The Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence
at Saint Barnabas Medical Center

A Life-Changing Process

Michael Nusbaum, M.D., F.A.C.S., Chief of the Division of Bariatric Surgery at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, says that helping patients to lose weight and resume normal activities most people take for granted is “the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.”

Many former patients return to speak at Saint Barnabas’ support groups and offer encouragement to those at the beginning of their journey toward permanent weight loss and healthy lifestyle.

Pamela Porter underwent bariatric surgery with Dr. Nusbaum in November 2004 and she has been so pleased by the results that she speaks about the process with other patients considering surgery. After years of dieting–even a failed six-month physician- regulated program––Ms. Porter lost a few pounds only to put even more weight back on.

“I always gained more than I lost,” she says. “It was a vicious cycle.”

When she reached 334 pounds on her 5 foot 10 inch frame, Ms. Porter’s health began to worsen. She developed sleep apnea and high blood pressure. The decline in her health led her to seek the life-changing bariatric surgery.

Immediately after the surgery, Ms. Porter felt so little pain that she thought the procedure had not been performed. She credits Dr. Nusbaum’s surgical skill and the “fabulous” care she received from the staff.

Now weighing a more healthy 182 pounds, Ms. Porter no longer suffers from sleep apnea or high blood pressure and can exercise without discomfort. She is happy to be able to indulge her passion for fashion, especially Manolo Blahniks and other designer heels, with renewed pleasure thanks to the weight loss. Best of all, food is no longer her enemy and she can enjoy an improved lifestyle.

“The surgery let me feel full for the first time,” she says. “I’ve never had the feeling before in my life.”

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