If you're considering weight loss surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, you're likely exploring various options to kickstart a healthier and happier life. This guide provides a detailed overview of weight loss surgery options, including types of procedures, qualifications, costs, and available resources in and around Birmingham, AL.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, can be a safe and effective option for individuals who have struggled with obesity and related health issues. It's essential to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. Grandview Medical Center offers both in-person and online seminars to help you determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery. During the in-person seminar, bariatric surgeons will speak and be available for questions.
Generally, patients must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 to qualify for weight loss surgery. In addition to meeting BMI requirements, patients usually need to demonstrate a serious commitment to making major lifestyle changes. This may involve dietary changes, increased physical activity, and adherence to a pre- and post-operative plan.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery Procedures
Birmingham and surrounding areas offer a range of weight loss surgery procedures. Here are some of the most common options:
Gastric Balloon: This is a non-surgical, temporary procedure that involves placing a saline-filled balloon in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness.
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Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): This minimally invasive procedure reduces the size of the stomach using endoscopic techniques, leading to decreased food intake.
Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy): This surgical procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This restricts the amount of food you can eat and can also affect gut hormones, reducing appetite.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass): This procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing a portion of the stomach and duodenum. This reduces calorie and nutrient absorption.
One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) or "Mini" Gastric Bypass: A variation of the traditional gastric bypass, this procedure involves a single connection (anastomosis) between the stomach pouch and the small intestine.
Single Anastomosis Duodenal-Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADI-S): This more complex procedure combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a duodenal-ileal bypass to limit food intake and nutrient absorption.
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Lap-Band Surgery: This procedure involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach to restrict food intake.
Realize Band Surgery: Similar to Lap-Band surgery, this procedure uses an adjustable band to reduce the size of the stomach.
UAB Medicine offers two types of bariatric surgery, both are designed to help you eat less and lose weight.
Weight Loss Surgery Options in Huntsville
If you have thought about traveling for affordable weight loss surgery, consider making the trip to Huntsville. The weight loss clinic in Huntsville offers comprehensive and personalized care from Dr. Doucette, a board-certified bariatric surgeon who is also board certified in obesity medicine. Dr. Doucette upholds the highest patient safety standards. They are able to offer their low pricing on gastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass procedures without sacrificing the quality of care in any way.
Bariatric Surgery in Birmingham, AL: Key Providers
Several medical centers and clinics in the Birmingham area offer weight loss surgery services. Here are a few notable providers:
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UAB Medicine’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program: UAB Medicine’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program has been performing weight-loss procedures for more than 40 years. It was the first American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center in Alabama, and it is approved by the ACS Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
UAB St. Vincent’s East: When you choose UAB St. Vincent’s East, you are choosing to get personalized care in a supportive environment. Their multispecialty care team is focused on you and includes dietitians, behavioral therapists, nurses, bariatric surgeons, and other team members. From diet and exercise to surgery and recovery, they’re here with you every step of the way.
Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery (BMI Surgery): Unlike many weight loss surgery practices, the physician at Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery has specialized training in bariatric surgery. At BMI Surgery, taking care of morbidly obese patients is what they do best, and they have developed significant experience and skill in successfully achieving permanent weight loss for their patients.
Grandview Medical Center: Grandview Medical Center offers two different kinds of seminars to help you determine if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery.
Dr. Schmitt and Dr. Wood: Dr. Schmitt and Dr. Wood are Alabama's leading bariatric surgeons. The comprehensive bariatric program they developed 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. They do not offer a "one operation fits all" program but use sleeve gastrectomy, Roux en Y gastric bypass, one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) or “mini” gastric bypass, and single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) to help their patients reach their weight loss goals.
The Expertise of Bariatric Surgeons
It's essential to choose a qualified and experienced bariatric surgeon. Dr. Jay C. Long, M.D., FACS received his medical degree from University of Alabama School of Medicine followed by a residency in general surgery at Baptist Medical Centers in Birmingham, Alabama. After that time, he completed a fellowship in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at The Methodist Hospital, Houston.
At Birmingham Minimally Invasive Surgery, the physician has specialized training in bariatric surgery, completing 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.
The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Team
Effective weight loss surgery programs involve a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. A multidisciplinary team also provides further advice and reinforcement before and after surgery through monthly support meetings, a nutrition/prep class, and customized high protein diets. The comprehensive bariatric program includes a highly trained team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists and other specialists.
Insurance and Financing Options
The cost of weight loss surgery can be a significant concern. The first step to take when considering weight loss surgery is to complete a Free Insurance Check to determine if your insurance company will cover any of the costs associated with your procedure. If you are wanting to kickstart a happier, healthier life with weight loss surgery, don’t let cost concerns hold you back! Weight loss surgery practices partner with independent medical lenders to facilitate affordable monthly payment plans for qualified self-pay patients. They are able to offer low pricing on gastric balloons, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass procedures without sacrificing the quality of care in any way.
The Journey Before and After Surgery
Weight loss surgery is not just a one-time procedure; it's a journey that requires commitment and support. Dr. Long provides a one-on-one consultation with all patients to begin their weight loss journey. This helps each individual decide which weight reduction option is best. From diet and exercise to surgery and recovery, healthcare professionals are with you every step of the way.
Success Stories
Hearing from individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery can be inspiring.
Minimally Invasive Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
Minimally Invasive Surgery means smaller incisions, painful recoveries, and long hospital stays. Surgeries are done laparoscopically or robotically, and no one has more experience.