Category: Weight Loss Surgery

Dealing With Excess Skin After Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on March 8, 2022

Excess Skin After Weight Loss

When first consulting, preparing for, and during the early recovery phase after weight loss surgery, most people are focused mostly on doing everything they need to do in order to lose weight and become healthier. And that’s where your focus should be!

Sometimes, even with very successful weight loss, there can be unexpected things that come up that maybe you weren’t prepared for or hadn’t thought about. One such issue that can occur is excess or loose skin after significant weight loss. Extra skin is a common side effect of major weight loss and may impact both physical comfort and body image.

Since we want to be totally open and honest about all things related to weight loss surgery at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, we will tackle this subject in this article. The possibility of excess or loose skin is nothing to fear!

What Causes Excess or Loose Skin After Weight Loss Surgery?

When you gain weight, your skin expands around the new mass that your body is adding. When you lose weight, your skin may not have enough elasticity to shrink back down. Therefore, excess, loose, or sagging skin can be a result of losing such a significant amount of weight after weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve. It does happen to some people, but not everyone.

For those who do have to deal with it, there are solutions and things to know that will hopefully relieve any fears you may have about excess skin after weight loss surgery.

When it comes to how much excess skin you will have, each person is different. The amount of loose skin present after weight loss surgery depends on several factors, such as your weight before surgery, age, smoking history, and genetics.

To what extent excess skin bothers each person varies as well. It’s totally normal for it to be a big issue for some, while others aren’t bothered by it much at all. A common concern is that saggy skin increases the appearance of premature aging.

The problems that arise from excess skin are not always simply cosmetic though. Excess skin may cause chafing and rashes, especially when it rubs against other folds of skin or when it stays moist. With saggy skin, folds often rub against themselves, and these folds may be harder to keep clean. Over time, the top layer of skin (epidermis) can tear, creating irritation from chafing. This chafing can lead to infections.

Nutrition and Skin Health

Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting your skin’s health, especially after significant weight loss. The foods you eat can directly impact your skin’s elasticity, helping to reduce the appearance of excess skin and sagging skin after losing weight. By focusing on a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, you can help your skin adapt to your new body shape and support the natural processes that tighten loose skin.

Certain nutrients are especially important for skin after weight loss. Protein is crucial for building and repairing skin tissue, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce loose skin. Including lean meats, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts in your meals can help you maintain muscle mass and support wound healing, especially if you’re considering body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck or arm lift.

Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants that protect your skin from damage and support collagen production, which is essential for skin tightening. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, helps stimulate collagen, while vitamin E, present in nuts, seeds, and avocados, helps protect your skin from sun damage and supports skin moisture. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon and in flaxseeds, can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy, supple skin.

Staying hydrated is another key factor in maintaining healthy skin after weight loss. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin moisturized and can improve its elasticity, making it less likely to develop excess loose skin. Aim for a stable weight and gradual weight loss, as rapid weight loss can increase the risk of sagging skin and make it harder for your skin to adapt.

In addition to these nutrients, foods rich in antioxidants—such as berries, spinach, and kale—can help protect your skin from free radical damage, while zinc from nuts and seeds supports wound healing and skin adaptability. Avoiding excessive sugar and processed foods is also important, as these can contribute to inflammation and negatively affect your skin’s appearance.

A healthy lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with good nutrition. Regular strength training can help you build muscle, which fills out your skin and improves body composition. Managing stress through activities like yoga or meditation can also support skin health by reducing inflammation. Wearing compression garments may help support your skin as it adjusts to your new body shape.

Some people may consider collagen supplements to further support collagen production and improve skin elasticity. However, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any new supplements, especially if you’re considering skin removal surgeries or other body contouring procedures. If you’re thinking about body contouring surgery to remove excess skin and fat, always seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and ensure the best results.

In summary, focusing on a balanced diet filled with skin-supporting nutrients, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve skin elasticity, reduce loose skin, and promote a firmer, more toned appearance after weight loss. Whether you choose non-surgical methods like firming creams and strength training or opt for body contouring surgery, taking care of your skin from the inside out is an important step in your weight loss journey.

