Category: Weight Loss Surgery

The gastric sleeve diet: before & after surgery

Posted on June 15, 2020

gastric sleeve diet

When it comes to gastric sleeve surgery, people always want to know two things first: how much will it cost, and what will I actually eat? We share all about the cost of surgery on our website, and in this blog post, we will share details about the gastric sleeve diet. 

The most important thing for you to know is that we are here for you every step along the way. 

Gastric sleeve diet: before surgery

We will help you make a plan for a special diet you will need to follow before surgery. This pre-op diet is geared toward reducing the amount of fat in and around your liver to reduce the risk of complications during surgery. 

Making changes in your diet before surgery will also help you start getting used to a new way of eating. This is a lifelong change, so the sooner you start, the better. Your new eating plan may begin as soon as you are cleared for the procedure.

Guidelines are individualized for each patient, but may include the following:

  • Eliminating or decreasing saturated fats, such as whole milk products, fatty meat, and fried food
  • Eliminating or decreasing foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as sugary desserts, pasta, potatoes, and bread
  • Eliminating high-sugar beverages, such as juice and sodas
  • Practicing portion control
  • Avoiding binge eating
  • Quitting smoking
  • Avoiding alcoholic beverages and recreational drugs
  • Not drinking beverages with meals
  • Taking a daily multivitamin
  • Taking protein supplements

With your pre-op diet, you will likely drink protein shakes and eat other high-protein, low-calorie foods that are easy to digest. As you get closer to your surgery date, you may need to follow a mostly-liquid or liquid-only diet. Based on your weight and overall health, you may be able to eat some solids during this time, such as fish, watered-down hot cereal, or soft-boiled eggs.

Gastric sleeve diet: after surgery

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 heal and adjust properly, 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 begins right after your surgery. During this time, you are restricted to clear liquids like water, broth, and unsweetened gelatin. This may sound like it will be challenging, but most patients experience little to no hunger the first few days after surgery.

Important things to remember 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 lead to dumping syndrome, a digestive problem that can occur after bariatric surgery. Food is “dumped” directly from your stomach into your small intestine without being digested. We want to avoid this.
  • No carbonation – Carbonation can lead to gas and bloating and should be avoided.
  • Lots of fluids – It is important to drink plenty of fluids to 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

We will confirm when you are able to move to stage two, which is usually around five days after surgery. During this stage, you will 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 your diet plan and avoid solid food. 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. You should try new foods at a slow pace 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

During this stage, your blender will become your best friend. Once you are around two weeks post- 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 always stay on top of your liquid intake. 

Stage four of the gastric sleeve diet: solid foods 

You’ve made it to the final stage. With Dr. Long’s approval, you can begin the transition to eating soft, solid foods around four weeks after 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. We recommend consuming around 60 grams of protein per day, which can be difficult if you fill up on other foods first. A daily protein shake, in addition to high protein foods like eggs and lean ground meat, will 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

 Achieving long-term success after gastric sleeve surgery

Once you have successfully incorporated solid foods back into your diet, it is important to continue making conscious food choices. 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.

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

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery. We are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website! 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. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Tips for a healthy vacation after weight loss surgery

Posted on June 5, 2020

healthy vacation

healthy vacation
It’s summertime, and for many, this typically means vacations to various destinations. This shouldn’t be any less possible for those who have had weight loss surgery. 

The type of vacation you take might depend somewhat on where you are in the recovery process. A more restful trip might be appropriate if you’ve had surgery recently, while those who are several months or years out from surgery may be ready for a much more active option.  

How to have a healthy vacation

Being able to go on vacation is part of what weight loss surgery is all about! It can help you get to a place where you can be more active and enjoy life to the fullest. This is our hope for all of our patients, and we want you to enjoy your trip without stress or anxiety, especially over what you will be able to eat. 

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your time away while also sticking to your healthy lifestyle. 

