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Can a Tubal Ligation Be Reversed?

Can a Tubal Ligation Be Reversed?

Having your tubes tied is meant to serve as a permanent form of birth control, and it has a remarkably high success rate. But if you had your tubes tied and then changed your mind about having children, you have options. At the Atlanta Body Institute, we may be able to reverse your tubal ligation and increase your chances of conceiving.

Are you a candidate for tubal ligation reversal?

Reversal of your tubal ligation can be a great option if you decide you want to have a child, but it’s not right for everyone. A lot depends on the type of tubal ligation you had and the health of your fallopian tubes.

We are more likely to be able to reverse your ligation if you had your tubes tied with clips or rings, or if your tubes were cauterized, or burned, with minimal scarring. A successful tubal ligation reversal typically requires at least three inches of healthy fallopian tubes to improve your chances of a successful pregnancy.

We also take into consideration your age, health, and fertility, as well as your partner’s fertility, before deciding to go ahead with the tubal ligation reversal. Our goal is the same as yours: to help you get pregnant. And if there are other factors at play that may also affect your ability to conceive, we may recommend an alternate route to pregnancy.

The reversal procedure

If it turns out that we can reverse your tubal ligation, the surgery is performed at the surgical center. The procedure takes about two hours and you can go home the same day.

To keep you comfortable, we perform the tubal ligation reversal under anesthesia. The surgical expert then makes two small incisions in your abdomen, cuts out the sealed portion of your fallopian tubes, and reattaches the ends carefully with very fine dissolvable surgical sutures. We close the incisions and monitor you closely as you wake up from the anesthesia before we send you home.

We recommend you take it easy during the healing process, which takes about one to two weeks. This means you may need to take time off work so you can get plenty of rest. As your discomfort subsides, you can slowly ease back into your usual routine.

We provide very specific instructions on how to take care of yourself following your tubal ligation reversal to improve healing and prevent complications. We also schedule a follow-up after the procedure to examine the incisions and make sure you’re recovering properly.

What are my chances of pregnancy after the reversal surgery?

The likelihood of getting pregnant after a tubal ligation reversal varies from woman to woman. Your health and your age are prominent factors, which is why we take all of that into consideration before recommending surgery. In general, a reversal of tubal ligation is successful 45-85% of the time. Most women with a successful reversal get pregnant within the first year.

If you’re having a difficult time conceiving after your tubal ligation reversal, you might want to consider other fertility options such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is when the egg and sperm are combined outside your body and then placed in your uterus.

To learn more about the reversal of your tubal ligation, give us a call or schedule an appointment online for an evaluation and discussion of your options.

What Causes Varicose Veins and How Can I Get Rid of Them?

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Varicose veins aren’t always painful. A change in color to a dark purple or blue and veins appearing like they’re twisted and bulging are often early indications. But more common symptoms you might experience include:

• Aching in your legs
• Heavy feeling in your legs
• Burning, throbbing, or cramping in your lower legs
• Swelling of your lower legs
• Worsening pain after standing or sitting for long periods
• Itching around the veins
• Bleeding from the veins

If you do have any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see us at Atlanta Body Institute. We can properly diagnose your condition and run through the treatment options available.

Be aware that if you spot any changes in the color of your skin on your lower legs, inflammation,  or ulcers near your ankles, get immediate medical help, as these are signs of a more serious circulatory problem.

What causes veins to become varicose?

To understand what causes varicose veins, we need to delve into a little basic anatomy. Arteries pump the blood out to your body from your heart, and veins return that blood to start the cycle again. The problem is, veins in your legs have to work against gravity to get that blood up your body to your heart. Muscle contractions in the legs act as pumps to achieve this along with the elasticity of the walls of each vein.

Age is a common cause of varicose veins because the elasticity of the walls that make up each vein can be lost as you get older. This causes the veins to stretch and be less effective at returning the blood to your heart. The blood then pools and collects in your veins, causing them to enlarge and become varicose.

Pregnancy, and the resulting changes to the body, can also cause veins to become varicose. Blood volume increases during pregnancy. But the flow of blood often decreases, especially to your legs and feet. This change to your circulation is to protect and support your baby as he or she grows but can cause varicose veins in the process.

What’s the best way to treat varicose veins?