Addressing Excess Skin After Weight Loss Surgery

If you’re worried about loose skin after weight loss surgery, whether for health reasons or because you’re concerned about how it may look, there are several ways to minimize sagging skin after surgery. Here are some strategies to think about:

  • Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated — This is crucial after weight loss surgery anyway. A balanced diet with plenty of protein and vitamins can help you keep the weight off and retain lean muscle. Staying hydrated is important for maintaining skin elasticity and supporting elastin production, which helps your skin stay firm. This diet and hydration may also help minimize loose or excess skin to some degree.
  • Exercise — Exercise can prevent loose skin after weight loss surgery. When you lose lean muscle mass, you may increase the looseness of your skin. Building muscle through strength training can help support the skin and avoid skin sagging after weight loss by filling out your skin more.
  • Treat your skin well — Your skin is an organ, and if you want to avoid loose skin after weight loss, taking care of it can help. This includes using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) regularly when outdoors to help maintain skin firmness and prevent premature sagging, using moisturizers, and drinking plenty of water to keep your whole body hydrated.

Non-surgical methods, such as strength training, building muscle, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can help tighten skin after weight loss. However, these approaches may not be sufficient for everyone who has lost a large amount of weight, and some may still experience loose or sagging skin.

If the above strategies aren’t enough, cosmetic surgery is also an option. After losing 100 or 150 pounds, it is realistic to expect that you may still have some excess skin. The more weight lost, especially in cases of major weight loss, the more likely it is that excess skin will be present. After major weight loss, body contouring surgeries such as a lower body lift or procedures targeting the upper arms may be considered to remove loose skin and improve body shape. Cosmetic surgery removes excess skin and fat from the body, and removing excess skin can help address both physical discomfort and improve appearance after significant weight lost. A tummy tuck after weight loss surgery is one of the more common procedures. If you’re looking at this option, it’s important to work with a reputable plastic surgeon. The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons is a good place to start, and we will be happy to make a recommendation as well.

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery to Get Started on Your Weight Loss Journey

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 


What Our Patients Love About Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on February 8, 2022

BMI Surgery patients

BMI Surgery patients
There are many, many reasons to have weight loss surgery, and each patient comes into the experience with their own set of goals and motivations that continue to evolve over time. As people go through the process, it’s always interesting to see what parts stand out to them, what parts meant the most, and what they really loved – before, during, or after. 

Here are some thoughts from former patients that we’d like to share.

Patients Share What They Love About Weight Loss Surgery

Lisa – Finding Dr. Long

“I attended a seminar that Dr. Long hosted where he answered questions and shared realistic expectations. I instantly felt that he was the one who needed to do this surgery for me. He is knowledgeable about all aspects of the surgery, including how to prepare in the months before surgery and what to expect after. He is so professional, yet comforting.”

Amber – An Active Lifestyle

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

Patty – A Minimally Invasive Approach

“Doing the surgery laparoscopically made it possible for me to have minimal down time, so I could get back to my normal life. The recovery process after surgery was really good for me. I was only out of work for two weeks….I didn’t have to miss much work and I haven’t experienced any problems since the surgery.”

Elizabeth – Craving Healthy Foods & Internal Regulator

“Since the surgery, while I tend to crave a variety of things, I’d say I eat very healthy most days, and I even feel out of sync if I don’t have a small salad as part of a meal at least once a day. That’s not to say that I don’t still eat things that might be considered unhealthy, but I rarely want them since they typically make me feel bad afterwards. 

For instance, I found that if I have something that’s super processed or full of sugar, it makes me feel weird, like I can feel my system is in the wrong gear. Because of this, I definitely crave unhealthy stuff a whole lot less than I did before, and for someone who was able to always pack it in, it’s nice to have an internal governor that makes me want to stop after only a bite or two.”

June – A Doctor Who Is Always Honest

“When I went to see Dr. Long for the first time, I immediately told him I wanted to do gastric band, which I believed was the least invasive of all the weight loss surgeries. After he spent some time getting to learn more about me, my lifestyle and hobbies, he told me he just didn’t think I’d be happy with gastric band. He thought it would restrict me to the point where I wouldn’t be happy, and that it didn’t seem to suit my lifestyle. 

