SPRINGFIELD, New Jersey – New Jersey Bariatric Center^®’s weight loss surgery patients celebrated another year of weight loss success at a gala event that recognizes the health and weight loss achievements of LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve patients.

Each year, New Jersey Bariatric Center^® invites their patients who’ve had weight loss surgery to celebrate their leaner bodies, better health and increased confidence at the “Sweet Success Gala.” The “Walk of Success” is the highlight of the evening, continuing a tradition started 9 years ago by Dr. Ajay Goyal, the founder of New Jersey Bariatric Center^®. This year, 35 patients walked down the red carpet to the cheering of a room of 220 patients and their guests. The weight loss ranged from 30 pounds lost by one woman who had just had her surgery two months ago to 200 pounds lost by one man who was motivated to lose weight because of his desire to become a police officer.

“Each patient here has a different story about why they decided to take the step to have weight loss surgery,” said Dr. Goyal, who is also director of Bariatric Surgery at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. “But everyone has one thing in common: a desire to improve their health, reduce risk of the illnesses associated with obesity and increase their quality of life.’’

Weight loss surgery alters the digestive tract to aid obese patients in losing weight. It is considered the most effective means of controlling weight and resolving co-morbid conditions in obese patients, according to the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that compared to other interventions, bariatric surgery, which includes the LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy (also known as Gastric Sleeve) produces the longest period of sustained weight loss.

“I feel more alive now,” said Chris Silva who lost 104 pounds after undergoing the sleeve gastrectomy. “At 324 pounds and 6 foot 2, I was tired all the time. Working out to lose weight controlled my life. Now I’m in control. I want to do more. I run and work out with weights and I actually enjoy it! I feel better about myself and I know I would never be at this weight if it wasn’t for the weight loss surgery.”

New Jersey Bariatric Center^® surgeon Dr. Glenn Forrester also applauded the patients who had bariatric surgery adding that surgery is not a quick fix.

“People who decide to have weight loss surgery typically have tried diets before turning to bariatric surgery,” said Dr. Forrester, who is Director of Bariatric Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. “The surgeons and dietitians at New Jersey Bariatric Center^® make sure that each patient understands that weight loss surgery is not another diet. They must commit to a new lifestyle, which includes portion control, making healthier food choices, taking daily vitamins and exercise. That is the path to long-term weight loss success.”

About New Jersey Bariatric Center^®

New Jersey Bariatric Center^®, a medical & surgical weight loss center with offices in Springfield, Somerset and Hoboken, New Jersey, helps patients achieve long-term weight loss success through the most advanced bariatric surgery procedures, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, LAP-BAND  and REALIZE Band procedures. Free monthly patient education seminars are held five times a month in Woodbridge, Summit, Springfield, Bridgewater and Secaucus, NJ, for individuals interested in learning more about weight loss surgery. To view dates or register for a seminar, visit our Free Seminar page or call 908-481-1270.