Tag: gastric sleeve FAQs

National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month: Obesity 101

May is the national high blood pressure education month illustration.

Over 43% of adults in America are obese. Comparatively, nearly 47% of Americans have high blood pressure. But did you know they’re frequently connected? Not only can obesity cause insecurity and discomfort, but it can also lead to a worsening of high blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.  In fact, over 65% of people suffering from obesity fall victim to high blood pressure.

In honor of National Hypertension Awareness Month, the team at BMI Surgery is discussing everything you need to know about high blood pressure and obesity. Learn the ins and outs of obesity, high blood pressure, treatments, and more. 

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition characterized by excess body fat relative to a person’s height. Obesity is often diagnosed by the BMI (body mass index) Scale, which has four categories: underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. 

Your doctor may also measure your waist circumference to inform causes and treatments, with a BMI over 30 considered obese. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern but can change the way your body functions. It can cause heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and high blood pressure. 

What Is High Blood Pressure?

In honor of National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, we’re taking a deep dive into obesity-induced high blood pressure. But first, let’s define what high blood pressure is. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the force of your blood running through your blood vessels is too high. 

High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer” since there are usually little to no symptoms before the condition becomes severe. Hypertension can cause life-threatening problems like heart attack, coronary artery disease, and stroke. 

Can Obesity Cause Hypertension?

Obesity can cause hypertension or worsen it if you already have it. People with obesity have more fat tissue than usual, which can cause complex changes in the body in numerous ways. These can include sympathetic nervous system overactivation, insulin resistance, and kidney  and hormonal changes. 

Obesity-induced hypertension can be harder to treat and sometimes become resistant to medication. Since people with obesity often carry extra fat around their midsection, this excess weight puts pressure on the cardiovascular system. The heart must work harder to pump blood to organs, muscles, and tissues, which can quickly cause cardiovascular stress and other heart problems. 

How Is Obesity-Induced Hypertension Treated?

Medications are available to treat hypertension, but many people with obesity are resistant to their effects because of the physical changes the body undergoes when obese. Fortunately, weight loss surgery can help treat obesity-induced hypertension. With weight loss, a healthy diet, and physical exercise, your heart becomes stronger, which can lower high blood pressure. 

Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, works by modifying your stomach size to reduce your appetite and reduce your calorie intake. There are different weight loss surgery techniques like gastric sleeve and LAP-BAND. Weight loss surgery should be combined with long-term lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet to be successful. 

Live a Healthier & Happier Life with BMI Surgery

While obesity and high blood pressure can severely impact your health, each of these conditions is preventable and treatable. This May, we hope you join us in raising awareness about the negative  impacts of hypertension and obesity. With your help, we can lower the cases of both conditions nationwide. 

If you have obesity-induced hypertension, weight loss surgery can help! Our team of experts can create a personalized treatment plan for you so that you can lead a healthier, more fulfilled life. Our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Long, would be honored to be a part of your weight loss journey!

Interested in Learning More About Weight Loss Surgery? Call Us Today!

For over 20 years, Dr. Long and his team have performed successful weight loss surgeries. If you’re ready to begin your journey toward a healthier, happier life, don’t hesitate to contact BMI Surgery today! Call us at 205-850-1973 or contact us online!

Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Weight Loss Surgeon

A woman in a white two-piece with a surgeon making surgical markings on her stomach for weight loss surgery.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery, you probably want a surgeon with a track record of success. Beyond finding a successful surgeon, you’ll want someone you feel comfortable around and who aligns with your financial and communication preferences.

As you do your own research, you may have questions about how to find a surgeon who’s the whole package—successful, personable, and affordable. With these five tips, you can narrow your search and find a weight loss surgeon who will improve your life. At BMI Surgery, we’re dedicated to helping you feel confident in your upcoming operation. Keep on reading to learn more about what makes a great weight loss surgeon!

Check Out Referrals

Perhaps the best way to find out if a weight loss surgeon is right for you is through referrals. We recommend checking with your primary care doctor, friends, family, and neighbors about weight loss surgeons they have personally used or recommend. While these referrals may not be comprehensive, they can be a great place to start when you begin your weight loss journey. Similarly, looking online for reviews can be an eye-opening experience when searching for a surgeon. Once you find a few options, you can call each office and schedule consultations with the surgeon to better determine if they’re the right fit for your needs.

Consider Experience

As you narrow down your list, we recommend considering the qualifications and experience of your weight loss surgeon. We advise only partnering with fellowship-trained weight loss surgeons and those who are board certified in surgery. Furthermore, your surgeon should have performed numerous, successful weight loss surgeries and be able to provide you with before and after examples. Your surgeon should be an expert, whether it’s gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or another bariatric procedure.

Evaluate Pricing Options

While it may not be the most exciting thing to consider, finding a surgeon that matches your price point is vital. Depending on your insurance, you may or may not be able to find coverage for bariatric surgery. However, some practices offer loans and cash pricing options that can be helpful when planning your financial future. At BMI Surgery, we provide numerous cash pricing options so that you can live a healthier and happier life while staying within your budget! And, with our hassle-free payment offerings, you can avoid the headaches associated with insurance forms and requirements.

Assess Communication Style

Beyond your surgeon’s success stories, you want to feel comfortable and confident around your surgeon. Some questions to ponder while you meet with your potential bariatric surgeon include:

  • Do they answer your questions in a way you understand?
  • Do they stop to answer questions or concerns?
  • Do they work with you to develop a plan for your surgery?
  • Do they respect your decision-making process?
  • Do you feel comfortable speaking candidly and openly with them?

At the end of the day, your surgeon doesn’t have to be your best friend, but they should be someone who respects your thoughts and feelings.