He went on to educate me about the difference between gastric band and gastric bypass. He also said, and I’ll never forget, that though everyone is different, with gastric bypass, at some point in time, I could eat whatever my family eats – I just wouldn’t be able to eat as much. I’m so glad I decided to do gastric bypass because Dr. Long was absolutely right. I have no regrets. None.”

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery to Get Started on Your Weight Loss Journey

We will always treat each patient as an individual. The right answer for one person is not always right for you, and Dr. Long has a gift for finding that correct path that will suit you best!

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.

First Appointment at BMI Surgery: What to Expect

Posted on February 2, 2022

BMI Surgery appointment

BMI Surgery appointment
Making an appointment at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is often the first and biggest step in a wonderful weight loss journey. However, we know it can be scary, and you may have many thoughts and questions running through your head about what that first appointment will be like. 

To help ease your nerves, we want to share some information about what these first appointments are actually like. Patients are often pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it is! It’s important that you feel seen and heard, and we want you to know that you have the whole team at BMI Surgery on your side.

What to Expect At An Appointment at BMI Surgery

First, you should know a little bit about our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long. You can see the impressive list of certifications, memberships, awards, and more on our website and feel confident about his experience and expertise. He truly knows what he’s doing, and he really is the best! 

Equally important, our patients love him. Many comment on his ability to put people at ease and make them feel comfortable. When you’re talking about such huge decisions, that’s really crucial. Despite his ability to make people feel comfortable, he also maintains a knowledgeable and professional demeanor as he talks with you.

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

We will need to see your insurance information, along with the following:

  • All pertinent x-ray reports and test results from your primary care or referring physician
  • Any required co-pays and payment for any outstanding balances with our practice
  • A list of all medications that you are currently taking
  • A list of any known drug allergies and the symptoms you may have from taking these medicines
  • A copy of your operation report if you’ve previously had surgery elsewhere

What Your First Appointment Will Look Like

During your initial visit, Dr. Long will take your history and perform a physical examination. He will also review your previous medical records. He will most likely order tests to help him properly determine your diagnosis and find the appropriate treatment.

Depending on which treatment Dr. Long recommends, he will talk to you about any possible risks of the surgery. Although complications are rare, all surgeries, especially those that involve anesthesia, carry some risks, and he always outlines these for you. 

You may be ready to book your surgery at this point, you may need some time to think it over, or if you’ll be paying with insurance, you may start that process at this time. 

Dr. Long is always happy to answer questions, and our staff is also able to answer questions for you. There will be additional time for questions and further education later as well since every patient, private pay or insurance pay, is required to attend an online nutrition/prep class that is led by our bariatric coordinator and bariatric nutritionist. 

She had gastric bypass surgery herself, so she’s very familiar with the process, along with the emotions that go along with it. In this class, we’ll address all your questions and concerns while giving you information on pre-op nutrition, post-op nutrition, and everything else you’ll need to know about the surgery, including mental preparations. 

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery to Schedule Your First Appointment

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Small, Healthy Habits That Make a Big Difference

Posted on January 18, 2022

healthy habits

healthy habits
Whether you are trying to lose weight on your own or you’ve had weight loss surgery at Birmingham Minimally Invasive, focusing on the number on the scale alone can lead to issues we don’t want. This might mean getting into a cycle of losing and regaining weight, low self-esteem, or an unhealthy obsession with food and body image. 

Instead, it’s often best to focus on overall health and small, daily habits that can improve your health and well-being. Most likely, as you improve your health, you will naturally improve your weight as well. 

Healthy Habits that Make a Big Difference for Weight Loss

What can you change on a daily basis? Are you totally inactive now? Do you eat fast food every day? Do you skip breakfast? 

In these situations, starting with small daily changes can go a long way. Go for a 10-minute walk every day, then slowly start working up to longer times. Cut out fast food one day at a time until you are eating out much less frequently. Start eating breakfast one day at a time until you’re having breakfast every day. Taking it one day at a time often feels more doable, rather than looking at things on a larger scale by the week, month, or even year.