When you’ve decided that you’ve had enough of those unsightly and painful varicose veins, call us at the Atlanta Body Institute or book online for a full consultation and detailed care plan. We have two options for removing varicose veins that are proven to work well to achieve great results, Venefit™ and Venacure™.

Venefit Targeted Endovenous Therapy is a fast procedure that causes less discomfort and bruising than more traditional varicose vein removal techniques like stripping or surgical removal. Using ultrasound to see inside the veins, we insert a small catheter into a tiny incision behind your knee. This catheter emits a specific radiofrequency to heat the vein and cause it to collapse. The blood then finds a healthier vein to use to return to your heart.

Venacure Endovenous Laser System is similar but involves the insertion of a tiny laser into the vein that emits energy to cause the vein to collapse. Laser treatment has the additional benefit of improving blood flow in that area to prevent other veins from becoming varicose in the future.

If you’re looking for quick and minimally invasive treatment options for your varicose veins, book an appointment with us today.

The Main Differences Between the Gastric Balloon and Sleeve

You may have tried every diet known to man but haven’t been able to shed a significant amount of excess weight. If you’ve been a binge eater, your stomach can hold more than a person who doesn’t binge eat.

Your doctor is on your case, and now you’re ready to take action to get your weight under control. You’re tired of huffing and puffing just walking to your car. Losing that 50 pounds is going to feel like shedding a 50 pound backpack. What a relief. You can’t wait.

You may be trying to decide between two weight loss procedures: a gastric sleeve versus a gastric balloon. Both help you lose excess weight. Which is the right one for you? The following describes the major differences between the two.

Surgery vs. in-office procedure

The gastric sleeve is a surgical procedure. Atlanta Body Institute physicians reduce the size of your stomach by removing some of it. Gastric sleeve is minimally-invasive and is done either via laparoscopy or endoscopy.

The laparoscopy involves a few very small cuts in the stomach area to resize the organ. The endoscopy sutures the stomach into the shape of a small tube. Both procedures make you feel fuller much sooner, so you don’t eat as much.

The most common weight loss surgery in the U.S. is now the gastric sleeve. The surgery has been proven effective, efficient, and safe in a very short timeframe.

In 2010, only 9% of people having weight loss surgery had this procedure. By 2013, 49% of patients having bariatric surgery had the gastric sleeve, and the percentage continues to increase.  

Another weight loss option is the gastric balloon, a noninvasive office procedure. It involves having you swallow a capsule containing a tiny silicone balloon. Once it reaches your stomach, your physician inflates it with saline. It stays in your stomach up to six months while you’re undergoing weight loss treatment.

Permanent vs. temporary

Gastric sleeve surgery is forever. During the gastric sleeve procedure, part of your stomach is taken out permanently, leaving you with a much smaller stomach capacity. No more binge eating!

The gastric balloon is taken out of your stomach through a minor endoscopic procedure within six months; it’s not permanent. The idea is that you’ve learned portion control during that time. You’ve changed your eating habits; you feel full sooner, so that you’re not eating a lot of unhealthy foods that lead to obesity.

Do you believe you can continue your new habits once the balloon is removed? If so, maybe it’s the answer for you.

Cost

Since the gastric balloon is not a surgical procedure, it costs less than the gastric sleeve. However, many insurance companies now provide some coverage for these weight loss procedures, realizing that it should improve your health and cut future costs.

Health status

Your physicians at Atlanta Body Institute review your health and discuss all your weight loss options with you. If you have a condition such as Type 2 diabetes, your physician may recommend a bariatric procedure other than a balloon or the sleeve.

If you’re ready to make a change in your life and improve your overall health, contact the Atlanta Body Institute today. We have offices in Atlanta, Loganville, and Monroe, Georgia for your convenience.

Why it’s the Fastest-Growing Cosmetic Surgery Procedure

If you’re done having children, having a tubal ligation procedure can be a great way to prevent future pregnancies without relying on medicines, implants, IUDs, or other devices. Most women who have tubal ligation never regret their decision. Instead, they embrace the freedom that comes from not having to worry about birth control for the rest of their lives.

But for a very few women, there can be regrets. Life’s circumstances can change, and although they once thought they didn’t want to have (more) children, they find themselves in a position where they or their partner may be having second thoughts. Since tubal ligation is considered a permanent form of birth control or sterilization, it’s really important to make sure you’re completely on board with your decision to have the procedure. Part of that decision rests on knowing the “pros” and “cons” of tubal ligation, as well as fully understanding other available contraceptive options that might be a better choice for you and for your future.

