and nutrients. Drinking during non-meal times is often very helpful.

As you can see, there are many good things we can say about gastric sleeve surgery. While there are some challenges and risks, we have many tools to make sure you experience no complications or negative consequences of the surgery. We will do everything we can to help set you up for success! 

Why You Should Be Scared of Being Overweight

Posted on October 3, 2020

reality of obesity

obesity, overweight
Obesity is a growing problem in the U.S., and it has become a hot topic recently due to its connection with more severe outcomes of COVID-19. However concerning obesity already was, when you throw a pandemic in the mix, it’s a situation that gets even scarier.

Recently, the CDC released the 2019 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 49 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories. The maps show self-reported adult obesity prevalence by race, ethnicity, and location. The data comes from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an on-going state-based, telephone interview survey conducted by CDC and state health departments.

The 2019 maps show that obesity impacts some groups more than others, but the overall results are frightening. No states are doing well when it comes to reducing obesity rates, and Alabama, the home state of Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, is one of the absolute worst.  

The Reality of Obesity: Facts & Figures

Obesity is a common, serious, and costly disease. In the U.S., the prevalence of obesity was 42.4% from 2017 to 2018. The prevalence of obesity was 40.0% among young adults aged 20 to 39 years; 44.8% among middle-aged adults aged 40 to 59 years; and 42.8% among adults 60 and older.

All states and territories had more than 20% of adults with obesity, a startling fact in and of itself. However, it gets worse when you look at states more specifically:

  • 20% to less than 25% of adults had obesity in one 1 state (Colorado) and the District of Columbia
  • 25% to less than 30% of adults had obesity in 13 states
  • 30% to less than 35% of adults had obesity in 23 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  • 35% or more adults had obesity in 12 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia).
  • The Midwest (33.9%) and South (33.3%) had the highest prevalence of obesity, followed by the Northeast (29.0%), and the West (27.4%).

Why Being Overweight Matters So Much

As mentioned already, obesity is considered an underlying health condition that may lead to more severe cases and outcomes of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. But there’s much more to it than that.

People who are overweight, compared to those at a healthy weight, are at increased risk for many other serious diseases and health conditions, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea and breathing problems
  • Many types of cancer
  • Low quality of life
  • Mental illness, such as clinical depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders
  • Body pain and difficulty with physical functioning

What Has Caused Increased Rates of Obesity?

This is a question many of us would love to know a definite answer for, but the truth is, no one can say for sure. Scientific studies often reach conflicting conclusions, which means there are many theories out there. Overall, the evidence points to two basic factors leading to our weight problems: too much food and too little exercise.

The rise in fast food sales probably plays a big part. Fast food consumption makes up about 11% of the average American diet, according to research published by the World Health Organization. Increasing consumption of added sugars from soda and energy drinks has also been shown to contribute to increasing obesity rates by another study.

Lack of exercise is also a major culprit. Many of us sit throughout the majority of our days. Not only while at work, but also when we get home. Of course, this means we are getting less exercise. In fact, according to the CDC, 80% of Americans don’t get enough exercise. Other research suggests that Americans burn 120 to 140 fewer calories a day than we did 50 years ago.

When you consider the higher calorie consumption and less physical activity, weight gain is really no surprise. Add in lack of sleep, stress, and some genetic factors that may influence slowing metabolisms, and things only get worse.

Are You Scared of Obesity Yet?

Honestly, you should be. For all the reasons mentioned above, and many more. It’s crucial that we start eating healthier and getting more exercise. For many people, this means starting small. Working up to bigger changes works for some, and they are able to lose weight and become healthier. 

But it doesn’t work quite like that for many people. Being overweight is a big problem and sometimes it requires larger interventions, such as weight loss surgery. It is a huge step to take, but it is often exactly what many people need to jumpstart their weight loss journey. 

Fight obesity to fight COVID-19

Posted on September 9, 2020

obesity and COVID-19

obesity and COVID-19
As our nation and world continue to battle COVID-19, one thing has become clear. Those with certain underlying medical conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control, are at higher risk for severe illness. 