For those who are already losing weight and have had weight loss surgery, it may be harder to find achievable goals or habits that need improvement. But that room for improvement is always there. For example, maybe your diet plan suggests eating fish once a week, but you don’t typically include it in your meal plans. Resolve to learn new recipes and try them out every week.

Wherever you are with your weight loss and your journey toward a healthier life, here are more suggestions for small, daily habits that can make a big difference.

  1. Try a new form of exercise. Some people don’t exercise because they don’t like it. They don’t like running or going to the gym. So try something else, like simple walking while listening to music or a yoga DVD at home. It’s also common to get tired of always doing the same thing if you are more active, so instead of heading to the gym for the elliptical or treadmill, try swimming at the pool or taking a class. 
  2. Try the same old foods in new ways. Getting into a rut and getting tired of eating the same things can easily lead to eating things you shouldn’t. Pick out a fruit or vegetable you’ve never had before, or search the internet for new, healthy recipes. You can also try very simple things like adding berries to your yogurt or cereal in the morning, or chopping up new veggies to add to your salad. You may be tired of carrots dipped in a healthy dressing, but shredded carrots on your salad will be delicious.
  3. Only buy healthy options. This is a trap it’s easy to fall into, especially if you are buying groceries for others in your family. But your goal should be for your entire family to eat healthy foods, not just you. If you buy junk food, your family will eat junk food. If you buy healthy foods, that’s what they will eat instead, and you won’t have temptations around the house. 
  4. Eat meals with your family. Especially on busy school mornings or evenings, it may be easier to serve children their meals at different times or in front of the TV, but make it a goal to do this as little as possible. Eating together has many important benefits related to health and nutrition, but it’s also a time to connect and communicate. You will likely be much more satisfied with what you are eating when you are eating with others rather than alone.
  5. Always make it a true meal. This can also be hard with busy schedules, but always plate your food and sit down to eat. Food eaten out of packages and while standing is forgettable. You can wind up eating lots more than if you sit down and consciously enjoy your meals.
  6. Don’t eat after dinner. This is where many people trip up and end up packing on the extra pounds. Maybe you’ve done well all day, but by evening you’re tired and your resolve starts to falter. Make a plan for yourself that you won’t eat after dinner. If you’ve had a healthy, satisfying meal at the table with your family that includes the appropriate amounts of protein, fat, veggies, and carbs, you won’t miss the after dinner snacking. 

Work With Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery to Start Making Healthy Changes!

Each and every small change you make can help you lose weight and become healthier. These daily habits do make a difference no matter what your weight is. However, many people do need extra help through weight loss surgery such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. It’s often the jumpstart our patients need to truly make a commitment to changing their lives, and we would love to help you do this too!

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Tips to Help You Prepare for Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on January 10, 2022

weight loss surgery preparation

weight loss surgery
Once the decision has been made to have weight loss surgery, many of our patients at Birmingham Minimally Invasive focus primarily on the surgery itself and what life will be like after. But there are actually many things to think about regarding life before surgery happens.

Preparing for weight-loss surgery begins several months in advance. Once our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long, has determined that you are a good candidate for options such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, we’ll start working with you on all the details to get you ready.

Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a great tool to help you lose weight and get healthier. It’s not a miracle cure though, and it does take work and preparation. The more you mentally prepare and make lifestyle changes before surgery, the easier the transition will be and the better you can hit the ground running with your weight-loss. 

Here are some typical things you’ll need to do as you prepare for your surgery, but remember that each of our patients has an individualized plan. Your plan may look slightly different depending on your unique situation.

Truly consider why you eat. Many people who are obese eat for reasons other than hunger. Maybe it’s stress, boredom, habit, emotion, mental health conditions, or other reasons. While surgery will change how much you can eat at one time, it won’t change these mental health factors. Figuring out why you overeat and making changes to improve those habits before surgery will be extremely beneficial after surgery. This may require working with a therapist or attending a support group.

