Weight Loss Treatments
At RWJBarnabas Health, we focus on long-term benefits of weight loss, such as reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and hypertension. It’s not about losing weight overnight. It’s about staying healthy over time.
Our weight loss specialists offer nutritional counseling, information about exercise and your health. They can talk with you about the kinds of exercise that might be right for you to do safely and effectively. In addition, we offer treatment options including medication for weight loss and bariatric surgery.
Nutrition Consultation
Our weight loss specialists can guide you to make dietary changes that can keep you healthy. Learn about what foods would serve you best, and how to control portion sizes, as well as your appetite.
Medication for Weight Loss
There are a number of effective medications now available that help people manage their weight. Some, such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepetide), work by regulating hormones that control appetite. Other, such as Ozempic (which contains semaglutide), and Mounjaro (which contains tirzepetide), which are FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, work by regulating blood sugar levels, promoting a feeling of fullness and aiding in overall weight management.
People who have not had success losing weight through diet and exercise alone and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 40 may benefit from these medical weight loss options, which are available by prescription only. People with a BMI of 27 or more who also suffer from obesity-related conditions such as hypertension, sleep apnea or diabetes may also qualify for these prescription medications aimed at weight loss management.
It is important to note that these medications should be managed under the care of qualified medical professionals, and should be considered part of a holistic approach to health and wellness. Maintaining weight loss long-term will still require a focus on maintaining a healthy diet, portion control, and an exercise regimen. We can help guide you on your weight loss journey.
Bariatric Surgery
For those who need to lose fifty or more pounds, the healthy approach is to understand that you don’t have a weight problem, you have a medical problem — and one that requires supervision. Led by experienced bariatric surgeons, our weight loss programs provide a coordinated and supportive approach to the decision to pursue weight loss surgery.
Our patients experience the benefits of weight loss surgery almost immediately. We have helped thousands of patients in NJ achieve and sustain their weight loss goals.
A discussion with your surgeon of the different types of weight loss surgery options will help you determine which treatment is best for you. Some options include gastric bands surgery (also known as lap band surgery), gastric bypass surgery, and gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy).
Gastric Band Surgery
Gastric band surgery also referred to as the lap band procedure, is a bariatric procedure that is often performed using several small incisions (laparoscopically). Gastric band surgery is less complex than other bariatric surgery options and is also reversible.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery uses surgical staples to create a small stomach pouch which restricts the amount of food you can eat at one time. It is considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery resulting in reliable weight loss with minimal side effects. Roux-en-Y is a form of gastric bypass surgery in which the small intestine is redirected to bypass the larger portion of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine so that the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients. The new structure forms the shape of the letter Y.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric sleeve surgery reduces the size of the stomach. This procedure can often be performed laparoscopically, using several small incisions, and is our procedure of choice for obese teens (ages 15 to 21).
Loop Duodenal Switch Surgery
Loop duodenal switch surgery is combination of two bariatric procedures: sleeve gastrectomy and a duodenal switch procedure. The combined procedure reroutes the pathway of food through the digestive system to reduce the absorption of calories by the body.
Attend a Free Seminar
The RWJBarnabas Health bariatric and weight loss programs feature extensive education and patient support before, during and after treatment. Attend one of our free seminars in your community and you’ll learn more about our various weight loss procedures and what may be the best weight loss procedure for you.
Make an Appointment
If you are interested in learning more about RWJBarnabas Health weight loss options, contact us at 888-724-7123, or click the button below.