  1. Consider where you will go carefully. While it might be restful, a cruise and their notorious buffets might not be the best choice for someone who has recently had weight loss surgery.. Instead, a tropical location where there will be plenty of opportunities for outside activity and healthy fresh fruits and vegetables might be better. 
  2. Research ahead of time. There are many things you can do to prepare. Research dining options at your hotel; look up other dining options in the area; find out what fruits and vegetables are in season locally; make sure you know if your room has a refrigerator or kitchen; plan easy meals and snacks; and look for places where you can shop for healthy food options. 
  3. Use what you learn to make a plan. Through your research, maybe you find out that you will have a small kitchen, and there’s a local market close to your resort. Instead of feeling like you should always eat out, plan to prepare a few easy meals yourself. You may also want to plan ahead for having plenty of water and healthy snacks for spending time at the beach or pool and while doing other activities, such as hiking. Do you have a reusable water bottle, and do you have a backpack or bag where you can keep everything? These are the details to think about. 
  4. Take along some of your favorite healthy staples. Depending on how far you are traveling, you may be able to pack more food, including perishables, or not much. Staples like raw nuts or tuna packets will probably work for any trip, and if you can take a cooler along with you, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other options may work as well. 
  5. Prioritize drinking water. Drinking enough water every day is very important after weight loss surgery, so this is something you cannot relax about too much. You will feel better and find it easier to stick to your healthy habits if you drink enough water each day on vacation and while traveling. Remember that we often recommend that our patients do not drink while eating meals, so plan ahead for that if you can.
  6. If appropriate, plan an active trip. If you are far enough along in your recovery, focus your trip on all kinds of activity. This might simply mean exploring your vacation destination on foot as much as possible. Also consider options such as hiking, zip-lining, biking, snorkeling, and much more. Take advantage of the fact that you can do all of these things now!

While planning and research will go a long way, it’s very normal to want to indulge while on vacation, and that’s okay! Prepare for this if possible, but know that you might come across an awesome ice cream shop or an item on a menu that you just can’t resist. This is also a part of living that’s important, and we want you to be able to smartly indulge occasionally. Make sure it’s just that though — an indulgence. Then get back to your healthy habits without guilt or shame. Remember that you know what to do, even on vacation. 

If you desire the opportunity to get healthier so you can vacation again, contact us to learn more about which weight loss surgery option may be best for you.

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

The truth about appetite suppression after weight loss surgery

Posted on May 15, 2020

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The truth about appetite suppression after weight loss surgery

When you have weight loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery), you need to have all the facts. We want to clear up myths and misconceptions so that you know what to expect. One sometimes confusing issue that we often talk about with patients is appetite suppression. Understandably, people want to know what their appetite will be like after they have weight loss surgery. 

We will look at this more closely in this post, but the short answer is that it’s different for everyone. Many people have the idea that they will not be hungry at all. While this is true for some, it’s not true for everyone. You will likely still experience some hunger, but it will also probably be less than what you experienced before. Appetites are typically suppressed rather than eliminated completely. Here’s why. 

More about appetite suppression

According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, bariatric surgery increases the production of certain gut hormones that interact with the brain to reduce hunger, decrease appetite, and enhance satiety (feelings of fullness). Because of these factors, bariatric surgery typically helps produce long-term weight-loss.

When you experience rapid weight loss after surgery, your body goes through many hormonal and biochemical changes. Researchers also believe that the communication between the brain and the process of food digestion in the intestines is disrupted after weight loss surgery. 

Gastric sleeve & appetite suppression

It’s also worth mentioning that the results of gastric sleeve surgery are a little different than with gastric bypass or the LAP-BAND. With gastric sleeve, we cut away and remove part of the stomach. This is where the fundus is located, and the fundus produces the hunger-causing hormone ghrelin. The removal of the fundus and ghrelin significantly reduces hunger sensation in many patients. 

Right after surgery, the combination of swollen tissues and the difference in the amount of ghrelin being produced does often pretty much eliminate hunger and cravings. However, this won’t be permanent. Tissues return to normal, and the reduced ghrelin becomes the new normal that your body adjusts to over time. Many lifestyle factors will also lead to feeling hungrier than you were immediately after surgery, but your appetite will likely still be suppressed. Your hunger levels will eventually fall in line with your new food consumption patterns.