Talk to your health insurance provider about your coverage. Many insurance companies do cover at least a portion of weight loss surgery, but they may have special requirements you must follow. Find out the details on this as soon as possible so that your surgery doesn’t have to be delayed.

Practice eating on a schedule. After surgery, you’ll need to eat a protein based meal every three to four hours. If you’re not eating this way now, the transition to multiple mini-meals a day can be hard. Map out a schedule of when and what to eat. Food prep is the key that helps many people stay on track. Bring snacks, balanced meals, and water with you wherever you go if you’ll be out and about when it’s time for a meal.

Eat like you’ve already had surgery. Mini meals may work well as mentioned above, but it’s also important to get used to eating slowly and chewing very thoroughly. Read more about what you’ll be able to eat and when in this article.

Make a plan for holidays, parties, and social events. You may be surprised to find out how much food plays a role in your social life and your overall lifestyle. Most likely, this will need to change to some extent. Start to identify changes that will need to occur and communicate early on with friends and family members.

Treat your water bottle like it’s your best friend. Dehydration is one of the biggest post-op complications. You won’t be able to drink large amounts of fluid at one time, and you won’t be drinking during meals. Instead, you will drink at non-meal times so that you can fit in enough protein and other vitamins and nutrients. This is a big change, so practicing before surgery will be very helpful.

Begin a regular exercise program. You don’t get to have weight loss surgery because you don’t want to work out. Regular, long-term exercise is a huge part of being successful with weight loss after surgery. Finding exercise options that you enjoy before you have surgery will help you have a plan that you can look forward to after surgery.

Follow our recommended pre-surgery diet. 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. Your new eating plan may begin as soon as you are cleared for the procedure.

Guidelines are individualized for each patient and surgery type, 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

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery to Get Started on Your Weight Loss Journey

While we will require some of these preparations such as the pre-surgery diet, many of them are up to you. You will get out of it what you put into it, and this is true even before surgery. The more you prepare, the more you’ll be ready mentally and physically for the weight loss journey you’re about to begin.

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Curing Type 2 Diabetes With Weight Loss

Posted on December 13, 2021

type 2 diabetes cure

type 2 diabetes cure
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious and concerning obesity-related diseases. While some people are genetically predisposed to diabetes, type 2 diabetes is frequently linked to preventable causes, like obesity. The condition often leads to a significant reduction in quality of life and can severely reduce life expectancy.

However, there is good news. Through countless studies, doctors have found that losing weight, including weight loss as a result of bariatric surgery, can improve type 2 diabetes, and many times, cure it. 

How Type 2 Diabetes & Obesity Are Related

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reducing life expectancy by 12 to 14 years. Diabetes is also the number one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult blindness. This is why it’s so important to seek treatment for complete remission or improvement as soon as possible.

Obesity is an important factor in developing diabetes, and those who are severely obese are 10 times more likely to develop the disease. Foods that are high in fats and carbohydrates increase fatty acids in the blood and lipid (fat) build-up in the liver and muscles. This increases insulin resistance and inflammation. Over time, the pancreas stops making enough insulin.

Diabetes occurs when blood sugar (blood glucose) levels are too high. Blood sugar is the primary source of energy for your cells, and it’s able to enter into cells because of the hormone insulin, which is made by the pancreas.

If your body does not make insulin or make enough insulin, glucose cannot get to your cells. This means it stays in the blood. When this situation is ongoing, it can cause certain health problems. Complications of diabetes can be very serious, possibly affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Weight Loss Surgery to Cure Type 2 Diabetes

With excess body fat being one of the main contributors to type 2 diabetes, weight loss surgery is recognized as the most effective treatment among affected individuals with a BMI of 35 or more.

Many weight loss surgery patients lose 50 to 80% of their excess weight during the 18 to 24 month period after surgery, depending on the specific surgery. But the effects on blood sugar are immediate (within days) after surgery. Patients are often able to reduce the dosage of diabetes medications soon after surgery as well.

