A few years ago, you had bariatric surgery with successful results. It’s a great option for those suffering from excess weight and obesity. But now? Well, life happens. For even the best patients, it’s hard to continue a strict diet and exercise routine. Things change, and your anatomy may change as well.

It is possible to regain some weight several years after a successful weight loss surgery. You may realize that the volume of food you have been consuming has increased, which means that your gastric pouch or “sleeved” stomach may have increased as well. The result is weight regain, and the answer may be revisional weight loss surgery.

What is revisional weight loss surgery?

Before discussing revisional surgery with patients, it is important that we ensure that the weight regain is indeed caused by something other than simply overeating. To help with this, patients should come to our office prepared with a food journal detailing a week or more of meals and exercise. 

Once the determination has been made that it is not a behavioral issue, we will discuss surgical options. For patients who need help getting back to the right kind of post-bariatric diet, we offer a comprehensive back-on-track program.

A revisional surgical procedure will be undertaken only when all other options are exhausted since there is a greater risk of complications. Which revisional option is the best fit for you will depend on your specific situation and what surgery you had initially.

To determine this, we may perform an upper GI study, which is an x-ray of the esophagus and stomach. This will allow us to evaluate the general shape of your anatomy and make a plan based on that information. 

What to expect after revisional weight loss surgery

Once your revisional weight loss surgery has been completed, your recovery time may be a little longer than it was with your original procedure. This increased recovery time is because revisions involve dealing with scar tissue and altered blood supply. You may have to stay in hospital for two to three days to be monitored. Most patients do resume their normal schedules within a couple of weeks. 

For many patients, a revisional weight loss surgery is almost like a second start. They typically have a renewed commitment to proper diet and exercise, which makes a significant difference long-term. But it is important to mention that obesity is a chronic disease. While weight loss surgery and revisional weight loss surgery can be life-saving, they cannot be counted on as cure-alls. Success depends so much on your lifestyle and nutrition. 

It is also important to remember that a revisional bariatric procedure should only be performed by a qualified surgeon experienced in this type of procedure, such as our Birmingham Minimally Invasive surgeon, Dr. Jay Long. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about the surgical options to correct weight regain.

Contact Us to Learn More About Gastric Bypass Surgery

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. 

By Tami M.

I was skinny my whole life up until I got pregnant. I was 23 years old and in my last year of college at the time. During the pregnancy, I gained almost 100 pounds, and after I had my son, I continued to gain weight. 

I guess I can say I’ve seen both sides. I knew what it was like to be skinny, but I also experienced what it’s like being bigger… and people really do treat you differently.  

Before surgery, I was miserable. I was unable to do certain things with my son. I had trouble breathing. I struggled to get off the sofa and out of bed. I even had trouble tying my shoes. I couldn’t fit on a roller coaster. I couldn’t cross my legs, and I was sweating all the time.

I saw my entire family affected by weight-related health issues, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, diabetes, you name it; I could tell it was just a matter of time before the same thing happened to me.

I hit a point in my life where I wanted to find me again. I was just ready. I was ready to take control of my life.

I decided I wanted to lose some weight, so I started going to the gym, but the weight just wasn’t coming off. I honestly didn’t know what I was doing wrong. I had my mind right; I just couldn’t get my physical appearance right. 

I had met Dr. Long quite a few years ago when he took my gallbladder out. I knew I liked him and I trusted him, so I immediately thought of him when I started considering weight loss surgery. 

After going over my options with Dr. Long, I decided gastric sleeve surgery made the most sense for me and my journey.

I chose to use insurance to cover my gastric sleeve surgery, so I had to go through the process of getting approval. After 6 months of regular doctor visits and making sure I met all of the pre-qualifications, I was ready to schedule my surgery. 

I had my surgery in March of 2018 and so far I’ve lost 101 pounds.

My main focus was my son. I’m a single mom and I knew I had to get healthy for him, but also for myself. I wanted to be here to see him when he grows up. 

Overall, my journey has been relatively easy. I didn’t have any complications. I do everything Dr. Long tells me to do and so far it’s been great. I was kind of shocked at how — I don’t want to say easy because I still had to put in work — well I have recovered. I just stuck to the diet and followed the plan.

I can do everything I couldn’t before. 

Little things like being able to cross my legs again is exciting, but one of the best things is being able to play with my son. We can go outside and run around together, and I don’t have to worry about if I’m going to lose my breath. 

Now that I’ve had my surgery, shopping for clothes is fun again. I can wear different things. I can go into a store and buy outfits off the rack. I don’t have to special order anything or worry about if it will fit. 

I haven’t had the chance to ride on a roller coaster yet, but I know I can fit and I’m excited to do it! 

 Surgery truly is a tool, and you have to change your lifestyle to make it work. 

If you’re considering weight-loss surgery, I say do it. It’s absolutely life changing. I try not to live with what ifs or regrets. I recommend weight loss surgery to anybody who is overweight or struggling. It literally changed my life. My sister recently had surgery as well, and it’s already changed her life, too. 

