Category: Gastric Sleeve Recovery

The four stages of the post-op gastric sleeve surgery diet

Posted on June 27, 2019

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THE FOUR STAGES OF THE POST-OP GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY DIET

 

Gastric sleeve surgery drastically reduces the size of your stomach, leaving it a fraction of its original size. A smaller stomach means a stricter diet. In order to allow your stomach to properly heal and adjust, you will be required to follow a post-op diet plan that can be broken down into four stages. 

 

Stage one of the gastric sleeve diet: liquids

 

Stage one of the post-op gastric sleeve diet begins the first week after your surgery. During this time, you will be restricted to clear liquids like water, broth and unsweetened gelatin. This may sound challenging to follow, but most patients experience little to no hunger the first few days after surgery.

Important guidelines for stage one of the post-op diet:

  • Avoid Sugar – Do not consume any sugary liquids during the first week after surgery. Sugar can have negative side effects on the body and can even lead to dumping syndrome, a digestive problem that can occur after bariatric surgery, when food gets “dumped” directly from your stomach into your small intestine without being digested.
  • No Carbonation – It may be tempting to reach for a bubbly drink to ease your stomach after surgery, but carbonation can lead to gas and bloating and should be avoided.
  • Stay Hydrated – It is important to drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated during your recovery process. Just remember to take it slow and only drink small amounts at a time. 

 

Stage two of the gastric sleeve diet: protein rich liquids

 

Your doctor will confirm when you are able to move onto stage two of the gastric sleeve diet. This usually takes place 5 days after surgery. During this stage, you will be allowed to introduce more liquids into your diet and begin drinking high protein shakes. You may experience an increase in appetite, but it is important that you stick to the diet plan you are given and avoid any solid food, as your body will not be able to handle it yet. 

Stage two food options include: 

  • Thin broth and creamed soups (no chunks)
  • Sugar free protein/nutrition shakes
  • Sugar free nonfat yogurt or pudding
  • Thinned oatmeal

The goal of stage two is to make sure you are consuming the correct amount of protein and staying hydrated. New foods should be introduced slowly and in accordance with your diet plan. Sugary liquids should still be avoided, along with carbonation, high fat options and chunky foods. 

 

Stage three of the gastric sleeve diet: pureed soft foods

 

It’s time to break out the blender. Once you are around two weeks out from your gastric sleeve surgery, you can begin incorporating pureed soft foods into your diet. The key here is to eat slowly and chew thoroughly. You may find that your tolerance for certain foods has changed, so you should take your time testing new food options. 

At this stage, your food should be the consistency of a thick liquid or smooth paste. You should continue to avoid chunky or fatty foods, sugar, seasonings, starches and fibrous vegetables like broccoli and asparagus.  

Stage three of the gastric sleeve diet includes pureeing the following food items with water, skim milk, broth or sugar-free juice:

  • Cooked vegetables (steamed or boiled until soft)
  • Eggs
  • Beans
  • Lean ground meats
  • Soft fruits 
  • Cottage cheese
  • Plain yogurt

Remember to keep drinking liquids. It is easy to become dehydrated after gastric sleeve surgery because your body is no longer getting fluids from some of the foods you used to eat, so be diligent about your liquid intake. 

 

Stage four of the gastric sleeve diet: solid foods

 

With your doctors approval, you can begin the transition to eating soft solid foods around four weeks after your surgery. Make sure to test foods one-at-a-time to determine what you can tolerate. 

Try to structure your meals with protein in mind. It is recommended that patients consume around 60 grams of protein per day, which can be difficult to do if you fill up on other foods first. A daily protein shake, on top of high protein foods like eggs and lean ground meat, can help you meet your recommended protein goals.

As you slowly start integrating solid foods into your diet, make sure to stick to healthy, easy-to-digest options. This includes things like chicken, fish, well-cooked vegetables, low-fat cheese and fruit. 

Foods you should continue to avoid: 

  • Whole milk products 
  • Fried foods
  • Starchy items like pasta, white potatoes and bread
  • Sugary drinks and snacks
  • Over-processed/packaged foods like potato chips 
  • Fibrous vegetables like celery, asparagus and broccoli
  • Spicy or heavily seasoned foods

 

Tips on how to eat long-term after gastric sleeve surgery 

 

Once you have successfully incorporated solid foods back into your diet, it is important to continue making conscious food choices long-term. The amount of food you eat throughout the day will be limited, so what you eat and how you eat is vital to staying on track and healthy.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to eat long-term after gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Chew and eat slowly
  • Limit snacking throughout the day
  • Cut food into small pieces 
  • Stick to small portions
  • Do not overeat
  • Avoid trans fats and fried, processed or fast foods
  • Try not to eat and drink at the same time

For more information about gastric sleeve surgery and the recovery and diet plan process, schedule a consultation with us!