Benefits of tubal ligation

Most women who have their tubes tied do so because they want to be as sure as they can possibly be that they won’t become pregnant in the future. Tubal ligation is well over 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy; still, it’s not 100 percent foolproof. Data show about one out of every 200 women who have tubal ligation may still become pregnant.

The other big benefit of tubal ligation is convenience. Once your tubes are “tied,” you don’t have to remember to take a pill, insert a diaphragm or ring, or have your IUD or implant replaced, and there are no messy spermicides to deal with. And unlike many other forms of contraception, tubal ligation doesn’t use hormones, so you don’t have to worry about potential side effects associated with estrogen and progestin.

Tubal ligation can also be a good choice if you or your partner have a genetic or chromosomal disorder you don’t want to risk passing on to a child, or if you have health conditions that make pregnancy very risky.

Downsides of tubal ligation

The biggest “con” of tubal ligation: It’s permanent. Yes, it can be reversed in some women, but you should not count on being able to “undo” your procedure so you can get pregnant if you change your mind in the future. In many cases, tubal ligations cannot be successfully reversed. If you do get pregnant while your tubes are tied, it could result in an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus), which means you’d need a surgical procedure to remove the fertilized embryo.

Another disadvantage: It can’t prevent sexually-transmitted diseases. Of course, that’s true of other forms of birth control as well. You’ll still need to use condoms and mouth dams to prevent contracting an STD.

And finally, tubal ligation is a surgical procedure. Even though it’s very safe and straightforward, it still carries some of the same risks as other surgeries, including the risks of bleeding and infection.

Alternatives to tubal ligation

Many women who opt for tubal ligation do so because they want a method that’s convenient (in addition to being very effective at preventing pregnancy). If convenience is what you’re after, but you’re not 100 percent comfortable with the permanency of a tubal ligation procedure (that is, if you have even the slightest thought that you might want to get pregnant in the future), then you may be better off with a different birth control method. 

IUDs and implants provide about the same level of protection against pregnancy as tubal ligation. According to the CDC, about 0.5 percent of women will become pregnant during the first year following a tubal ligation, compared to 0.2 percent to 0.8 percent of women who have an IUD. Women who use arm implants have an even lower chance of becoming pregnant — about 0.2 percent. Of course, if you have an IUD or an implant, you must be sure to have the devices replaced on a regular schedule (determined by the type and brand of device you’re using) in order for it to remain effective. In that regard, these devices are a bit less convenient than a tubal ligation that’s a one-time procedure.

Is a tubal ligation right for you?

If you’re thinking about tubal ligation, be sure to take some time to really consider the implications of the procedure and to consider your options. At the Atlanta Body Institute (a division of Georgia SurgiCare), our healthcare providers will help you review all your options so you can feel confident in the contraceptive method you choose. To learn more about tubal ligation and other forms of contraception, book an appointment online today.

How Acid Reflux Can Negatively Impact Your Life

Acid reflux is a common condition that many people suffer from. In mild cases, antacids after a heavy meal will help. For some people, however, acid reflux is persistent and severe, and typical over-the-counter medications don’t provide much in the way of relief. Here’s how acid reflux can negatively impact your life and what you can do to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. 

Mealtimes 

Persistent acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can make mealtimes unbearable. It may be difficult to eat anything without experiencing burning chest pain, nausea, and difficulty swallowing. Going to restaurants can be dicey because acid reflux triggers are in nearly everything. Most people with severe acid reflux need to cook at home and use limited seasonings. Rich foods, spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other common triggers should be avoided, which can make mealtimes challenging. 

Sleep 

Sleeping flat with acid reflux can be nearly impossible. Acid and stomach contents can creep up the esophagus, causing burning pain. People with severe GERD may sleep very poorly and wake up often during the night. Sleeping on your left side can help, and a wedge pillow can be used to elevate the upper body so acid is kept in check by the force of gravity. If you have an adjustable bed, you can elevate the head of the bed and sleep more comfortably. It’s not uncommon for individuals with acid reflux to sleep in their recliners to prevent acid rushing into their throats at night. 