According to the Obesity Society, this includes seniors, people with pre-existing respiratory and cardiac disease, and those with compromised immune systems. People who are obese have a greater chance of being in each of these categories and should therefore be considered at increased risk for severe disease as well. (Find a large list of resources about this topic on their website.)

So what does all of this mean? It is more important than ever to fight obesity and help as many people as possible get healthier. Even as we continue to go through this pandemic, it’s not too late to start making changes for those who are obese. For those who are at risk of becoming obese, it’s crucial to stop that from happening.

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we want to do everything we can to help you get healthy and stay healthy. This may be the right time to finally commit to having weight loss surgery and jump start your journey toward better health.

More about obesity

For years, obesity has been a growing health problem affecting millions of people across the U.S. Poor eating habits, high levels of stress, environmental factors, and some genetic factors contribute to weight gain for many people. Without proper intervention and treatment, weight gain can escalate to dangerous levels, leading to a heightened risk of diseases, health problems, significant physical disability, or even death.

We typically divide obesity into these categories, using Body Mass Index (BMI):

  • Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35
  • Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40
  • Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher and more than 100 pounds over what is considered an ideal body weight

Obesity is a complex and progressive disease that increases your risk of developing comorbidities and weight-related health problems, as well as interfering with your ability to perform many daily physical functions.

Health risks & conditions associated with obesity

We consider obesity to be a chronic disease, and if left untreated, it can lead to the development of one or more serious health problems. Common conditions associated with obesity include:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea and other breathing disorders
  • Reproductive problems
  • Stroke
  • Fatty liver disease

What you may notice is that many of the conditions listed above are also underlying medical conditions that make people more likely to suffer severe outcomes with COVID-19. Obesity can also negatively affect your immune system, a critical component to fighting the virus. The ties between obesity and the novel coronavirus are unmistakable. 

How to start fighting obesity today

If you are obese, what can you do right now — TODAY — to start getting healthier and increasing your immune function?

  • Decrease your calories — Cut out simple carbohydrates such as sweets, candy, baked goods, sugar-sweetened beverages, jams, jelly, etc.
  • Decrease excess “bad” (saturated or trans) fats — These are commonly found in commercial baked goods, processed or fried foods, cheese, whole, and 2% milk, ice cream, cream, fatty meats, butter, and margarine. 
  • Increase fruits and vegetables — Aim for two cups of whole fruit per day and at least three cups of vegetables per day.
  • Increase low-fat dairy and protein — Drink or eat three cups of low-fat (1% or skim) dairy per day. Eat two to three ounces of lean meat or beans with two meals per day.
  • Increase water — Drink at least 60 to 80 ounces of water per day.
  • Increase exercise — It can be challenging for those who are obese, but more physical activity of any kind will be helpful.

Your next step: weight loss surgery

While we want you to start getting healthier right now to reduce your risk of suffering from COVID-19 and other diseases and conditions, you may need more help to lose weight. Obesity is a progressive disease because the excess weight gain causes a number of hormonal and metabolic changes in the body that increase the risk for even greater fat accumulation over time, making it difficult to fight using diet and exercise alone.

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we have several tried and true methods of weight loss surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and the LAP-BAND. We work to educate our patients about their weight loss options, as well as life after surgery. 

To learn more about these options and begin the journey to improving your health, schedule a consultation with us today.

Want to start fighting against obesity?

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery. We have the resources to help you prepare for surgery, undergo successful surgery, and recover after, including personalized plans for diet and exercise that will help you learn healthy habits that you can pass on to your family. Give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Decided to have weight loss surgery? Here are your options at BMI Surgery

Posted on September 3, 2020

BMI weight loss surgery

BMI weight loss surgery
Have you decided that weight loss surgery is something you are definitely going to do? We are happy to hear that! However, we know it can be overwhelming to take the next steps. This is a life-changing and life-saving decision. 