Managing hunger after weight loss

There is a big difference between hunger and cravings. Learning to tell the difference between the two is a big step for long-term weight loss. Even after surgery, you may still experience cravings for trigger foods. For example, you are not hungry at all, but you still want to eat potato chips. This is a craving, not hunger. 

Managing cravings and hunger after weight-loss surgery is very important. We start preparing you for this before your surgery with our pre-surgery diet plans, and you will also have a post-surgery diet plan. 

With a plan, strong willpower, and motivation, managing hunger — whether suppressed or eliminated for a period of time — is possible. Here are some tips that help many of our patients be successful:

  • Eat nutrient-dense foods. Foods that are high in fat and sugar are very low in nutrition. They also provide very little long-term satiety. Nutrient-dense proteins offer large satisfaction in small portions. Focus on lean meats instead of processed ones, and choose whole grains and vegetables for every meal. 
  • Eat slowly. Many of us eat much faster than we should, and our bodies do not register fullness until it’s too late. Instead, eat slowly and chew thoroughly. Your body will be able to catch up and let you know when to stop eating. 
  • Drink water strategically. Drinking water 45 minutes before and after a meal can also help with hunger, especially because we often mistake thirst or hunger. 
  • Have small, frequent meals. This is often key for many of our patients. When you are actually eating more often throughout the day, it can help with hunger and cravings. You don’t feel deprived, and it keeps you feeling satisfied. Five smaller meals often work well, and be sure to never skip meals even if you do not feel hungry.  

While we help prepare you for diet changes before weight loss surgery, it is a big adjustment to manage post-op. Like anything else, you will get used to it. More importantly, your body will adjust. Many patients come to prefer their post-surgery diet plan. To talk more about what to expect regarding appetite and hunger after weight loss surgery, we would love to talk with you about your individual situation. Contact us today!

We will work with you every step along the way on your weight loss surgery eating plan

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a caring group of professionals, including nutritionists and dieticians. 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! 

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Stories from our patients: reasons for weight loss surgery

Posted on May 3, 2020

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weight loss surgeryWhen diet and exercise haven’t worked to help you lose weight, it might be time to consider weight loss surgery. This may be even more important if you have other serious health problems known as comorbidities, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and more.

While this is the more technical explanation of why you might need to have weight loss surgery, we want to focus on some of the more unique and relatable reasons many of our patients made this life-changing decision. We see so many successes, and people are often happy to share their results. 

Read on for some compelling reasons why you might want to consider weight loss surgery based on experiences from our patients. 

Technical reasons for weight loss surgery

First, let’s get a little more technical information out of the way. The weight-loss surgeries we offer at Birmingham Minimally Invasive include gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and LAP-BAND. Collectively, these types of surgeries are known as bariatric surgery, and they involve making changes to your digestive system.

The overall reason for any bariatric surgery is to help you lose excess weight and reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems.

Generally speaking, bariatric surgery could be an option if your body mass index (BMI) is 40 or higher (extreme obesity). It may also be an option if your BMI is 35 to 39.9 (obesity), and you have a serious weight-related health problem, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or severe sleep apnea. 

Personal reasons for weight loss surgery

While these technical reasons are extremely important, and you will go through an extensive screening process with us to determine the best option for you, there is often more to the story. 

For example, one of our patients, Lisa, decided to get weight loss surgery for her health:

“I had gradual weight gain year after year, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, unpredictable blood sugar, and I was passing out at work. My cardiologist told me that my number one priority was losing weight. He said I had literally taken years off of my life by not eating healthy and exercising.” Lisa had gastric bypass surgery. Her heaviest weight before meeting Dr. Long was 324, but one year after surgery, she weighed 150. Eventually her weight was 134.

Another patient of ours, Tami, decided to get bariatric surgery because she was missing out on her life: 

“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.” Tami had gastric sleeve surgery and lost over 100 pounds.

Patti has gastric bypass because over the years she had a 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.” Four years after surgery, she was able to eat pretty much anything she wanted. She eats smaller portions, but she says she does everything Dr. Long suggests and has stayed successful. 

Natalie was uncomfortable with herself after gaining 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.’” Natalie had gastric sleeve surgery and was able to get back to a comfortable, healthy weight.

Doctor supervised diets didn’t work for Marco.