 

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY POST-OP DIET 

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 www.bmisurgery.com or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

Interested in Birmingham Minimally Invasive?

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.

To get started fill out our form, or call today to set up a consultation. Our helpful team is ready to help you on your weight loss journey! 

Call Us: 205-833-6907
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What to expect during gastric sleeve surgery recovery

Posted on June 27, 2019

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Gastric Sleeve Before and After: What to Expect During Surgery Recovery

You’ve done your research, picked your surgeon, and decided on your weight loss surgery procedure, and you’re officially scheduled for surgery. However, do you know how much time you’ll need to take off from work? What about childcare? Will you need the help of a family member or loved one the first few days post-op?

Rest and recovery time are crucial to the health benefits of any surgery, and bariatric surgery is no exception. Even with minimally invasive options like gastric sleeve surgery, you still have to plan for some downtime. So, what does the recovery process look like for gastric sleeve surgery? Embracing a healthier lifestyle post-surgery is essential to maintain health improvements and mitigate obesity-related risks.

How long will I be in the hospital after gastric sleeve surgery, and what is the recovery time?

Due to the minimally invasive nature of gastric sleeve surgery, patients are typically discharged from the hospital within 1-3 days. In some cases, patients can even be discharged the same day as their surgery; however, this practice is less common, and there must be no complications.

During your stay in the hospital, staff will monitor you, and tests will be administered to ensure there are no significant leaks or incision issues. Once your surgeon has cleared you, you can return home to continue your recovery.

Things to consider while recovering from gastric sleeve surgery at home

Before leaving the hospital, you will be given care instructions and a diet plan. Feeling exhausted after undergoing major surgery and consuming very few calories is normal. Your body will devote most of its energy to healing, so plan on resting quite a bit during the first few days back home. This period is crucial for losing weight, and maintaining a commitment to healthy eating and exercise is essential for long-term success.

Take into consideration the layout of your home. Are there stairs? If so, will you have to climb the steps to get to your bedroom? How easy is it to get to the bathroom? While light activities like brief walks are recommended, climbing stairs and standing or walking for too long can be challenging, so it is essential to consider these questions ahead of time. Additionally, weight gain is potential if lifestyle changes are not maintained, so ongoing medical supervision is necessary to monitor progress and address complications.

How quickly can I return to work after gastric sleeve surgery? 

After gastric sleeve surgery, most patients can return to work within 1 week, and some return within 3-4 days. However, different factors contribute to how quickly you can begin working again.

These factors include:

  • Type of Work – Returning to a desk job is much different than returning to a career in construction. The physical demands and activity level required to do your job will affect the time you need to take off. 
  • Overall Healing Process—Everyone heals differently and at their own pace. Returning to work depends on how your recovery goes and whether you experience any complications that can cause the healing process to take longer.

How long will it take for my stomach to fully heal from gastric sleeve surgery?

There is a difference between returning to everyday activities and complete recovery. As time passes after your sleeve gastrectomy surgery, you will gradually be able to begin eating more and taking on a more active lifestyle. You should feel less tired and return to your routine within a few weeks of open surgery. However, your stomach will still be healing.

On average, it takes about 2-3 weeks for the incisions to heal and 6-8 weeks for the stomach staple line to heal. After one month, most people can begin a regular exercise routine and are on the way to fully recovering.

Common challenges during the bariatric surgery recovery process

Post-surgery side effects will vary; most go away over time, but adjusting to the new diet and lifestyle brings challenges. Additionally, the surgery can significantly reduce the risk of weight-related health problems such as diabetes as high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Here are a few more than half the things you may experience while recovering from gastric sleeve surgery:

  • Nausea – After surgery, you must re-learn how and what to eat. Your stomach will be a fraction of the size it used to be. As you gradually begin incorporating more food, excellent food, you will have to determine what your stomach can handle. Eating or drinking too much or too fast can result in nausea or vomiting.
  • Feeling Weak – Consuming fewer calories can make you feel weak or tired. However, this feeling should dissipate as your body adjusts to the new diet.
  • Aches and Pains – Some discomfort is expected during recovery; however, aches and pains should lessen as time progresses. If the pain worsens, you should talk to your doctor about possible causes and pain relief options.
  • Digestive Irregularities – You may experience side effects like constipation, diarrhea, and gurgling noises from your stomach. These symptoms are usually diet-related and will improve over time.
  • Temporary Hair Loss and Skin Changes—Although experiencing hair loss after surgery can be alarming, it is temporary. The initial low-calorie intake and rapid weight loss can cause hair thinning and hormonal changes that can contribute to skin texture and acne changes. To minimize these effects, take a multivitamin regularly and consume enough daily protein based on your diet plan.