Gastric bypass surgery is particularly effective for controlling or curing diabetes. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS):

  • 95% of patients see an improvement in type 2 diabetes after gastric bypass surgery
  • 80% of patients with type 2 diabetes experience remission after gastric bypass surgery

Resolution of the disease is most common among those who experience more weight loss after surgery. The benefits extend to high blood pressure and high cholesterol as well. These factors, which increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks, are also improved and/or resolved after surgery.

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery If You Are Obese & Have Type 2 Diabetes

Through weight loss surgery, and especially with gastric bypass, our patients can dramatically increase their chances of achieving normal blood sugar levels and often eliminate the need for diabetes medications. This alone has the ability to help significantly improve overall health and improve quality of life. Contact us to get started on your weight loss right away.

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Questions to Ask About Your Weight At the End of 2021

Posted on December 2, 2021

questions about weight gain

weight gain
When we come to the end of a year, many of us naturally reflect on all that’s happened. It’s important to examine what we’ve done, how we are doing, and where we’re heading. This is especially important when it comes to our health. The years can slip by so quickly, and if you don’t take time to honestly consider where you are, you may not make the necessary changes.

For many people, weight gain happens gradually. And as the weight continues to climb, oftentimes other serious health conditions start to add up as well. Before you know it, not only do you fit into the category of “obese,” but you also have other concerning health problems.

The key to avoiding this is to catch it early, and then make a commitment to stop the weight gain and declining health as quickly as possible. Weight loss surgery at Birmingham Minimally Invasive may be the best option, and our surgeon, Dr. Jay Long, will meet with you to discuss everything you need to know.

Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Weight

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

But there’s much more to it than those technical definitions and categories. As we near the end of 2021, think about these questions to see if your weight and overall health are where they need to be.

Do you feel like the weight has crept up on you slowly?

It’s really common for people to feel this way, and if you don’t pay attention, it can actually happen pretty fast. This is what happened to BMI Surgery patient, June.

“Over the years, I consistently gained weight. I’d gain about 5 to 10 pounds every couple of months, and literally before I knew it, I was pushing 300 pounds. It just kind of happens before you know it,” she says.

Do you have a long list of health problems, in addition to being obese?

If the answer is yes, you are in a similar situation as our patient, Lisa who experienced gradual weight gain year after year. She also had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, unpredictable blood sugar, and she 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,” she says. Lisa had gastric bypass surgery with us and was successful in losing a significant amount of weight and changing her life.

Do you feel like you are missing out on life?

If so, you’re feeling similarly to how one patient, Tami, felt. “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,” she says. Tami changed her life with gastric sleeve surgery and is now able to enjoy life to the fullest.

Have you tried everything to lose weight, but it just doesn’t work long-term?

This was Patti’s story as well. “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,” she says. But weight loss surgery did work for her, and four years later she continued to be successful by following all of Dr. Long’s advice.

Are you uncomfortable going out or being with others?

Natalie stopped wanting to go out and basically only went to work and came home. When she realized how much her weight was impacting her life in a negative way, she decided to have gastric sleeve surgery which brought her back to a happy, healthy weight.

Do you have major mobility issues?

Having a lot of excess weight can impact every part of your body, including your bones and joints. It can be especially bad on your knees, which was the case for Jessica.

“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,” she says. Jessica ended up finding Dr. Long, having gastric bypass surgery, and losing enough weight to improve her knees.

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery If You Answered “Yes” to Any of These Questions

These are important questions, but they are hard questions. You must be honest with your answers and face the situation head-on. Learning more about weight loss surgery options, such as gastric sleeve surgery, can help jumpstart your commitment to doing better and reversing course in 2022. Contact us if you are ready.

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Focus on Exercise During the Holiday Season

Posted on November 23, 2021

exercise during holidays

exercise during holidays
While undergoing weight loss surgery is a huge step in your journey toward better health, your work does not stop once your procedure is complete. Diet and exercise will play a significant role in your long-term success, and a regular work-out routine is crucial.

That fact does not change because of the holidays or colder weather! It really becomes even more important, but your commitment to your healthy lifestyle may really be tested.