“ I just felt like all these diets were all wrong for my body makeup. Every diet I tried, it seemed like I would lose some weight, and then it would just pack right back on.” Marco had gastric sleeve surgery, and after surgery, he stuck to what Dr. Long and staff told him to do. He saw the weight come off!

Jessica started considering weight loss surgery because of her knees. 

“It had actually gotten to the point where I could barely walk anymore. My knee surgeon told me the only other thing that could be done was a knee replacement, but, unfortunately, insurance wouldn’t cover it because I was only 40 years old at the time. While my knee surgeon got me on a weight loss plan, I began doing some research of my own. That’s when I did a Google search and came across Dr. Long at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.” Jessica had gastric bypass and was able to return to wearing the same size clothes she wore in high school.

As you can see, success looks different for everyone. But the reasons for weight loss surgery look different too. Whatever your reasons are, they are valid, and we would love to discuss them with you.  

Why choose BMI? Minimally invasive approach, award-winning surgeon & more

Posted on April 13, 2020

weight loss center alabama

weight loss center alabamaChoosing to have weight loss surgery is a very big decision. But there is quickly another decision you must make: where will you have your surgery done, and what doctor will you work with? 

While there are many wonderful doctors who can perform a variety of weight loss surgeries, the truth is that all weight loss centers are not created equal. 

We built Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery with the goal of providing efficient and effective surgical procedures to patients. We offer a state-of-the-art facility, a board-certified surgeon, and the latest surgical procedures at competitive prices.

Why minimally invasive?

The first thing to consider is whether or not a weight loss center provides minimally invasive options. Minimally invasive surgery replaces older surgical methods of creating large, open incisions. Instead, we insert small surgical instruments through tube-like devices called trocars. We then perform the procedure through these trocars with the guidance of video cameras.

As the patient, you benefit from minimally invasive surgery dramatically compared to traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive surgery offers less pain, reduced scarring, lower risks of infection, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, quicker return to work, and less occurrence of post-operative incisional hernias. Many patients now demand and expect the least invasive approaches in meeting their surgical needs. 

Minimally invasive surgery is performed both on an inpatient (stay in the hospital) and outpatient (go home the same day) basis.

What else does your weight loss center offer?

We believe that education is very important all throughout your weight loss journey. Before weight loss surgery and after, there will be a lot for you to learn. Our website features pricing options for each weight loss surgery we offer, FAQs, an online BMI calculator, a blog where we dive more deeply into weight loss related topics, and more.

We do want to note that the information on our website is strictly for educational purposes only. We want to provide resources, but these should not be used for decisions regarding treatment. All such decisions must be made in consultation with your physician.

More about our surgeon, Dr. Long

Dr. Long is board-certified in general surgery and is an award-winning laparoscopic surgeon. His training includes a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. 

Dr. Long has been performing weight loss surgery since 2002 and has had outstanding results. Dr. Long opened his practice in July 2006, and he provides services at St. Vincent’s East, St. Vincent’s St. Clair, and Grandview Medical Center. Dr. Long is a member of the American College of Surgery Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, and he is also certified in LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE.

As you can see, there are many factors involved in choosing a weight loss surgery center. We encourage you to be a champion of your weight loss, your overall health, and your surgical health so you are able to make the best decisions for your unique goals. We will work with you at every step along the way!

Contact us to learn more about Dr. Long and BMI Surgery

Dr. Jay Long is trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. He has performed thousands of procedures using this technique, helping countless patients across the nation. Our practice, Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, is a caring group of professionals who specialize in all types of bariatric surgery. 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 cost: what’s included & what’s not

Posted on April 9, 2020

gastric sleeve cost

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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 big advantage is that we perform gastric sleeve laparoscopically, which means there is a shorter recovery time than with other bariatric surgeries, allowing you to resume your normal daily life sooner. 

There is another big advantage too, and that is the cost. Our price at BMI Surgery is $8,999. This is the best price you will find in our area because our goal is to make losing weight more attainable for you. Whether you choose to pursue private pay or insurance coverage, we will help you meet the requirements so you can lose weight and start feeling great.

