Bariatric Surgery

In the early 2000’s, very few surgeons were doing bariatric surgery laparoscopically (minimally invasive, thru small incisions). I was one of the few at the time. Now, everyone does it that way. This has dramatically improved the recovery time for patients. Twenty years ago, bariatric surgery patients were in the ICU for 2 days, in the hospital for a week and out of work for 8-12 weeks. Today, most patients go home the next day and are back to work in 10-14 days (not weeks!!). Eighteen years ago, the gastric bypass was the surgery we did 80-90 percent of the

Imagine if there were a pill that eliminated diabetes for half (or two thirds) of all diabetics. What if there were a pill that cured 90% of all the patients who have sleep apnea? If you have high blood pressure, would you want a pill that cured your high blood pressure (not just treated high blood pressure but cured it) 40-50% of the time? What if you could dramatically reduce your lifetime risk of developing cancer by taking a pill? Would you be interested in that? Imagine for a moment that one pill could do all those things! If such

Carrying excess weight strains your overall health. Comorbidities connected to obesity include diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea and stroke. However, losing the amount of weight necessary to improve your health may require a physician’s help. If obesity drastically impedes everyday life or becomes a severe health threat, you may actually require surgery. Duodenal Switch (DS) Surgery “The duodenal switch is a bariatric operation — a surgery that’s really the most effective of the surgeries we have for weight loss—both in terms of the amount of weight patients can lose and also in terms of resolving or improving the comorbidities,” says Dr.

I started practicing Transcendental Meditation (TM) about a year ago.  Reason being,  I was told my blood pressure was a little  high. Yikes, my blood pressure is high! I don't smoke. I exercise regularly.  I am not overweight (after all who would go to a bariatric surgeon who is overweight!). Of course, I will confess to enjoying an occasional alcoholic beverage (but you have to have at least one vice, don't you?). I guess my point is, I thought I was basically doing all the right things for my health and here my  doctor is telling me I have high

With obesity affecting more American adults and teens than ever before, an increasing number of people are considering bariatric surgery to help them achieve substantial weight loss. Yet, myths about gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch surgery run rampant. Let Garden State Bariatrics and Wellness Center set the record straight on the most common bariatric surgery misconceptions. Misconception: Bariatric Surgery Is the Easy Way Out. This myth stems from the notion that the traditional way to lose weight – that is, dieting and exercising – is too hard for some people, so bariatric surgery is, therefore “easy.” However, having

If you’re struggling with obesity, you’ve probably tried adopting an exercise routine before with little success. Fortunately, after bariatric surgery, the effects of exercise are much more pronounced. In fact, while the procedure and associated dietary changes are sure to lead to long-term weight loss, exercise is another lifestyle change you should plan to make. You’ll need to tailor your workout plan to your specific needs and abilities, but we recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, or 30 minutes of physical activity per day, five days per week. Here are some low-impact workout ideas to help

The decision to have bariatric surgery is a huge turning point in your battle against obesity, and it should be made with all the facts available. You need to have a realistic view of what surgery will be like, how long recovery will last and what sort of results you can expect if you follow your surgeon and your bariatric team’s guidelines. Whichever surgical procedure you choose, important lifestyle changes accompany it, and true weight-loss success occurs when those to go hand-in-hand. So, what kind of changes are we talking about? Nutrition Nutritional changes before and after bariatric surgery are

For many people, obesity is a lifelong struggle. There are many schools of thought about how best to lose weight and keep it off, and by the time people begin to consider surgery, many of these options have typically been exhausted. The good news? There are many benefits to choosing bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery decreases a person’s stomach capacity, making it necessary to take in less food. People who have had bariatric surgery must eat small meals, eating slowly and taking care to chew their food carefully. They feel full more quickly, and this makes it much easier to lose

After you’ve had bariatric surgery, following recommended dietary guidelines is extremely important. Your doctor will provide you with a plan designed to limit the calories you consume, while still allowing for enough nutrients to prevent deficiencies and preserve your muscle tissues. At first, you might be overwhelmed with all the rules. As time goes by, though, you’ll find yourself unconsciously incorporating these guidelines into your daily routine. Along the way, your healthcare team will be there to offer support if you struggle. There are a few general guidelines that all bariatric surgical patients should follow. You’ll need to eat balanced

Weight loss is challenging, especially if you have a lot of weight to lose. If you’ve been unsuccessful in trying diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery may be the solution. There are different types of weight loss surgeries, and sometimes these procedures are medically necessary when an overweight person’s health is in danger. It can be expensive, though, so you may be wondering: is bariatric surgery covered by insurance? It’s a valid question because bariatric surgery is expensive. The cost of bariatric surgery varies based on the type of surgery you’re having, the surgeon’s fee, and the hospital you choose,