Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, has helped millions of people shed their excess weight and live healthier lives. It is the only proven means of long term weight loss. In study after study, weight loss methods such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutri-System, Atkins, diet pills and shakes, fad diets, and most other means have shown not to offer any substantial long term weight loss in the majority of people.
Weight loss surgery is a tool that allows you to transform your eating habits so that you can successfully lose weight and keep it off. The resulting health benefits are clear. Think back to when you were 100 or more pounds less, did you have all of the health issues that you have now? Did you feel better? Did you have a better outlook on life?
If you have tried and failed to lose weight by other means, you may want to consider weight loss surgery.
In considering weight loss surgery it is important to select a Bariatric Program that offers a strong pre and post operative care plan. Weight loss surgery is a life long commitment on your part and the program, hospital, and surgeon you choose for your surgery should be one that will continue to support you throughout your journey.
Studies have shown that experienced surgeons who operate out of hospitals that are designated “Centers of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery”, such as Hackensack University Medical Center, have the best overall results.

The Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery continues to benefit people struggling with morbid obesity worldwide. Most importantly, bariatric surgery saves lives. Recent studies show that bariatric surgery patients are living longer lives than morbidly obese individuals. You also can see the benefits of bariatric surgery when you look back on how individual lives have improved.

Reduction in Mortality (Extended Life Expectancy)
Reduced life span due to obesity is important to consider. Compared to a person of normal weight, a 25-year-old obese man has a reduced life span, and he can expect a loss of about 12 years of life. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve life span by reducing excess body weight. In a recent study, bariatric surgery reduced overall morbidity and the development of new health-related conditions in morbidly obese patients.

Resolution of Obesity-Related Health Conditions

Obesity-related health conditions that may be improved or resolved with bariatric surgery include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure and heart disease
• High Cholesterol
• Osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints
• Depression
• Sleep apnea/respiratory problems
• Gastroesophageal reflux/heartburn
• Infertility
• Urinary stress incontinence
• Menstrual irregularities
• Asthma
• Skin breakdown
• Swollen legs/skin ulcers
• Extremity venous stasis
• Long-Term Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective long term weight loss treatment. The amount of weight a patient will lose after the procedure depends upon several factors. These include age, pre-operative weight, motivation, exercise, and compliance with followup.

Surgery is likely to be used more widely given that the number of Americans with a BMI > 40 has nearly tripled in the last decade. Each year more and more people are realizing that weight loss surgery is the answer for them.

Lifestyle Opportunities
Bariatric surgery, by reducing excess body weight and improving overall health, can improve patients’ lives in many personal ways. Some benefits are common among patients; others are unique to each individual patient.

Here are some of the surgery benefits patients have described:

• Improvement of medical conditions
• Improved job or career prospects
• Reduced shortness of breath
• Increased energy level
• Regularly get a good night of sleep
• Greater confidence
• Improved dating life
• Greater variety in choice of clothes
• Exercise is more rewarding

In short, the benefits of weight loss surgery are clear. However, it is a surgical procedure and requires a thorough understanding of the risks as well as the benefits. It is important to meet with one of our qualified bariatric surgeons to discuss your individual health concerns and issues.