Our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long, is the absolute best when it comes to finding the right weight loss surgery option. He’s also the best when it comes to performing all of these procedures. Dr Long, along with other members of our team, will be with you every step of the way to make the best decisions. 

To help you wade through all of the information, we like to focus on educating our patients as much as possible about what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

We have three primary weight loss surgery options: gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and the LAP-BAND. Let’s take a closer look at them all. 

Gastric sleeve surgery

During gastric sleeve surgery, we basically cut away the top and largest part of the stomach, which is called the fundus. We remove about two-thirds of the stomach. The removed section is where the hunger hormone, ghrelin, lives. The combination of removing the hunger hormone and a large portion of the stomach typically leads to significant weight loss.

If using insurance to cover the procedure, you must have a minimum BMI of 35 to 40, along with various other health issues, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or heart disease. If your BMI is higher than 40, these other health issues are not required. Gastric sleeve is a good option for anyone meeting these requirements without insurance coverage as well.

Compared to other options, gastric sleeve is considered to be a more simple procedure. We do not reroute the intestines like we do during gastric bypass, and we do not put in a foreign body as we do with the LAP-BAND. It typically takes only about 30 to 45 minutes, and we perform the surgery laparoscopically. This means we avoid the need for large abdominal incisions, which typically results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

Gastric bypass surgery

With gastric bypass (also called Roux-en-Y), we create a small stomach pouch that restricts food intake. We attach a Y-shaped section of the small intestine to the pouch. This allows food to bypass the lower stomach — the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). Doing so reduces the amount of food you can take in because your stomach holds only one to two ounces. This bypass also reduces the absorption of nutrients and thereby reduces calorie intake.

Gastric bypass is often a great option for our heavier patients because most lose up to 80% of their excess body weight as opposed to about 60% with gastric sleeve. This rapid weight loss can be very beneficial for those who have more severe health issues, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It’s also a good option for anyone with severe acid reflux or poorly controlled diabetes since gastric bypass has proven to cure both. 

We sometimes hear that people have the impression that gastric bypass is more invasive than other options, but we take a minimally invasive approach. We typically make six incisions, and it’s done completely laparoscopically. It is a little more labor-intensive because we do change your anatomy. The inpatient surgery takes one to two hours and requires a hospital stay of one or two nights.

The LAP-BAND

With this procedure, we place the LAP-BAND near the top of the stomach where it meets the esophagus. This creates a very small pouch that empties into the larger remaining portion of the stomach. We connect the band to a port, which is located underneath the skin of the abdomen. This is how we put fluid in the band, which allows us to make the band opening larger or smaller in size, providing more or less restriction.

We typically perform the LAP-BAND procedure in our outpatient surgery center, and you are usually discharged the same day. Some patients prefer the LAP-BAND because it is not permanent. We are not changing the anatomy of the stomach, and we can take the LAP-BAND out if you choose to do so. It can be a good option for those paying out of pocket, because it is a very cost-effective choice. 

With the LAP-BAND, weight loss may be somewhat slower than with other options. We have to find that “happy place” where you are able to eat well but also maintain smaller portion sizes. This is where band adjustments come into play.

Which option is right for you?

With all three of these weight loss procedures, the goal is for you to lose weight and become healthier, hopefully eliminating or reducing the severity of other health issues. Which one is best for you will depend greatly on your individual situation. But you must remember that no weight loss surgery option is a magic fix for permanent weight loss. While these procedures will certainly help, diet and exercise will still be important. 

You don’t have to figure this all out alone. You’ve made a huge first step in deciding to have weight loss surgery, and Dr. Long will now come alongside you to provide his expertise and experience to consider your unique needs and find the right option.

An in depth look at gastric sleeve surgery & alternatives

Posted on October 8, 2019

gastric sleeve surgery

gastric sleeve surgeryDid you know that sleeve gastrectomy, also known as gastric sleeve surgery, is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure in the U.S.? It’s an option many of our patients at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery choose as well. 