Work 

It can be hard to focus on work when you’re in pain, but certain work activities can worsen acid reflux symptoms. Bending and lifting, in particular, can cause acid to flow up into the esophagus. You may be able to get a note from your physician that allows you to refrain from bending and lifting, or you may be able to modify how you do things in order to avoid symptom flare-ups. For example, you can bend at the knees while keeping your back straight to pick up something off the floor to avoid doubling over and putting pressure on your stomach. You may even be able to use a device that helps you pick up items without having to bend at all. Although modifications can sometimes be made to bring relief at work, having to deal with acid reflux on the job can be difficult and disheartening. 

Severe pain 

In some cases, the chest pain associated with reflux can mimic the pain of a heart attack. It’s not uncommon for individuals with acid reflux to go to the emergency room during a bad flare-up, thinking that something could be seriously wrong or that it’s their heart that is generating the pain. Because the nerve that runs along the esophagus and to the stomach is the same nerve that is responsible for the autonomic nervous system, the symptoms can be confusing. Some people with reflux will get classic “heart attack” pain in their left arm or may experience heart palpitations. Typically, emergency rooms can provide temporary relief with a “GI cocktail,” which is like an antacid with numbing medicine. They can assure you that it’s not your heart, however, you will be urged to follow up with a specialist for testing to determine how severe your reflux is. 

Increased risk of cancer 

Prolonged acid reflux can cause a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, where the cells inside the esophagus mutate in an attempt to better survive in a highly acidic environment. Barrett’s esophagus on its own is not a critical condition, but it must be monitored regularly. There is a small increase in the risk of esophageal cancer when Barrett’s esophagus is present, although the risk is much lower than previously thought. 

Acid reflux ruining your life? Get help today

GERD can affect every aspect of your life. It can be hard to feel “well” when you have persistent reflux. Get help today at the Atlanta Body Institute. Dr. Christopher Ibikunle specializes in acid reflux treatment and can perform diagnostic testing and recommend medication and surgical options that can bring you relief. Book your appointment online today or call us at (678) 271-0571 (Atlanta location), (678) 271-3642 (Loganville location), or (678) 271-3282 (Monroe location). We look forward to helping you find ways to feel better! 

3 Surprising Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common problem among both women and men, and they become a lot more common as we get older. Of course, the most recognizable sign or symptom of varicose veins is their purplish, twisted appearance. But that’s not the only symptom they can cause. Here are three symptoms associated with varicose veins that you may not be aware of.

Itchy skin

Itchy skin is one of the most overlooked symptoms of varicose veins, probably because it’s so easy to write off as another problem like dry skin or allergies. So why do varicose veins cause itching? It has to do with a condition called venous stasis, which essentially means “vein inactivity.” Venous stasis occurs when the blood inside a leg vein slows down significantly. With varicose veins, the tiny valves inside your veins stop working the way they’re supposed to. Normally, those tiny valves open and close repeatedly, keeping your blood flowing back toward your heart. But in varicose veins, the valves malfunction and blood flow slows down. As blood builds up behind those valves, tiny leaks can develop that allow fluid to seep into the skin, causing irritation and itching. Without treatment, your skin may become scaly and red, a condition called stasis dermatitis. As itchy as your skin may become, it’s important not to scratch. Scratching your skin when it’s already irritated by your varicose veins is a good way to cause cuts and sores, and if your circulation isn’t the greatest in that area, it can take a long time for those sores to heal.

Nighttime leg pain

Leg pain and cramps can occur any time of the day with varicose veins, but they’re often more noticeable at night when you’re lying still and trying to sleep. A leg cramp occurs when the muscle in your leg squeezes — really hard. Remember those tiny valves that stop working the way they’re supposed to? When the circulation in your legs slows down as a result of your varicose veins, your leg muscles don’t get the steady supply of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood they need. Plus, the slower flow of blood lets toxins build up in your tissues. Both these issues combined are what causes the muscles in your legs (usually in your calves) to tighten up and cramp. The reason cramps are more noticeable at night could be because during the day, your legs are moving more, and that helps circulation. When you’re lying still, circulation naturally slows down, and the additional circulation problems caused by varicose veins can increase the likelihood you’ll experience cramps. Nighttime leg cramps are often worse after you’ve spent a long day on your feet.

