Obesity is a widespread health concern affecting a significant portion of the American population. In Birmingham, Alabama, several medical facilities offer weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, as a treatment option for individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions. This article explores the types of weight loss surgeries available in Birmingham, AL, the procedures involved, and what patients can expect before, during, and after surgery.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a range of procedures designed to help people with obesity lose weight. It is typically considered for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher with weight-related medical conditions or a BMI of 40 or higher, regardless of associated medical conditions. Weight loss surgery has been perfected and proven. It is incredibly safe and effective. More effective than any diet medication. It's time to lose the weight as well as the diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint pain. Bariatric surgery is very effective in causing weight loss and is associated with a weight loss of 60 to 70 percent, depending on the surgery performed.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Procedures
Several types of bariatric surgery procedures are available in Birmingham, AL, each with its own set of benefits and considerations. These procedures aim to reduce the size of the stomach, limit food intake, and, in some cases, alter the digestive process to reduce calorie absorption.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a common bariatric procedure that involves removing approximately 80 percent of the stomach. This leaves behind a thin, vertical, sleeve-like tube. Gastric sleeve surgery permanently reduces the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of food you're able to eat and helping you feel fuller sooner. The procedure has also proven to reduce the appetite hormone called Grehlin. This "new" stomach has a much smaller capacity, which means patients feel full or satisfied after eating only a small amount of food.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine. Bypass techniques involve stapling off an area of the stomach to create a smaller pouch or surgically removing part of the stomach, both of which create a smaller stomach area. There are several types of procedures that are used, but all of them bypass part of the small intestine that absorbs nutrients.
Read also: Tangy and Spicy Keto Sauce
One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) or "Mini" Gastric Bypass
This is another type of gastric bypass surgery that involves fewer connections than the Roux-en-Y bypass.
Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S)
This procedure combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a duodenal-ileal bypass.
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)
During this procedure, a band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a smaller pouch. This restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. They were the first in Alabama to perform the LapBand surgery.
The Surgical Process
Weight-loss management is a step-by-step process. At UAB St. Vincent’s, we help guide and support you through every step of your journey. The team of surgical weight-loss specialists includes a surgeon, nurse navigator, bariatric dietitian, exercise physiologist, and behavioral health support.
Initial Consultation and Assessment
The process begins with an initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals to determine if you are a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery. Initial consultations help us assess our patients’ specific needs. This allows us to create a care plan tailored to each individual, which may require them to have surgery at UAB St. Vincent’s.
Read also: Wellness Guide: Trussville, AL
Pre-Operative Preparation
Before surgery, every patient must receive a letter of medical clearance. The focus shifts to education, preparation, and getting your home life ready for recovery. The comprehensive bariatric program includes a highly trained team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and other specialists and has served as a model for dozens of programs across the nation.
Medical Evaluation
During the initial consultation and pre-op testing, the patient's overall health will be assessed to determine if additional support is needed. In certain cases-such as patients with a very high BMI or those requiring a more complex procedure-the patient may be referred to have surgery at UAB St. Vincent’s.
Nutritional Counseling
Patients will attend a pre-op nutrition class led by an experienced bariatric nutritionist. Nutrition counseling is very important prior to bariatric surgery.
Psychological Support
Support group meetings are hosted before surgery to help patients prepare emotionally and mentally. Connecting with others who’ve walked a similar path (or are currently on it) can make a world of difference.
Lifestyle Adjustments
In the weeks before surgery, making your home recovery-friendly is important. Arranging for a friend or family member to stay with you, especially if you have children, is recommended.
Read also: Best Weight Loss Options: Alabama
Pre-operative Diet
In the two weeks before surgery, you will start a full-liquid, high-protein, low-calorie diet. The point of this liquid diet is to reduce the amount of toxins and fat in and around your liver to minimize risks during surgery.
Surgical Procedure
Surgeries are done laparoscopically or robotically. Through small incisions, the surgeon removes the left side of the stomach so the remaining stomach is approximately one-tenth of the original size after about one year.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
Recovery after bariatric surgery looks a little different for everyone, depending on the procedure performed and how it’s being paid for.
Immediate Post-Op Diet
You’ll begin a clear liquid diet immediately after surgery. Before starting your liquid diet, you’ll undergo an upper GI study the morning after surgery to check for any leaks or obstructions. After either surgery, your diet will follow a slow, intentional progression to allow your stomach time to heal properly. This full transition usually takes about a month, depending on your procedure and how your body responds.
Lifestyle Adjustments
To give your body the best chance to heal, avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least one month after surgery.
Medication and Diet Adherence
Following your medication schedule and sticking to your personalized diet plan are two of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful outcome.
Support System
Patients who surround themselves with a strong support system-whether that’s family, friends, or others on the same journey-are more likely to stay on track and maintain long-term results. That’s why we encourage all of our patients to join support groups, including those offered through St.
Considerations and Potential Risks
While bariatric surgery can be a life-changing procedure, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and complications. These can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, leaks from the surgical site, and nutritional deficiencies. However, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding, when done by experts have a lower mortality rate than gallbladder surgery.
Finding the Right Bariatric Surgeon in Birmingham, AL
Choosing the right bariatric surgeon is a crucial step in the weight loss surgery journey. It is essential to find a surgeon who is experienced, board-certified, and has a strong track record of successful outcomes. Dr. Schmitt and Dr. Wood are Alabama's leading bariatric surgeons. Patients from around the world have sought their expertise!
Grandview Medical Center
Grandview Medical Center's bariatric surgery program provides education and support that begin before surgery and extend through recovery to help ensure that individuals are set up for success.
UAB St. Vincent’s
The surgical treatment options here at UAB St. Vincent’s include a range of procedures tailored to individual needs. UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, can negotiate affordable rates for patients. Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery partners with UAB St. Vincent’s Hospital to ensure patients have peace of mind knowing they will get excellent care and have extra support in case of an emergency. Also, as partners of UAB St. Primary care physicians at UAB St.
Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery
Dr. Jay Long of Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery is a board-certified general surgeon recognized for his excellence in laparoscopic procedures. Since opening his practice in 2006, he has been serving patients at UAB St. Vincent’s East and UAB St. Vincent’s St.