The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence
at Saint Barnabas Medical Center

Bariatric Surgery Overview

In order to be a candidate for bariatric surgery, the patient must be 100 lbs. overweight with a BMI of over 40, or a BMI of over 35 with additional medical problems, such as high blood pressure and/or diabetes. In conjunction with surgery it is important to also follow a lifestyle management program to maintain weight loss, minimize potential complications with surgery, assist with psychological adjustments and promote overall good health. It is recommended to begin a lifestyle management program before surgery and continue afterward.

With the commitment to a healthy lifestyle, surgery has the potential to be an effective, long-lasting weight loss method. Patients are likely to lose 50% to 75% of their excess weight and should see improvement in conditions linked to obesity, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The weight loss is likely to occur rapidly and continue for up to two years after surgery. After surgery, patients may enjoy the benefit of feeling full after eating only small amounts of food. Most patients are also less hungry.

There are two approaches to weight-loss surgery performed at Saint Barnabas: laparoscopic restrictive procedure or restrictive/ malabsorptive procedure.

Please note: A brief explanation is provided. For more details, including risks and additional benefits of surgery, please contact your physician.

Malabsorptive/Restrictive Procedure
The Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (pictured below) is a combination malabsorptive/restrictive procedure. The surgeon attaches the patient’s small intestine directly to a pouch that has been surgically created in the stomach. Food bypasses part of the small intestine, which reduces the body’s absorption of calories and nutrients without interfering with digestion. Patients may experience about 60 to 70% of excess body weight loss, most within a year.

Laparoscopic/Restrictive Procedure
In Gastric Banding surgery, a silicone band is inserted around the upper portion of the stomach to create a “pouch” which can hold about two ounces of food. The type of surgery is most often done through small incisions (laparoscopically) and is referred to as the Lap-band procedure. The band may be removed but it is designed to remain permanently.

For best results following surgery, patients are advised to:

Eat less
Eat slowly
Chew well
Avoid drinking fluids shortly before, after and during meals
Regularly exercise
Participate in support groups

If you are interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, please contact (973) 322-2514 for information about our free orientation seminars.

Sources:
“Demand for Bariatric Surgery ‘Unbelievable’,” Internal Medicine News, July 15, 2003.

“Gastric Surgery for Severe Obesity,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 1996.