Swollen legs

Lots of issues can cause swelling in your legs, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots located in the deeper veins of your legs. With varicose veins, leg swelling typically occurs when blood pools behind your damaged vein valves, increasing the pressure inside your veins. That added pressure can lead to tiny leaks, especially through the smallest blood vessels called capillaries. That leaked fluid tends to accumulate, resulting in swelling. Less commonly, a superficial clot can form in one of your diseased veins, also contributing to swelling. This type of swelling may also be accompanied by a brownish discoloration in your skin, or the affected area may feel warm to the touch.

Don’t ignore your varicose veins

Varicose veins are never “normal.” They’re always a sign that something’s not quite right with your circulatory system. Even if your varicose veins aren’t causing you any annoying symptoms, they still need to be evaluated. At Atlanta Body Institute, our vein specialists are experienced in diagnosing the causes of varicose veins so your treatment can be customized for your unique needs. To learn more about the varicose vein treatments we offer or to have your veins evaluated, book an appointment online today.

What to Expect During a LEEP Procedure

Thanks to early testing and procedures like LEEP, women are far better armed in the fight against cervical cancer. Here’s what you can expect during this quick, in-office procedure.

How Labiaplasty Can Change Your Life

There are a few aspects of your appearance that can’t be altered if you’re self-conscious about them. A procedure that’s seeing double-digit growth in popularity is labiaplasty, a procedure that reduces the size and asymmetry of the labia.

How to Prepare for Your Cystoscopy

If you experience frequent, painful urination or have had an abnormal amount of urinary tract infections, learn how to prepare for a cystoscopy procedure to diagnose the problem.

Can Tubal Ligation Be Reversed?

Tubal ligation, or having your tubes tied, is a permanent form of birth control. However, with recent medical advances, if you change your mind, the procedure can be reversed.

Living With Uterine Fibroids

Are you living with discomfort from uterine fibroids, like pain and heavy bleeding? Have you been told that a hysterectomy is the only way you’ll find relief? We can help you manage your symptoms and preserve your uterus at the same time.

3 Things You Should Know About Tubal Ligation

Are you thinking of “having your tubes tied” to prevent pregnancy? Or did you have tubal ligation, but now you’ve changed your mind about having children? Here’s what you need to know about this birth control procedure.

How You Can Achieve Your Long-term Weight-Loss Goals With the Gastric Sleeve

Being obese is about a lot more than carrying some extra pounds. Obesity carries some very serious and even life-threatening health risks, including significantly increased risks of heart attack, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Plus, being very overweight can take an emotional and mental health toll as well. Studies show people who are obese are far more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, and they’re also more likely to avoid social situations, becoming isolated and lonely.

If you’re obese, you’ve probably had more than one well-meaning friend or relative tell you how “easy” it is to lose weight with “simple” dieting and exercise. But if you’ve struggled with losing weight in the past, you know there’s nothing “simple” or “easy” about it. In fact, trying to lose weight and failing can be extremely discouraging, and that can wind up compounding feelings of depression and hopelessness.

For many people who struggle with obesity, bariatric surgery can offer a way to lose weight and keep it off, which means they not only feel better about themselves and how they look, but they can also decrease their health risks and enjoy more active, involved and fulfilling lives. Of all the bariatric procedures performed in the U.S., gastric sleeve surgery is by far the most popular, accounting for well over half of all bariatric surgeries performed.

What is gastric sleeve surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a type of restrictive bariatric surgery, which means it physically reduces or restricts the amount of food and calories you can consume by making your stomach smaller. Because your stomach is dramatically reduced in size, it takes far less food to make you feel full. That means you’ll eat a lot fewer calories, so you can lose weight and keep it off. Like other types of bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve surgery is generally reserved for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more or for people who have a BMI of 30 or more along with another obesity-related health issue, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or sleep apnea.

At Atlanta Body Institute, Dr. Ibikunle offers two approaches to gastric sleeve surgery and both are minimally invasive, which means there are no large incisions. Instead, both techniques use a very tiny camera to capture real-time video that’s sent back to a monitor. Dr. Ibikunle performs the surgery using the video to guide the instruments.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) uses very small incisions and special instruments to remove about 85 percent of your stomach, leaving a sleeve-shaped section behind. In addition to making your stomach smaller, so you feel full faster, the part of the stomach that’s removed during an LSG procedure is also the part that secretes the hormones that make you feel hungry. That means you won’t have the constant cravings for food, and you’ll want to eat less overall. The LSG procedure takes about two hours to perform, and once it’s complete, you’ll stay in the hospital for a couple of days before going home.

Endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (ESG)

Endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy uses no incisions. Instead, the tiny camera and other instruments are inserted through your mouth. During the ESG procedure, Dr. Ibikunle places several sutures in your stomach to partition it into two parts. The smaller sleeve-shaped portion becomes your “new” stomach. Since the procedure does not remove any stomach tissue, it’s reversible once you achieve your weight-loss goals. ESG is typically an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day you have your surgery. The procedure takes about 90 minutes, and afterward, you’ll be in a recovery area for a little while before you’re discharged. Like LSG, ESG recovery takes about two weeks, after which you can return to work.

Whichever procedure you have, you can expect to return to work in about two weeks. Full recovery takes from four to six weeks, during which time you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities.

Find out more about gastric sleeve surgery

Make 2019 the year you do something healthy for yourself. Get rid of that excess weight once and for all and start leading a healthier, happier life. To learn more about gastric sleeve surgery and whether it’s a good choice for your goals, book an appointment online today.

 

What to Expect During a LEEP Procedure

Thanks to early testing and procedures like LEEP, women are far better armed in the fight against cervical cancer. Here’s what you can expect during this quick, in-office procedure.

How Labiaplasty Can Change Your Life

There are a few aspects of your appearance that can’t be altered if you’re self-conscious about them. A procedure that’s seeing double-digit growth in popularity is labiaplasty, a procedure that reduces the size and asymmetry of the labia.

How to Prepare for Your Cystoscopy

If you experience frequent, painful urination or have had an abnormal amount of urinary tract infections, learn how to prepare for a cystoscopy procedure to diagnose the problem.

Can Tubal Ligation Be Reversed?

Tubal ligation, or having your tubes tied, is a permanent form of birth control. However, with recent medical advances, if you change your mind, the procedure can be reversed.

Living With Uterine Fibroids

Are you living with discomfort from uterine fibroids, like pain and heavy bleeding? Have you been told that a hysterectomy is the only way you’ll find relief? We can help you manage your symptoms and preserve your uterus at the same time.

3 Things You Should Know About Tubal Ligation

Are you thinking of “having your tubes tied” to prevent pregnancy? Or did you have tubal ligation, but now you’ve changed your mind about having children? Here’s what you need to know about this birth control procedure.

Suffering From Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? Endometrial Ablation May Be the Solution

HIT workouts are performed in intervals of short, high-speed bursts followed by slower recovery sessions—switching between short sprints and light jogging, for instance.

Some other examples of HIT workouts include:

• Burpees
• Squat jumps
• Pushups
• Speed walking
• Lunges

Most intermittent exercises only require your body weight, although some can be done with small equipment like medicine balls and light weights. HIT can also save you time, as it is much shorter than most workouts.

High intensity workouts burn more fat

An average person burns 298-355 calories during a moderate 30-minute jog. Intermittent exercises, however, can burn the same, if not more, calories in less time.

HIT uses up most of your glucose and oxygen stores as energy. As your muscles refuel, they use stored glucose and fat from other parts of the body as energy.

Less demanding workouts only need minimal glucose, and typically your body uses stored carbohydrates as energy instead of fat. Studies suggest that intermittent exercise alters the sequence of metabolic function, shifting the focus from carbs to fat for energy.  

Another study discovered that people who performed HIT workouts lost 28.5 percent more weight than people who performed continuous exercises.

HIT continues burning fat after exercise

High intensity exercises burn fat hours after your workout ends. Since your body burns through all of its energy reserves during the workout, it continues burning fat to refuel the muscles. The demand for energy speeds up your metabolism, which results in more calories burned.

HIT also accelerates the production of various hormones, like testosterone and human growth hormones (HGH). With an increase in HGH and testosterone, your body can improve muscle mass, repair muscle tissue, and tone your muscles at a faster rate.

HIT improves your aerobic capacity

Intense activity rapidly raises your heart rate, which increases oxygen intake, improves blood circulation, and impacts your athletic performance.

As your muscles learn to better utilize oxygen, they won’t tire out as quickly during exercise. You’ll notice an increase in aerobic capacity and endurance, allowing you to work out longer and at higher speeds.

Is HIIE right for you?

HIT isn’t for everyone. The drastic change of pace can result in injury if you’re not conditioned for it. Before starting any HIT plans, consult your doctor to make sure it’s right for you.