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. 

*Individual results may vary.

Over the years, I had a really hard time losing weight. I was on so many diet plans and even tried diet pills.  None of it helped. Nothing seemed to work for me. I would lose maybe 20 pounds, but then eventually gain it back and, after a while, I became frustrated with the whole process.

After years of trying to lose weight on my own, I started researching gastric bypass.

Gastric bypass seemed like the best fit for me. I decided it was time to talk to a surgeon about my options and I was referred to Dr. Long. He is the one who did my surgery and has helped me throughout my weight loss process.

I felt like I was well prepared going into surgery. Once my insurance was approved, it was a really quick process getting everything scheduled and prepared for my gastric bypass surgery.  

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.

I’m going on three years since my surgery and it’s been great so far.

The rapid weight loss was one of the biggest surprises to me after my surgery. I knew gastric bypass was going to help me lose weight, but I was able to get it off really quick. I lost around 60 pounds within the first 4 months after surgery.* It was like it was melting off. I didn’t really have any issues with the diet changes either. I was given a packet of information on what I should eat and I’ve been sticking to it.

Now that I’m about three years out from my surgery, I can eat pretty much anything I want. My stomach is a lot smaller so I can’t eat much at one time, but I do watch what I eat and take my vitamins to stay on track. I do everything Dr. Long told me to do and I haven’t had any problems.

I recommend gastric bypass for anyone who is severely overweight.

I tried diet after diet and I know what it’s like. I highly recommend this surgery to anyone who is having trouble losing weight, no matter what circumstances they are going through.   

Dr. Long is like Ben Stein with you. He is always full of questions and every time I go in the office he wants to know what’s going on with me and everything I’m going through. I really like that about him. I go in for a yearly check up now, and it’s always good to see everyone in the office.

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.

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. 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.

Severe obesity affects millions of Americans and brings with it a host of potentially life-threatening health problems. Because of this, weight loss surgery is often considered the best and most effective treatment for people who are considered morbidly obese. However, insurance coverage and cost often play a major role in the decision to undergo a weight loss procedure.

If you’ve been considering Gastric Sleeve Surgery, you may be wondering what costs are associated with it and if it is covered by insurance. The following is a guide to Gastric Sleeve costs, with or without insurance, and other factors that will help you decide whether this weight loss surgery is right for you.

 Factors Contributing to Gastric Sleeve Surgery Costs

Bariatric surgery prices vary based on type, level of invasiveness, and where you choose to have your surgery done. Gastric Sleeve Surgery is considered one of the less invasive weight loss procedures, requiring less time spent in surgery and a shorter hospital stay in most cases. This allows it to be offered at a lower price than other weight loss surgeries.

Insurance Coverage for Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Obesity is officially recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association. The health risks associated with it are so high that many insurance plans will cover most, if not all, of the costs of the surgical procedure for Gastric Sleeve Surgery. However, there are instances that may cause you to not be covered or denied. Because there are so many different plans, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us to discuss your options.

Paying for Gastric Sleeve Surgery Without Insurance

For those who are not covered by their insurance or choose to pay for Gastric Sleeve Surgery without using insurance, private pay is a very common option. While prices will vary among different surgeons, at Birmingham Minimally Invasive, our Gastric Sleeve Surgery starts at just $8,999, making it an affordable option for anyone looking to treat their severe obesity without breaking the bank.  

Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Right for You?

At BMI Surgery, we know there are many factors that go into your decision to undergo a weight loss procedure like Gastric Sleeve Surgery. Our goal is to provide the latest surgical procedures at a state-of-the-art facility at the most competitive prices possible. By offering Gastric Sleeve Surgery for just $8,999, we hope to help as many patients as possible lose weight and regain control of their life.

We work with our patients to make the process as simple as possible and determine the best payment options on a case-by-case basis. If you’re interested in learning more about your options, read more about Gastric Sleeve Surgery and contact us to schedule your first appointment.   

CONTACT US TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY COSTS

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.

I had always been small and petite throughout my life and even competed in pageants like Miss Alabama. Then, after having two children and gaining weight each time and going through menopause, I really packed the weight on and was never able to lose it all.

I became uncomfortable with myself after I gained weight. I stopped wanting to go out and it got to the point where all I did was go to work and come home. Once I realized I was over 200 pounds, I said “okay that’s it.”

I had talked to a few people who had gastric sleeve surgery, and I finally decided that I was going to go talk to a doctor and see if I was a candidate.

I decided to visit a few different doctors and get a better feel for what to expect. I met with one group and I just felt like I was in a cattle call there. There was no sense of personalized service so I decided to keep looking and that’s when I found Dr. Long.

I made an appointment to see Dr. Long and I felt totally comfortable with him from the start.