The recovery process for gastric sleeve surgery is often shorter and involves fewer complications than gastric bypass surgery.

Why choose BMI for weight loss surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that can help you lose and keep weight off. Because it is performed laparoscopically, there is a shorter recovery time than other bariatric surgeries, allowing you to resume your everyday life sooner. Sleeve gastrectomy has been shown to reduce body weight and improve quality of life significantly. Please schedule a consultation with us to learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and recovery.

 

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GASTRIC SLEEVE RECOVERY PROCESS

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery* is a caring group of professionals specializing in all types of metabolic and 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 who 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 offer various financing options to get the healthy body you’ve wanted for years.  Visit us today at www.bmisurgery.com*or call us for a consultation at 205-833-6907.

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History of medical weight loss not required — no 6-month diets!

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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.

To get started fill out our form, or call today to set up a consultation. Our helpful team is ready to help you on your weight loss journey! 

Call Us: 205-833-6907
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Are you a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

Posted on May 21, 2019

Image of tape measurer with text reading gastric sleeve requirements

Image of tape measurer with text reading gastric sleeve requirements

 

Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is commonly performed on patients who are classified as morbidly obese and at high risk for weight-related health problems. During this laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon permanently removes 80-90% of your stomach, creating a tube or “sleeve” which can only hold a limited amount of food allowing patients to feel full and lose weight quicker. So, who is the best candidate for gastric sleeve surgery?

 

What are the minimum requirements for gastric sleeve surgery?

 

One of two basic requirements must be met to qualify for gastric sleeve surgery:

    1. Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
    2. Have a BMI of 30-40 with serious weight-related health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease

BMI is a formula that calculates the ratio of your height and weight and correlates to the amount of body fat you have. On average, a BMI of 40 is equivalent to being 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds overweight for women.

 

What to do next if you qualify for gastric sleeve surgery

 

Once you determine that you meet the basic requirements for gastric sleeve surgery, the next step is to decide whether or not you will use insurance to cover the cost. You can contact your provider to see if gastric sleeve is covered under your plan and, from there, you can request more information about their coverage criteria and required documentation.

Most insurance companies cover bariatric surgery; however, their individual requirements may vary based on the type of surgery. With insurance, there is often a longer approval process and more requirements than private pay, so we recommend scheduling a consultation with us to learn more about your payment options.

 

What are some of the requirements for insurance approval of gastric sleeve surgery?

 

If gastric sleeve coverage is included in your insurance policy, then you will have to meet your provider’s criteria in order to obtain approval. Requirements often vary based on the provider. For example, some have significantly higher BMI requirements, but will lower the required number if lung or heart issues are also a factor.

The best thing to do is to request a list of your coverage criteria and begin collecting the necessary documentation as soon as possible. This may include proof that you have undergone a medically supervised diet program prior to surgery or a letter of medical necessity. A psychological evaluation may also be required before approval for surgery is granted.

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we will work with you and your insurance provider to make sure you obtain all of the necessary documentation to meet your provider’s specific requirements.

 

What are some reasons you may not qualify for gastric sleeve surgery?

 

There are cases that may make you ineligible for gastric sleeve surgery. A few of these include:

    • A BMI that does not meet the minimum requirements
    • An anticipated pregnancy within two years
    • High operative risk (i.e. severe heart disease)
    • Abnormal esophagus, stomach or intestine
    • Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

If you do not meet the requirements for gastric sleeve surgery, there are other weight loss options like the ORBERA® gastric balloon.

 

Requirements for gastric sleeve surgery: Insurance or private pay?

 

If you are considering gastric sleeve surgery, it is important to also consider your payment options and the requirements that come with them. While most insurance companies cover bariatric surgery, it can be a lengthy process collecting all of the necessary documentation and waiting for approval to be granted. Private pay allows you to avoid the waiting game, however surgery costs will have to come out of pocket.