If you’re new to HIT, it’s best to start out slow and work your way up. Experts recommend a 10-12-week conditioning plan of moderate-to-low intensity workouts to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.

HIT is demanding, so it shouldn’t be done regularly. It’s better to perform them only a few times a week to avoid injury and allow your muscles to recover properly.

It’s also important to warm up prior to intermittent exercise and stretch afterwards to prevent muscle strains despite how short the workout is.

For more information about HIT and how it might fit into your fitness routine, ask the experts at Atlanta Body Institute. Co-founded by general surgeons Dr. Christopher Ibikunle and Dr. Angelina Postoev, our experienced team specializes in weight loss and surgical procedures.

Atlanta Body Institute has three locations in GA: Atlanta, Loganville, and Monroe. Contact one of our offices today to schedule an appointment or book it online.

3 Things You Should Know About Tubal Ligation

Try an internet search for “diets that work,” and in less than a second you’re left to sort through more than 1.3 billion — yes, billion — results.  To say that the world of dieting is confusing would be a colossal understatement. In fact, it almost seems that “new evidence” pops up every day extolling the virtues of one way of eating over another for effective weight loss and healthier living. So how do you know which diet is right for you?

At Atlanta Body Institute, our goal is to provide the Buckhead, Atlanta, and Loganville, Georgia, communities quality health care that considers each patient as an individual. We understand that no two people are alike, and we tailor our treatment programs to your unique situation, including your lifestyle, to ensure that you get the results you want.

To that end, here are three things to consider in deciding whether a low-carb diet is right for you.

1. It’s a low-carb diet, not no carbs at all

The first step to making any decision about a dietary plan is to arm yourself with the facts. So let’s start with one that’s fairly simple: Carbs are not your enemy. Carbs, which is short for carbohydrates, are nutrients in food that provide you with critical energy. When you ingest carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose, which is sent into your bloodstream to provide fuel for almost every cellular function. And some glucose is stored as glycogen in your liver and muscles.

Carbs only become problematic when you take in too many. Once your body uses and stores what it needs, the excess is turned into fat and tucked away for future use.

So when it comes to carbs, the trick is to strike the right balance by taking in only what you need and cutting out the excess. You can do this by reducing your carbs, as well as exercising more, which burns them off. In other words, there are several ways to tackle excess carbs, but you don’t need to cut them out entirely. We can work with you to find the level of carb intake that helps you meet your goals.

2. There are lots of other good foods you can eat

Aside from carbs, your body also relies on two other nutrient sources for fuel: protein and fat. Your body turns to carbs first because this energy is more accessible, but when there aren’t enough carbs, your body then turns to protein and fat to get the energy it needs. This means that when you embark on a low-carb diet, you can still provide your body with other essential nutrients.

In other words, by adding more proteins and healthy fats to your diet, you won’t be starving yourself. There’s nothing like a piece of chicken, and even a small steak, to energize your cells without glucose. We do urge you to approach these foods with discretion. Aim to add healthy proteins to your diet, like fish, poultry, and eggs, and steer clear of processed foods that tout high protein, like beef jerky and some protein bars, which can contain an alarming amount of sugar and sodium.

And when it comes to fat, try extra-virgin olive oil, avocados, and nuts, and avoid the unhealthy fats that come in many of the processed foods that line our grocery store aisles.

3. A low-carb diet can benefit your health

More than 84 million people in the United States are considered prediabetic, while 30 million have crossed over into full-blown diabetes. If you fall into either of these categories, a low-carb diet may be just what you need. Diabetes is a condition in which your body is unable to regulate glucose levels in your bloodstream, which can lead to a dangerous buildup of blood sugar, creating serious cardiovascular and metabolic problems. Since carbs are turned into glucose, it makes sense to monitor your carb intake in order to avoid high blood sugar levels.

Low-carb diets can be beneficial if you have other medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. The best way to know whether your health may benefit from a low-carb diet is to come in for a complete physical and blood work so we can determine how to improve your health through your diet.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether a low-carb diet fits your lifestyle, and we’re happy to discuss your unique situation and come up with a dietary plan. Just give us a call or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

When You Should Consider a Hysterectomy

Even if you’re young or don’t read about diet and health, you’re probably aware of a tremendous shift in the kinds of foods that Americans started producing and buying over the last few decades.