He spent an enormous amount of time with me going over everything and making sure I understood all of my options. After talking through everything, he told me he believed gastric sleeve surgery would be the best option for me.

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.

After surgery, I noticed I wasn’t as hungry and I couldn’t eat much. If I did eat too much I would feel sick so I had to learn what I could and couldn’t eat. Luckily, I’ve always been a creature of habit, so once I found what worked for me it was easy to stick to.

I am so much more active now. I never sit down. Before, I would get home from work and immediately go to the couch, but now I have the energy and ability to do anything I want.

My advice for anyone considering gastric sleeve surgery, is if you’ve thought about it, think about it some more and do your research. It has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I’m 16 months out from my surgery and I’m back to a comfortable and healthy weight. 

Dr. Long and his staff are just wonderful. If you have any questions or need to call for anything they’re always there to answer your questions. I have had a great experience and I can’t recommend it enough. Since my surgery, my neighbor has also had gastric sleeve done and one of my best friends just had it about two weeks ago. I give it high praise.

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.

Obesity is a growing health problem that affects millions of people across the U.S. As the number of overweight Americans rises, so does the number of people who are considered severely or morbidly obese.

From poor eating habits to high levels of stress, many different environmental factors, as well as some genetic factors, can contribute to an increase in weight gain. Without the 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.

What is Morbid Obesity?

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

It is characterized as an extreme amount of excess body fat and is often measured by calculating Body Mass Index, or BMI, which is the amount of body fat a person has based on their height and weight.

A person is considered morbidly obese when they reach a body mass index of 40 or higher or are more than 100 pounds over what is considered to be an ideal body weight. Along with BMI, morbid obesity is also diagnosed when a person reaches a level of obesity that greatly increases their risk of developing life-threatening health problems.

Health Risks and Conditions Associated with Morbid Obesity

Morbid obesity is recognized as a chronic disease and if left untreated, can lead to the development of one or more serious health problems. Common conditions associated with morbid obesity include:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep Apnea and Other Breathing Disorders
• Reproductive Problems
• Stroke

Morbid Obesity and Weight Loss Surgery

For people diagnosed with morbid obesity, the risks associated with not having weight loss surgery are often higher than the risks of surgery itself. Obesity is considered 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.

Luckily, treatment is available and surgery is an extremely viable option. At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we work to educate our patients on their weight loss options, as well as life after surgery. To learn more about your options and begin improving your health, schedule a consultation with us today!

LEARN MORE ABOUT IF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY IS RIGHT FOR YOU

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.

Establishing a workout routine after weight loss surgery is a major factor that affects the long-term success of your weight loss journey. Regular exercise will help you recover faster, reach your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. No matter what your activity level was prior to surgery, we recommend working with your physician and fitness professionals to establish an exercise plan to meet your unique needs and abilities.

The Benefits of Exercise After Weight Loss Surgery

We can’t stress enough the importance of developing an exercise routine after surgery. Regular exercise leads to measurable improvements in weight loss and better overall health. Setting attainable goals and gradually increasing your daily activity level post-surgery has many benefits including:

• Maintaining weight loss
• Improving circulation
• Strengthening your heart and bones
• Increasing your metabolic rate
• Developing muscle strength and endurance
• Improving blood sugar control
• Relieving stress
• Improving your mood

When To Start Working Out After Surgery

Patients can typically begin very light exercise within the first week after surgery. We understand that this can seem like a daunting task to take on so soon, but once cleared by your surgeon, the sooner you begin being active, the better.

The important thing to remember is to start small and set realistic goals. No one expects you to come straight out of surgery and run a marathon. Focus on adding activities to your daily routine that will encourage you to increase your heart rate, improve flexibility and build endurance.

Starting Your Post-Op Workout Routine

Week 1 – Week 4 Post-Op: Take this time to focus on getting back into the routine of your normal everyday activities. You should not lift anything over 10 pounds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be active. Need to do the dishes? Try washing them by hand, so you have to stay standing longer. If you have stairs in your home, walk up and down them a few extra times each day to get your heart rate up.

Set a goal to walk for a certain amount of time and then push yourself to walk a little longer each day. Slowly increasing your daily activity level right after weight loss surgery will help you build up stamina and add more active habits in your daily life.

After 4 Weeks Post-Op: Each patient is different, but at four weeks post-op you should be cleared to perform most, if not all, exercises. This is when you can really start ramping up your workout routine and begin exploring different types of exercises to find what you like best.

Walking is a great option, but can be hard on your joints. If that’s the case for you, swap a few days of walking for a few days spent in the pool. Water activities, like aerobics, are typically lower impact and can be a fun new way to stay active.

The important thing to remember throughout your weight loss journey, is that you are not alone. It is easy to get discouraged at times, but there are great resources to help you along the way. We’ve found that patients who seek out support, follow an exercise routine and stick to a healthy diet are far more likely to lose the weight and keep it off.

Learn More About Post-Op Exercise from Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery

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.