With our 2019 gastric sleeve price of $8,999, our goal at BMI is to make losing weight a more attainable goal for our patients. Whether you choose to pursue private pay or insurance coverage, we will work with you to help you meet the requirements so you can lose weight and start feeling great.

 

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GASTRIC SLEEVE REQUIREMENTS 

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 www.bmisurgery.com or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

3 Things that Surprise Patients the Most After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Posted on January 3, 2019

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While it’s no surprise that many aspects of your life change after having gastric sleeve surgery, there are many “good surprises” our patients often tell us about. From looking at food in a whole new light to fewer cravings for unhealthy foods, here are a few things you might experience after having gastric sleeve surgery.

3 Surprises We Often Hear from Our Gastric Sleeve Patients

#1 They’re satisfied after eating only a small amount. Before having gastric sleeve surgery, patients are often concerned that they won’t feel satisfied after a meal because they’re not able to eat as much. Though this is understandable, many of our post-surgery patients tell us this isn’t a problem. While they can still eat what they’re family’s eating for dinner, they just don’t eat as much, and they’re totally satisified.

#2 They’re cravings are different, or non-existent. While many patients had cravings for unhealthy foods prior to surgery, we often hear them tell us they no longer crave those foods near as much, if at all. For many, it’s not uncommon to feel “out of sync” from eating sugary or processed foods once you’ve begun incorporating healthier foods into your diet.

#3 They look at food differently. Many who come into our office have a different outlook on food after gastric sleeve surgery. While before they may have looked to food for comfort, they now view it as a means to survive. Having a goal for each meal, whether that’s to get in protein or nutrients, makes them realize the importance of eating the right foods.

At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we work to educate our patients on the surgery itself as well as life after surgery. We want them to be as prepared as possible to ensure they’re going to truly be happy with whatever surgery they go with. At the same time, every patient is different and has their own unique experiences post-surgery, but often we find these surprises end up being good ones that contribute to their overall health and wellness.

Discuss Your Weight Loss Surgery Resolutions at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery Today

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.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Losing Weight

Posted on December 27, 2017

woman weighing herself

According to the CDC, more than 36 percent of adults in the United States struggle with obesity. Losing weight and getting healthy is a goal many people find difficult to achieve. Gastric sleeve is a procedure that can help you lose weight and eliminate a variety of weight-related health conditions.

Why Is Losing Weight so Difficult?

The diet industry will often tell you how easy it is to lose weight if you follow their plan or take their pills. You already know, however, there isn’t a simple fix. Taking off excess weight is hard because of several factors. In society, you are surrounded by poor food choices and often live a sedentary lifestyle. You may also struggle against a genetic predisposition to gain weight and a slow metabolism.

Many scientists also believe that set point theory may contribute to your inability to lose weight. According to MIT Medical, a set point is a system of controls similar to a thermostat that’s built into each person. This determines how much fat each person should carry. Changing a set point to achieve weight loss can be extremely difficult.

How Can Gastric Sleeve Help You Lose Weight?

Gastric sleeve is a procedure that can be far more effective in achieving and maintaining weight loss than exercise and diet alone. While you are under general anesthesia, a surgeon removes part of your stomach through a small incision. This procedure reduces the overall size of your stomach and allows you to only eat a small amount at one time.

You can expect to lose weight over the course of several months. While success rates will vary, you may reduce excess weight by approximately 70 percent. The Cleveland Clinic reports there are several health benefits that can be obtained through weight loss surgery. A few include improved cardiovascular functioning, remission of type 2 diabetes and joint pain relief.

What Are the Qualifications for Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric sleeve is a procedure that is usually reserved for individuals who are considered morbidly obese. Many patients will also have additional health conditions, such as sleep apnea or hypertension. Being able to handle the physical stress of surgery is also a requirement.

It’s important to remember that even though gastric sleeve can provide effective and dramatic weight loss, long-term success is maintained by incorporating good exercise and eating habits into your daily routine.

Many insurance plans now cover weight loss procedures including gastric sleeve. If you’ve been struggling with losing weight, now is the time to consider gastric sleeve to help you reach your weight loss goals. Gastric sleeve can be part of an effective and lasting weight loss plan.