Search for Pre & Post Operation Support

Weight loss surgery is an ongoing journey. It’s essential to find support and encouragement throughout the entire process, and look for practices that cultivate positive and meaningful preparation and recovery. Many weight loss surgery practices offer programs like nutrition prep classes, support groups, seminars, counseling, and more. Finding others who have undergone weight loss surgery is crucial for your recovery. Those who understand the procedure you’ve gone through can give you advice that can prove helpful as you prepare or recover from weight loss surgery.

We’re Your Partners in Your Weight Loss Journey

At BMI Surgery, we’re dedicated to making you feel at ease before, during, and after your surgery. Dr. Long and our team can answer any questions you may have, and work with you to formulate a plan that’s best for you. We offer numerous patient resources, including support groups and seminars, to support your physical and mental well-being.

Interested in Learning More About Weight Loss Surgery? Call Us Today!

Proudly serving Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, and Mississippi, BMI Surgery is your ultimate destination for weight loss surgery. We offer personalized solutions for a healthier, happier life. If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Long and his team, call us at (205) 833-6907 or online!

Gastric Sleeve FAQs: Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Safe?

A woman in a black top and blue jeans holding out the jeans' waistband illustrating weight loss.

If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, you probably have numerous questions about the before, during, and after. Gastric sleeve is a type of bariatric surgery designed to help you lose weight and improve your quality of life. At BMI Surgery, we always recommend our patients research, evaluate, and ask questions before gastric sleeve so that they can make an informed decision they’re proud of.

As you begin your journey towards gastric sleeve surgery, our team answers your frequently asked questions. From recovery time to post-operative diet and alcohol consumption, our weight loss surgeons answer all your pressing inquiries. If you have any other questions or are ready to schedule a gastric sleeve consultation, contact our BMI Surgery today!

How long does gastric sleeve surgery take?

Gastric sleeve, also called sleeve gastrectomy, is typically a quick procedure. From start to finish, the entire process usually takes less than an hour. Once you’re under general anesthesia, the actual procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Is gastric sleeve safe?

Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the safest elective surgery procedures. The operation is minimally invasive, which reduces the risk of severe bleeding and discomfort. Furthermore, the health ailments that accompany obesity, like sleep apnea, heart disease, and high blood pressure, are usually improved after surgery.

Most patients lose upwards of 50% of their excess body weight, making weight loss surgery well worth it for most patients. As with all surgeries, some risk is involved, and we recommend you speak with your weight loss surgeon about potential side effects.

How does gastric sleeve work?

Gastric sleeve is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a laparoscopic approach, which means the surgeon can use smaller incisions and more precision movements inside your abdomen. The weight loss surgeon will make five small incisions across your abdomen and using the laparoscope and other surgical instruments, will remove a portion of your stomach.

With these tools, your surgeon will remove approximately 80% of your stomach and close the remaining portion. As its name suggests, your stomach will resemble a sleeve, or banana-shape, to promote the ingestion of fewer calories and reduced hunger cues.

What should I eat after gastric sleeve?

Right after surgery, you’ll want to follow a liquid diet, only drinking clear liquids, like water and broth. After a few days, you can add other beverages to your diet, like unsweet tea, milk, and coffee. You can begin eating strained and pureed foods like cottage cheese, fruits, and lean ground meat a few weeks post-operation. It’s essential to make sure there are no solid pieces of food in your meals during this time since your stomach is still healing.

Then, after a follow-up visit and with the doctor’s approval, you can begin to eat soft and solid foods, chewing each bite thoroughly to make digestion easier. At BMI Surgery, we’re with you every step of the way. If you have questions about what you should or shouldn’t eat after gastric sleeve, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts.

What is the average gastric sleeve recovery time?

After gastric sleeve surgery, you’ll most likely be able to go home the day of the procedure. The average gastric sleeve recovery time varies based on each body type, but most people easily return to their normal activities a few days after the operation.

Many patients can return to work as early as 3 days after gastric sleeve, but we don’t want you lifting more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks after surgery. It’s important not to push yourself too hard and be patient with yourself during the recovery process.

Do I need to exercise after gastric sleeve surgery?

The weight loss team at BMI encourages you to exercise as soon as possible after gastric sleeve, but we don’t want you lifting more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks after surgery. We recommend brief walks initially and then transitioning to cardiovascular exercises like stairs or cycling as soon as you feel like it.

After 4 weeks, you can add weight training into your routine, but be sure not to overdo it. While it is vital for your physical and mental well-being, exercising too vigorously too soon can cause complications, so make sure you follow your doctor’s recommendations thoroughly.

Can I drink alcohol after gastric sleeve?

Once you have completed your gastric sleeve procedure, we recommend avoiding alcohol for at least six months. Don’t worry, though…most patients can slowly reintroduce alcoholic beverages after the six-month mark. Drinking alcohol can deplete your body’s glycogen levels, which can lower your blood sugar and lead to blurred vision, numbness, and drowsiness. Also, alcohol is considered “empty” calories and will make weight loss more difficult.

Be mindful as you start drinking again, and check in with yourself after each drink to see how you’re feeling. Since your stomach is much smaller than before, you may find you become inebriated more quickly after weight loss surgery.

Feel Your Best for Years to Come with BMI Surgery

After gastric sleeve surgery, you can live a healthier and happier life! If you have any questions about gastric sleeve surgery or want to learn more about gastric sleeve at BMI Surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out. With years of experience, Dr. Long and his team are ready to help you improve your mental and physical well-being.

Your Experts in Weight Loss Surgery: BMI Surgery

Are you interested in learning more about gastric sleeve? At BMI Surgery, we can help you lose weight and lead a happier, healthier life. Call us at (205) 858-1211 or contact us online to learn more about weight loss surgery today!