We eat more processed foods, fewer fresh foods, and larger portions than our grandparents and great-grandparents did, and it’s showing up as epidemics in obesity and metabolic diseases among every age group.

By eating trans fats, hydrogenated oils, sugar (especially high-fructose corn syrup), and factory-raised animals who’re fed unnatural diets and live under stressful conditions, we’ve have lowered the amount of nutrients our bodies get, while upping the calorie count.

The problem was compounded by misguided advice that urged us all to eat fewer fats and more carbohydrates. The low-fat, high-carb approach to dieting led to unsustainable weight loss, weight regain, and spikes in insulin that trigger fat storage.

Burning a new type of fuel

The ketogenic (keto) diet is a low-carbohydrate approach to eating that might seem counterintuitive the first time you hear about it. Instead of limiting dietary fat, keto’s aim is to train your body to burn fat by cutting out sugar and high-glycemic carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, and white potatoes.

Keto puts your body into a metabolic state called “ketosis,” in which all the calories you need come from energy-rich ketones produced by your liver after it digests fatty acids. Expert doctor and surgeon Dr. Christopher Ibikunle of the Atlanta Body Institute in Atlanta, recommends keto for women and men who want to:

• Lose weight
• Reduce disease-causing inflammation
• Increase energy levels
• Eliminate brain fog
• Lower blood sugar
• Lower cholesterol
• Improve overall health

The keto diet originated decades ago to help children who had epilepsy. It’s also used to treat or prevent other diseases, including type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Before conducting any medically supervised weight loss at the Atlanta Body Institute, our doctors perform a thorough medical exam and order a blood panel. We let you know if keto is the right diet for you.

Forget calories; think nutrients

If you’ve counted calories when attempting to lose weight, you’ll welcome Keto’s emphasis on eating sufficient quantities of whole foods without worrying about the total calorie count. Instead, Dr. Ibikunle and the rest of our team urge you to focus on the nutritional value of the foods you eat, as well as their quality.

The first step is to eliminate high-carb foods that cause your body to store fat rather than burn it, as well as foods that cause inflammation, including:

• Grains (including whole grains, breads, and pasta)
• Sugars (including honey, agave, and high-glycemic fruits such as cherries)
• Starchy vegetables (white potatoes, too many yams)
• All processed foods
• Conventional, unfermented dairy
• Cheese
• Legumes (beans and peanuts)

On the keto diet, you get about 75% of your energy from high-quality fats, 20% from grass-fed, pastured animal protein (including fatty fish and eggs), and 5% from carbohydrates.

Most vegetables are low in carbs but are supercharged with nutrients, so you can enjoy as many as you like. And since you’re eating a high-fat diet, you can flavor steamed, sauteed, or raw veggies with rich, satisfying fats such as grass-fed butter, ghee, and olive oil.

Don’t guess, know

By working with the Atlanta Body Institute, you’ll know whether your body has gone into ketosis and is burning ketones for energy, instead of sugar. We’re also here to help you learn how to adjust to new ways of eating and thinking about food.

While you may worry about restricting beloved foods like bread and cake, we encourage you to think about the amazing array of new flavors and textures that keto opens up to you, including delicious, filling fats that you can eat alone or on vegetables, such as:

• Avocados
• Bacon (pastured, uncured pork only)
• Grass-fed butter and ghee
• Virgin coconut oil
• Virgin olive oil (not for cooking)
• Pastured lard
• Pastured bone marrow (good for bone broth)

Unlike other low-carb diets that are sometimes mistaken for keto, a true ketogenic diet does not require protein loading. In fact, proteins are kept to between 20% to 30% of your diet to reduce the risk of your body converting proteins to sugar (an unwanted process called gluconeogenesis). Keto-friendly protein choices include:

• Grass Fed beef and lamb
• Fatty, omega-3 rich fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
• Pastured eggs
• Organic turkey and chicken
• Shellfish
• Pastured gelatin
• Pastured organ meats (livers, kidneys, hearts)
• Macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts

Our team helps you identify Keto-friendly foods and can even steer you toward recipes that your whole family can enjoy. You can expect benefits such as more energy, clearer skin, and better sleep.

The keto diet is part of a series of lifestyle changes we may recommend to optimize your weight and health, including exercise and sufficient hydration with filtered water. To find out if the keto diet is right for you, call us today or book an appointment online.