Let’s look a little more closely at what’s involved in the cost of gastric sleeve — what you get, what you don’t get, and how people approach their payments.

Factors contributing to gastric sleeve 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. It requires less time to perform the surgery and a shorter hospital stay in most cases. This allows us to offer it at a lower price than some other weight-loss surgeries.

Gastric sleeve cost: what’s included & what’s not at BMI

Our $8,999 cash pricing includes:

  • Pre-operative testing with blood work and EKG, if necessary
  • Surgeon fee for the procedure
  • Anesthesiologist fee
  • Post-operative office visits for 90 days
  • Surgery center fee (Unfortunately, not all patients will be candidates for outpatient surgery. If the procedure has to be performed in the hospital, the total price will be $12,800, and this cost will cover a one-night stay in the hospital.)
  • Monthly support group meetings

Pricing does not include:

  • Pre-operative office visit, which is $195
  • Pre-operative nutrition evaluation/education and postoperative nutrition followup, which is $80 in total
  • Post-operative office visits at 6 months and yearly, which are $125 per visit

Paying for gastric sleeve surgery: insurance or out of pocket?

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 cover most, if not all, of the costs for gastric sleeve surgery. However, there are instances in which coverage may be denied. 

When insurance does cover the surgery, there are typically very strict requirements to qualify even though the procedure is medically indicated. This often includes a lengthy physician-supervised diet that usually lasts about seven months. By paying out of pocket, you avoid all of these strict requirements that insurance companies create. You can start the journey towards a healthier life much more quickly. 

Making the right choice

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 and at the most competitive prices possible. By offering gastric sleeve surgery for just $8,999, we hope to help many patients lose weight and regain control of their life.

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, including gastric sleeve surgery. We are so proud of our pricing that we publish the costs right on the front page of our website! 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. Give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

 

What’s in a name? BMI explained

Posted on March 10, 2020

BMI


BMI

BMI

When you think about our practice, do you think of us as “Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery,” or do you call us “BMI”? Many people refer to us simply as BMI, and this is by design. 

While BMI is a shortened name for our practice, including the keywords “minimally invasive,” it also stands for “body mass index.” Body mass index (BMI) is a tool we use to help us make an initial assessment about whether or not a potential patient is a good candidate for weight loss surgery. You can even try an assessment yourself on our website where we have a BMI calculator available. 

So if we choose BMI — short for Birmingham Minimally Invasive and body mass index — as our name, you can bet that it’s important to us. Here’s a little more information about why.

More about body mass index

Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. We want to note that BMI is not a diagnostic tool. It is a starting point for us in looking at each person’s individual health. 

BMI basics:

  • A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 25
  • A person with a BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight
  • A person with a BMI over 30 is considered obese

In general, the higher your BMI, the higher your risk of developing a range of conditions linked with excess weight. This includes diabetes, arthritis, liver disease, several types of cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity and being overweight combined are the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. They estimate that approximately 300,000 deaths each year are due to obesity. 

Typically, the higher the BMI, the worse a patient feels and the more limited they are in having an active lifestyle. When BMI goes down, these factors tend to improve as well.

More about Birmingham Minimally Invasive 

When you have a procedure at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, our goal is to make your recovery as quick and painless as possible. We accomplish this by taking a laparoscopic approach. Rather than creating large incisions, our surgeon, Dr. Long, uses minimally invasive techniques that involve small tubes, a video camera, and small surgical instruments. 

Smaller entry points for the surgery make for a faster recovery and a much lower chance of infection. Using traditional “open” techniques, patients frequently see recovery times of six to eight weeks. With minimally invasive techniques, the patient can be back to work in four to seven days.

Minimally invasive benefits:

  • Less pain
  • Reduced scarring
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Less blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stays
  • Quicker return to work
  • Less occurrence of post-operative incisional hernias

When it comes to minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Long is the best. He is an award-winning laparoscopic surgeon specifically trained in this approach for bariatric surgery. He has performed thousands of procedures using this technique, helping countless patients across the nation. He performs minimally invasive surgery on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Dr. Long has been performing weight loss surgery since 2002 and has had outstanding results. 