Here is some information about WHY exercise is so important. We are focusing mostly on exercise after weight loss surgery, but most of this advice applies to anyone who needs to lose weight or is trying to do so on their own.

Why Exercise is So Important During the Holidays (And Always)

Exercise can help you lose more weight and keep it off after surgery. According to several studies by the National Institutes of Health, those who exercised after weight loss surgery saw their body mass index (BMI) decrease 4.2% more than those who did not.

Regular exercise will also help you recover faster, reach your weight loss goals, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and feel better. Even if your activity level before surgery was very low, we will work with you to find an exercise plan to meet your unique needs and abilities.

During the holidays when there are more sugary, rich foods floating around, we know that you may partake some. We urge you to be very careful in how much you eat and what you eat. One of the main reasons for this is that overeating or eating too much of the wrong foods will just make you feel bad. When you are used to eating in a very healthy way all the time and then you add in even a little bit of the foods you’ve been avoiding, your body may be a little confused. 

Continuing to exercise like normal will help counteract these effects and keep you feeling energetic, healthy, and motivated. Here are some of the best, overall benefits of regular exercise:

  • Helps maintain weight loss
  • Improves circulation
  • Strengthens your heart and bones
  • Increases your metabolic rate
  • Develops muscle strength and endurance
  • Improves blood sugar control
  • Relieves stress
  • Improves your mood

How to Work Out After Weight Loss Surgery

Even if you have recently had weight loss surgery around the holiday season, all of the following advice still applies. The rules are the same regardless of the time of year. 

For about four weeks after your surgery, your primary focus should be on getting back into the routine of your normal everyday activities. You should not lift anything over 10 pounds, but there are still plenty of ways to be active. During this stage, anything from washing dishes to going up and down the stairs in your home counts as activity. 

Walking is a great option during these first weeks. Walking improves your blood flow and expedites wound healing after surgery. Lack of exercise after a major operation could put you at a higher risk of developing a blood clot and conditions like pneumonia. 

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

The exact timeline for each patient may vary, but after about four weeks, we are able to clear most people for many types of exercise. This is when you can really start ramping up your work-out routine and begin exploring different types of exercises to find what you like best. You will be able to gradually incorporate low-intensity aerobic exercise at this point, such as biking or swimming. 

While there are many benefits of exercise after weight loss surgery, we know that it can be challenging, especially during a busy time of year like the holidays. But remember that many others have been through this process and come to love exercise. 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 weight and keep it off.

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

Will You Overeat This Holiday Season?

Posted on November 12, 2021

holiday overeating

holiday overeating
Turkey and dressing. Pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies, and eggnog. If you’ve had weight loss surgery, do you have a plan for how you will handle these holiday foods?

A lot depends on where you are in your post-op journey, but a lot also depends on your commitment to avoiding binging and overeating. While not everyone who has weight loss surgery has problems with these issues, it is a challenge for some because of long-held habits. 

Holidays foods can be triggering, and they can be anxiety-inducing. This is normal, and you shouldn’t feel badly about it. It helps a lot to understand more about what’s happening in your body after weight loss surgery, and it helps to know what to expect. 

Will You Overeat During the Holidays?

First, the answer to this question really is up to you. And it’s a question to ask yourself even if you have not had weight loss surgery. Going into the season with the right attitude and mindset makes a huge difference. 

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

Appetite Suppression

Many people have the idea that they will not be hungry at all after weight loss surgery. While this is true for some, it’s not true for everyone. You will likely still experience hunger, but it will probably be less than what you experienced before. Appetites are typically suppressed rather than eliminated completely. 

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery says that 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.

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 isn’t 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.

Remember that there is a big difference between hunger and cravings. Cravings are more likely during the holiday season. Even after surgery, you may still experience cravings for trigger foods. For example, you may not be hungry at all, but you see Christmas cookies at a party, and you want to eat several. 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 and cravings during the holidays is possible. 

Here are some tips that help many of our patients during the festive time of year!

Protein, Protein, Protein

Eating enough protein is crucial after weight loss surgery and anytime you are trying to keep your body feeling full. It’s a requirement for a healthy metabolism, strong muscles, and high energy levels. 

