Deciding to have weight loss surgery for obesity can be a life-changing step for many people. The decision can be less overwhelming with the right knowledge beforehand. By having a meaningful discussion with a fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon to thoroughly explain each procedure you can make the right decision for you.. It is important to understand that surgery is a tool to jump start your weight loss. Successful, long-term weight loss is reached by committing to healthy lifestyle changes including diet and exercise. Before deciding which procedure is right for you, here are some important factors to consider:

1. Understand how weight loss surgery works. Weight loss surgery decreases the size of your stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat at one time, leaving you feeling fuller sooner and longer.  And, with the gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedure, you will decrease your levels of hunger hormones so you will feel less hungry.  As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and start using its fat supply for energy.

2. Determine your weight loss goal. All surgical weight loss procedures will result in an initial weight loss, but the amount lost can differ depending on which procedure you choose and the changes you commit to after surgery.

Estimated Weight Loss

• Gastric Bypass (65-75% of excess body weight)
• Gastric Sleeve (60-70% of excess body weight)

Patients who choose the gastric sleeve can see a loss between 60 to 65 percent of their excess body weight, while the gastric bypass can be a bit more with 65 to 75 percent of excess body weight.

 3. Consider your medical conditions.  The gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures are some of the most effective treatments for obesity-related illnesses like diabetes, as the hormonal effects surgery has on the body can have a positive impact on a patient’s blood sugar. Additionally, those who suffer from sleep apnea can see improvements and/or resolution of their condition with surgery since less weight means less of a chance for blocked airways while sleeping.

 4. Commit to routine follow-up visits to monitor your progress. You will need to routinely meet with your surgeon and nutritionist to ensure you are on the right track. Attending support groups frequently helps you stay motivated and learn from others who are going through a weight loss journey too. New Jersey Bariatric Center is comprised of a team of weight loss experts including fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons, on-site nutritionists and psychologists to help guide you through this weight loss journey and beyond.

For information about the procedures including benefits and risks, click here.