New Jersey's Leader In Gastric Bypass Surgery
Why Choose Us
Led by experienced bariatric surgeons, the gastric bypass surgery program at RWJBarnabas Health provides a coordinated and supportive approach to your decision to pursue gastric bypass surgery. Our program features extensive education and patient support before, during, and after weight loss surgery. Our centers throughout New Jersey offer a comprehensive approach to gastric bypass surgery, and offer a variety of programs and treatments to help you jump start a healthier lifestyle. A discussion with your surgeon of the different types of weight loss surgery options will help you determine which treatment is best for you.
What is Gastric Bypass?
Gastric bypass is considered the ‘gold standard' of weight loss surgery in the United States. It can also be the most effective, frequently resulting in reliable weight loss with minimal side effects.
During gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon uses surgical staples to create a small stomach pouch which restricts the amount of food you can eat at one time. The small intestine is then attached to this newly created stomach pouch, allowing food to bypass the large part of the stomach, eliminating food absorption in the larger part of the stomach. Patients feel full faster and subsequently lose weight. Any patient who is a candidate for bariatric surgery is potentially a candidate for gastric bypass surgery.
About Gastric Bypass
There are several forms of gastric bypass surgery, but the most common is Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Because gastric bypass is often a minimally invasive operation, there are several advantages, including:
- Most patients experience significant long –term weight loss
- Weight loss is rapid
- Greater percentage of weight kept off with long term follow-up
- Food intake is greatly controlled
- Hospitalization is minimal with moderate recovery time
- Improved type 2 diabetes. high blood pressure, and mobility
- Relief of acid reflux
As with any surgery, there are also risks associated with gastric bypass surgery. Since it substantially and permanently alters the stomach and intestines, it is not easily reversed. Ulcers—particularly in smokers or if you’re taking aspirin and/or anti-inflammatory drugs—may occur, as well as leaks from staples or separation of tissues that were stapled or stitched together.
Post-operative nutritional follow up is absolutely critical for all patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. It is also important that patients who have had a gastric bypass procedure make a lifelong commitment healthy eating. This includes taking vitamins and mineral supplements including a multivitamin, B12, iron, and calcium, maintaining an adequate intake of protein, and avoiding sweets and fatty foods.
If you are interested in learning more about RWJBarnabas Health weight loss options, please contact us at (888) 724-7123 or sign up for a FREE life-changing weight loss seminar now.