If you are interested in working with Dr. Long to determine your BMI and then go from there to explore the options of gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, LAP-BAND, and more, contact us today.

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Explaining the “sleeve” in gastric sleeve surgery

Posted on February 25, 2020

gastric sleeve surgery

gastric sleeve surgeryWhen many people hear “gastric sleeve surgery,” they get an idea in their head that we actually insert a sleeve-like structure into your stomach. However, this is a common misconception. With gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, we don’t insert anything at all. 

The term “sleeve” is simply a description of what your stomach looks like after the procedure is complete. During sleeve surgery, we remove about 75% of the stomach. This leaves a narrow gastric “tube” or what looks like a sleeve. 

What happens during gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure in the United States. You may be a candidate for this procedure if your body mass index (BMI) is greater than or equal to 40. You may also be a candidate if your BMI is between 30 and 40 and you also have other medical problems such as diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

Gastric sleeve surgery may be an option for you if you are severely obese and have not been able to shed the excess weight through diet and exercise. The procedure, in coordination with lifestyle modifications, can help improve your overall health and quality of life.

We take a laparoscopic approach for gastric sleeve surgery. This means we make just five or six small incisions in the abdomen and perform the procedure using a video camera (laparoscope) and long instruments that we place through these small incisions. We remove around 75% of your stomach and leave a narrow, sleeve-shaped gastric tube. With this procedure, we do not remove or bypass your intestines. Gastric sleeve surgery takes one to two hours to complete.

Weight loss from gastric sleeve surgery & other benefits

Gastric sleeve surgery is a restrictive procedure. It 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, and people often wonder how this happens.  In addition to reducing the size of your stomach, gastric sleeve may also reduce the amount of “hunger hormone” that your stomach produces. This can contribute to weight loss after the procedure as well.

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.

Many obesity-related problems improve or resolve after the procedure. Diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and abnormal cholesterol levels are improved or cured in more than 75% of patients undergoing gastric sleeve. 

Many patients are surprised to learn that gastric sleeve surgery is more affordable than they had imagined. We have payment options with and without insurance, but our $8,999 cash pricing cost is the best you will find in the area. To learn more, schedule your appointment with us today.

Contact Us to Learn More About Gastric Bypass Surgery

Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, 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. 

 

Everything you ever wanted to know about the LAP-BAND

Posted on January 20, 2020

lap-band

lap-band
You’ve heard of the LAP-BAND, and you know it’s a weight loss surgery option. But do you really know what it’s all about and why you might want to choose this option if you are considering weight loss surgery?

This minimally invasive procedure is one of the most common weight loss surgery options. In fact, it is generally thought to be the least traumatic of all weight-loss surgeries. It does not require any cutting, stapling, or stomach rerouting. This means less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay, and reduced recovery time.

For many, it’s the perfect way to lose weight and improve health conditions without being too restricting. We want everyone to be able to lead a happy and healthy life after surgery. Let’s see how that’s possible with the LAP-BAND.

How the LAP-BAND works

The LAP-BAND is a hollow band made of special material. Working laparoscopically, we place the band around the upper part of the stomach where it meets the esophagus. This creates a very small pouch that empties into the larger remaining portion of the stomach. The band is connected to a port, which is located underneath the skin of the abdomen. 

With this port, we can inflate the band 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. This tightening or loosening determines how much restriction there is on what you eat. 

The LAP-BAND induces weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed.

Advantages of the LAP-BAND

If fewer risks and side effects are at the top of your list when choosing a weight loss surgery, you should know the LAP-BAND offers a variety of benefits when compared to other procedures. Here are some of the other major advantages of the LAP-BAND:

  • Lower mortality risk than other weight loss surgery procedures — Both total complications and mortality rate are extremely low for the LAP-BAND with a mortality rate of only 0.1%, according to Obesity News Today.
  • Low risk of nutritional deficiencies — Since we do not change your anatomy with the LAP-BAND, food and nutrients continue to be properly absorbed into the body.
  • Reduced risk of hair loss — Since this typically occurs as a result of a nutritional deficiency, hair loss can be more common with other weight loss procedures.
  • No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions — Dumping syndrome occurs when food passes too quickly to the lower intestine. But again, because we do not change your anatomy with the procedure, this is unlikely to occur.
  • Adjustable — We can adjust the band to better meet your needs and weight loss goals, if necessary. Some patients also like knowing that it is reversible, and we can restore the stomach to its original form and function.
  • Cost-effective — The LAP-BAND is on the lower end of the scale in terms of weight loss surgery cost. This is often especially appealing for those who will be paying out of pocket, rather than using insurance assistance for payment. See pricing on all of our options here. 