To qualify for weight loss surgery, your body mass index (BMI) must be greater than or equal to 40 or between 30 and 40 with other medical problems, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, or high blood pressure. In addition to these requirements, gastric sleeve and alternatives are options for those who have not been successful losing weight through diet and exercise alone. These procedures, along with lifestyle modifications, such as the right proportion of healthy food and exercise, can help improve your overall health and quality of life.

So gastric sleeve surgery is a great solution for many, but there are other choices. Why should you choose one over the other? We will explore three common procedures in this blog post to help you learn more, and as always, our surgeon and staff will be happy to discuss with you more.

Gastric sleeve surgery explained 

Gastric sleeve surgery works by changing the structure and reducing the size of your stomach. About two-thirds of your stomach is surgically removed during this procedure. You benefit from a smaller stomach which fills up more quickly. This limits the quantity of food you eat and the amount of calories absorbed by your body. The surgery results in a stomach that functions normally and enables you to eat most foods, just in smaller amounts.

Gastric sleeve surgery is a simpler procedure and helps avoid the associated risks of an intestinal bypass. It typically takes only about 30 to 45 minutes and  is performed laparoscopically. This means we avoid the need for large abdominal incisions, which typically results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.

Considerations for gastric sleeve surgery: 

  • Stomach tube may stretch over time, leading to late weight regain
  • If weight is regained, a second stage operation known as duodenal switch or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can be performed
  • The procedure is not reversible
  • There is no malabsorption of nutrients
  • Not an option for patients with severe reflux disease

Gastric sleeve surgery alternative #1: LAP-BAND

In the LAP-BAND procedure, a hollow band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach. The band is then inflated with a salt solution. It can be tightened or loosened over time to change the size of the passage by increasing or decreasing the amount of salt solution. The entire procedure is done laparoscopically as well and induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach. This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

LAP-BAND is usually performed in the outpatient surgery center, and you are usually discharged the same day of the procedure.

Considerations for LAP-BAND:

  • Least invasive surgical option
  • No intestinal re-routing
  • No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
  • Reduced pain, hospital length-of-stay, and recovery period
  • Lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
  • Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
  • Reduced risk of hair loss
  • No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions

The lap band procedure is also adjustable and reversible. It allows for an individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss, and adjustments can be made without additional surgery. The band can also be removed, allowing the stomach and other anatomy to be restored to their original forms and functions.

While there are many benefits to LAP-BAND, it isn’t an overnight fix. We often have to work with patients to find their “happy place.” This involves finding the right fit so that you can eat freely but also maintain smaller portion sizes. This is where band adjustments come into play, which could be a process that takes a little time to perfect.

Gastric sleeve surgery alternative #2: Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass has the longest track record in the U.S., having been performed since 1967. It combines “restriction” and “malabsorption.” With restriction, we are creating a stomach pouch that holds 1 to 2 ounces. It is very effective in obtaining and maintaining long-term weight loss.

During the laparoscopic procedure, a small stomach pouch is created to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This bypass reduces the absorption of nutrients and thereby reduces calorie intake.

Gastric bypass is an inpatient procedure requiring a hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights. The surgery takes about 60 to 120 minutes.

Considerations for gastric bypass:

  • Rapid weight loss in the first six months
  • Best operation to cure diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea
  • Tend to lose more weight than patients after gastric band or gastric sleeve
  • Longer recovery time
  • Not considered reversible, but could be reversed if medically necessary
  • Staple line can leak after surgery
  • Minor late weight regain (10-20%) after 2 to 5 yrs
  • Nutritional/mineral supplements required for life

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option, and which one is best for you will depend greatly on your individual situation. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone! Our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long, is extremely experienced in working with each patient to consider their needs and issues to find the right option.

Contact us to learn more about gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgery options.

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery.  Our surgeon Dr. Jay Long has highly specialized training in bariatric surgery, having completed a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas, where he focused on taking care of patients that are morbidly obese.  And we are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website!  Insurance won’t pay?  We have a variety of financing options we can offer you so that you are able to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.