After weight loss surgery, the number of calories you can eat per sitting and per day will be greatly limited. When you do eat, you need to make the best choices and get maximum nutrient value out of every bite. When it comes to protein, this will likely mean looking at your meal a little differently. While you will have your own customized diet plan, your goal will probably be 60 to 80 grams of protein daily. 

Focusing on protein first typically helps a lot, so head for those holiday foods first. Foods like ham and turkey are often good options. Next, you will want to fill your plate with vegetables. If there are foods you love that you want to try, intentionally save a couple of bites for those. 

Eat Slowly, and Always Make It a Meal

Snacking, grazing, or otherwise eating constantly is often a recipe for disaster. A common approach to holiday buffets, cookie exchanges, and potlucks is to try a little bit of everything. After weight loss surgery, this just isn’t possible or a good idea. You will overeat if you try even one bite of all the selections available. Find your healthy options, put them on your plate, and sit down to eat.

Also keep in mind that many of us eat much faster than we should, and our bodies do not register fullness until it’s too late. 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 for hunger. Weight fluctuations during the holidays may be due to eating a higher amount of salt or carbs which can make you more bloated than usual. Drink extra water to help flush out the extra sodium. 

For those who have had weight loss surgery, you also know that you should not eat and drink at the same time. Since you can only eat three or four bites at a time, you should focus on these bites so you get the nutrients you need. You don’t want to fill your now smaller stomach up with fluids. Plan on drinking later, once your food is digested. This is also important for avoiding dumping syndrome, which you can read more about here.

Focus on Maintenance, Not Weight Loss

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

Contact Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery for More Advice

Because you will likely be eating foods you don’t normally eat during the holiday season, your body may feel a little off sometimes. Eating slowly, drinking water appropriately, and sticking to your schedule as much as possible will help. If you are concerned about overeating or bingeing during this time of year, contact us, and we will connect you with the right resources that can help! 

Learn more about weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907. 

The Truth About Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

Posted on October 21, 2021

revisional weight loss surgery

revisional weight loss surgery
In this post, we are going to talk about something that not a lot of people want to talk about, which is revisional weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective long-term weight loss solutions for those suffering from excess weight and obesity. We have had many, many patients continue to see success after their surgery for long-term, sustained weight loss. 

For others, however, it is possible to start regaining some weight years after a successful weight loss procedure. The truth is that it happens. Long-term success takes a lot of constant, continued commitment and work, and sometimes these strict diet and exercise regimens may fall by the wayside for whatever reason. 

In some cases, mild weight regain may be corrected with diet modification and renewed emphasis on exercise. In others, a revisional bariatric procedure may be needed. This procedure should only be performed by a qualified surgeon experienced in revisions, such as Dr. Jay Long of Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

More About Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

Oftentimes what happens is that someone realizes that the volume of food they have been consuming has increased, probably happening slowly over time. What this means is that your gastric pouch or “sleeved” stomach may have increased as well, resulting in weight gain.

Before we discuss revisional surgery with patients, we want to 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. For patients who need help getting back to the right kind of post-bariatric diet, we offer a comprehensive back-on-track program.

Once we determine that it is not a behavioral issue, we will discuss surgical options. 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.

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. 

Once we have a plan and 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 the hospital for two to three days to be monitored. Most patients do resume their normal schedules within a couple of weeks. 

Find Your Second Chance with Revisional Weight Loss Surgery

Rather than looking at it as a failure, we encourage thinking about revisional weight loss surgery as a second chance or a fresh start. Most of our patients in this situation have a renewed commitment to proper diet and exercise, which is always helpful after revisional surgery. 

However, 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 are not cure-alls. Success depends largely on your lifestyle and nutrition. 

Please contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about the surgical options to correct weight regain.

Find out more about revisional weight loss surgery and other weight loss options at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The caring group of professionals at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery will help you get started on your weight loss journey and stay with you every step along the way. Dr. Long and his team specialize in all types of bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and the LAP-BAND. Visit us today at http://www.bmisurgery.com/ or give us a call to set up a consultation at 205-833-6907.