The average LAP-BAND patient loses 30 to 40% of their excess body weight within two years. It is an effective procedure that many people are happy with years down the road when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Finding the weight loss surgery option that’s right for you takes careful consideration, and more importantly, the opinion of a professional surgeon who understands your lifestyle. By working with our experienced surgeon at Birmingham Minimally Invasive, we will determine if the LAP-BAND is your answer.

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. 

A look at the major differences between gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND

Posted on January 8, 2020

weight loss surgery differences

weight loss surgery differences
Making the decision to have weight loss surgery is huge. But even when you are certain that this is what you need to do, it can be overwhelming to move forward. Our surgeon and staff will be with you every step along the way, but we know that many patients like to be as informed as possible about their options. 

In this post, we will take a closer look at three of our most common procedures to discuss differences, advantages, disadvantages, and more. 

Differences between our three most popular weight loss surgery options

One thing we hear often is that patients want to have the least invasive surgery possible. As our name suggests — Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery — all of our options are indeed minimally invasive. Our three most common procedures are gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and LAP-BAND. We perform each of these laparoscopically, which requires only four to six tiny incisions and less than two hours in the operating room.

Gastric Sleeve

During gastric sleeve surgery, we basically cut away the top and largest part of the stomach, which is called the fundus. About ⅔ of the stomach is removed. The removed section is where the hunger hormone, ghrelin, lives. If you’ve heard someone say they are never hungry after gastric sleeve surgery, it is because we have removed the hormone completely. Some people find this benefit more appealing than others. The combination of removing the hunger hormone and a large portion of the stomach typically leads to significant weight loss.

Who’s a good candidate for gastric sleeve? 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. Because the procedure has been shown to be acid inducing, anyone with severe acid reflux disease should probably avoid this option.

What are the benefits of gastric sleeve as opposed to other weight loss surgeries? Compared to other options, gastric sleeve is a simpler procedure. We do not reroute the intestines like we do during gastric bypass, and we do not put in a foreign body like we do with the LAP-BAND. It’s a quick procedure that involves cutting 2/3 of the stomach away, leaving a very small, banana-sized stomach.

Gastric Bypass

With gastric bypass (also called Roux-en-Y), we create a very small stomach pouch that restricts food intake. A Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch and 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). This reduces the amount of food you can take in because your stomach holds only one to two ounces. This also decreases the absorption of food and nutrients, which aids in weight loss as well.

Who’s a good candidate for gastric bypass? Gastric bypass is often a better option for our heavier patients because most will 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. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of gastric bypass? Some people like knowing that gastric bypass is technically considered reversible. However, this is something we always want to avoid, because reversal will cause you to gain the weight back. After surgery, you do have to take nutritional and vitamin supplements for life because of the malabsorption of food and nutrients.

We hear that people often 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 LAP-BAND

With this procedure, we place the LAP-BAND, a foreign body made of a special material, 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. The band is connected 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, giving patients more or less restriction.

Who’s a good candidate for the LAP-BAND? Many 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 the patient chooses to do so. It can be a good option for those paying out of pocket, because the cost is less than other options. It’s one of our more cost effective procedures.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the LAP-BAND? With the LAP-BAND, weight loss may be somewhat slower than with other options. We have to find that “happy place” where the patient is able to get food down but also able to maintain smaller portion sizes. This is where band adjustments come into play.

Weight loss surgery with and without insurance

The role your insurance plays may be a big factor in which weight loss procedure is best for you. Many insurance companies have a BMI requirement for each surgery that you will need to meet in order to be a candidate. If you will be paying out of pocket, the cost of the procedure will likely play a major role in your decision. 

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. 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.

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.