Lose Weight Fast with Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Posted on December 27, 2017

Around 45 million Americans diet every year, according to research from the Boston Medical Center. Still, some people struggle to shed the pounds. As a result, more drastic weight loss procedures, such as gastric sleeve surgery, have become attractive. This surgery reduces part of your stomach, so you feel fuller after consuming food. The result? You eat less and lose more weight.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery removes around 80 percent of your stomach and leaves behind a vertical tube — called a “sleeve” — that is around the size of a banana. After this operation, you will notice that you feel much fuller than you normally would after consuming food. Therefore, you will need to select small portion sizes at meal times.

Gastric sleeve surgery produces rapid weight loss, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. One study suggests that people can lose more than 50 percent of their total body weight in a three- to five-year period. Moreover, weight loss is comparable to that of a gastric bypass — another bariatric surgical procedure.

Here’s the science behind gastric sleeve surgery: this procedure causes positive changes in your body’s gut hormones. Consequently, it reduces appetite, increases satiety and suppresses hunger. The surgery itself is relatively simple — it takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

What Are the Other Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Research shows that gastric sleeve surgery is beneficial for specific health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Diabetes remission rates post-surgery are more than 60 percent and, as shown in some studies, are similar to the results experienced after gastric bypass procedures. Other research suggests that gastric sleeve surgery reduces the risk of certain types of cancer, overcomes depression and improves sleep apnea.

Gastric sleeve surgery is an option for adults who struggle to lose weight using conventional methods. This procedure might also benefit people who have type 2 diabetes and other health conditions.

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery (BMI) specializes in gastric sleeve surgery. Do you qualify for this procedure? Contact us here to find out more.

5 Tips to Help Improve Recovery Time for Gastric-Sleeve Surgery

Posted on December 27, 2017

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a medical weight-loss procedure to treat obesity when your body-mass index, or “BMI,” is between 35 and 40, helping to relieve serious, secondary health problems such as diabetes, cardiac disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. If you have had little to no success with other weight-loss methods, then gastric-sleeve surgery may be an option.

How Gastric-Sleeve Surgery Works

Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently reduces the size of your stomach by 80 to 90 percent, limiting your dietary and caloric intake. The procedure takes less than an hour, performed laparoscopically through several small incisions. Using a small surgical laparoscope affixed with a small camera and light, laparoscopic surgery generally has fewer side effects than traditional open surgery and improves the surgeon’s field of vision and overall accuracy.

What to Do After Gastric-Sleeve Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, the pre-operative process will include detailed instructions from your surgeon about recovery and what you can expect in the few days, weeks and months after your sleeve-gastrectomy surgery is complete. There will be a number of dietary and lifestyle adjustments that you will have to make in order to maintain lasting, healthy weight loss.

  1. Have a Plan
    Even after the procedure, you will have to practice good nutrition and exercise. Working with your medical team to design the diet, nutrition and exercise plan that is best for your lifestyle and medical needs before surgery will make for a smoother and more successful transition.
  1. Follow Doctor’s Orders
    You may feel better sooner than expected, but it is still important to take all of your medication according to the doctor’s prescription and follow the guidelines designed specifically for your recovery.
  1. Prepare Yourself Both Mentally and Emotionally
    Even with all of the research and planning in the world, the surgery will require a major lifestyle overhaul and adjustment. Ask for help when you need it.
  1. Establish a Support System
    From the gym to grocery-shopping buddies, recovery is easier with friends. Don’t go it alone.
  1. Keep Up With the Follow Up
    Ongoing check-ups are essential for keeping your recovery on track and to make any necessary adjustments to your recovery plan to ensure that you look and feel your best in the long run.

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Birmingham, AL

After you’ve tried everything else, minimally invasive gastric-sleeve weight-loss surgery may be the right option for you. For more information — and to take advantage of our deeply discounted pricing from $11,999 down to just $9,999 — contact our office by calling (205) 833-6907 to schedule a consultation today.

Why Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Posted on December 27, 2017

Choosing weight loss surgery is never an easy decision. If you’ve struggled with your weight and can’t ever seem to get the scale to move in your favor, weight loss surgery may be for you. Gastric sleeve surgery has become a popular choice for those who choose bariatric surgery. Here are several things you should consider when considering whether gastric sleeve surgery is right for you.

Why Choose Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Are you the clinical definition of morbidly obese? Do you have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher? Or do you have a lower BMI between 35 to 39.9 but have one or more chronic health conditions? If you answered yes to any of these questions, and have consistently tried and failed to lose weight and keep it off, then you may be an excellent candidate for gastric sleeve surgery.

Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Outside of saving your life, gastric sleeve surgery can also significantly improve your quality of life. Weight loss surgery can help relieve chronic joint and back pain that occurs because of all the extra weight you’ve been carrying around. It can help alleviate sleep apnea, allowing you to sleep through the night without a CPAP machine. You’ll also see a reversal of chronic health issues such as diabetes, depression, high-blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Eating After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

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

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

Dangers of Ignoring Gastric Sleeve Diet

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

Gastric Sleeve Recovery

Posted on December 27, 2017

weight loss surgery procedure

Day 1: Surgery Day

After awakening from gastric sleeve surgery, which takes around 45 minutes, you will have some soreness, but the soreness generally isn’t very severe. The nurses will have all of the necessary medications to keep your pain to a minimum. Expect to see 5 incisions. The largest is usually the sorest and will be where your surgeon has removed part of your stomach.

You’ll be attached to an IV, and pain medication can be provided as needed. Anesthesia may make you nauseous, but this feeling should disappear quickly. You will start on a liquid diet once you are transferred to your room on the surgical floor.

Moving may be a little uncomfortable at first, but you have to get up and start moving as soon as possible. The more you move after your surgery, the better you’ll feel tomorrow.

The Day After Surgery

If you are tolerating your liquid diet without problems and ambulating effectively, you will be able to go home on the day after surgery. You will meet with the dietician prior to leaving the hospital. After being discharged, make sure to read the post-operative instructions and have your prescriptions filled for pain and nausea medication.

After Surgery: Week 1

You will continue on the liquid diet for 5 days. After that diet, you will advance your diet according to the guidelines that you learned in the pre-op nutrition class. If there are any questions, always refer back to the book that you received in the meeting.

Make sure to get 60 grams of protein and 64 ounces of fluid daily. Also, you will need to start taking your bariatric supplements as directed in the pre-op prep class.

You need to start establishing a regular exercise regimen and increasing your goals weekly.

Week 2-Month 3

You will start to see rapid weight loss during this time. You may still feel tired but should have more energy than you did before surgery. Your mood could fluctuate, but otherwise, you should be feeling a lot better.

After 30 days, your physical activities are unrestricted. You can start weight lifting or anything else that will increase your calorie consumption.

5 Tips to Help Improve Recovery Time for Gastric-Sleeve Surgery

Posted on July 17, 2017

Gastric sleeve surgery, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a medical weight-loss procedure to treat obesity when your body mass index, or “BMI,” is between 35 and 40, helping to relieve serious, secondary health problems such as diabetes, cardiac disease, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. If you have had little to no success with other weight-loss methods, then gastric-sleeve surgery may be an option.

How Gastric-Sleeve Surgery Works

Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently reduces the size of your stomach by 80 to 90 percent, limiting your dietary and caloric intake. The procedure takes less than an hour, performed laparoscopically through several small incisions. Using a small surgical laparoscope affixed with a small camera and light, laparoscopic surgery generally has fewer side effects than traditional open surgery and improves the surgeon’s field of vision and overall accuracy.

What to Do After Gastric-Sleeve Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, the pre-operative process will include detailed instructions from your surgeon about recovery and what you can expect in the few days, weeks, and months after your sleeve-gastrectomy surgery is complete. There will be a number of dietary and lifestyle adjustments that you will have to make in order to maintain lasting, healthy weight loss.

  1. Have a Plan

Even after the procedure, you will have to practice good nutrition and exercise. Working with your medical team to design the diet, nutrition, and exercise plan that is best for your lifestyle and medical needs before surgery will make for a smoother and more successful transition.

  1. Follow Doctor’s Orders

You may feel better sooner than expected, but it is still important to take all of your medication according to the doctor’s prescription and follow the guidelines designed specifically for your recovery.

  1. Prepare Yourself Both Mentally and Emotionally

Even with all of the research and planning in the world, the surgery will require a major lifestyle overhaul and adjustment. Ask for help when you need it.

  1. Establish a Support System

From the gym to grocery shopping buddies, recovery is easier with friends. Don’t go it alone.

  1. Keep Up With the Follow-Up

Ongoing check-ups are essential for keeping your recovery on track and making any necessary adjustments to your recovery plan to ensure that you look and feel your best in the long run.

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Birmingham, AL

After you’ve tried everything else, minimally invasive gastric-sleeve weight-loss surgery may be the right option for you. For more information — and to take advantage of our BMI Priority Pass — contact our office by calling (205) 833-6907 to schedule a consultation today.