Weight Management
Weight Loss for a Healthier You
If you struggle with excess weight and obesity, you are not alone. At St. Joseph’s Health, our specialists offer the latest options and techniques to help people lose weight and keep it off. We offer both surgical and non-surgical options to help you achieve weight loss and make positive, long-term changes. Our board-certified weight management specialists work closely with you to determine the best option based on your lifestyle, weight goals, and current health.
Effective Medical Weight Loss
St. Joseph’s Health offers a physician-led weight loss program that includes a mix of medication, monitoring, nutrition programs and lifestyle recommendations. Treatment may include the use of FDA-approved weight loss medications with regular monitoring for effectiveness and safety. In addition, our dietitians and nutrition counselors work with you to create a food plan that works best for you and your metabolism. We offer complete one-on-one support, providing our patients with the tools they need to live a healthy life.
Advanced Surgical Options
The surgeons at St. Joseph’s Health perform hundreds of successful bariatric surgeries each year, with surgical outcomes that are among the best nationwide. We use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, resulting in a shorter, easier recovery. We offer several types of bariatric surgery including:
- Robotic sleeve gastrectomy: A large part of the stomach is removed. Since the stomach becomes far smaller, you consume far less food.
- Robotic gastric bypass: The stomach is cut and stapled to form a pouch and a part of the intestinal tract is bypassed. The small pouch allows you to feel satisfied with very small portions and with the intestinal re-routing, some of the calories eaten will not be absorbed.
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: The surgeon places an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach. This reduces the amount of food you can eat and also slows digestion.
- Other bariatric surgery options include endoscopic techniques and revisions
Jamie's Journey
Hear Jamie’s experience and learn from her surgeon, Dr. Toghrul Talishinskiy, about the benefits of bariatric surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer a comprehensive range of weight loss programs tailored to your individual needs. These include medical weight loss with prescription medications, behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, endoscopic, and surgical options like bariatric surgery.
We offer a comprehensive range of weight loss programs tailored to your individual needs. These include medical weight loss with prescription medications, behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, endoscopic, and surgical options like bariatric surgery.
We prescribe FDA-approved weight loss medications that help control appetite and boost metabolism. Common medications include phentermine, Ozempic, Wegovy, etc. Our doctors will evaluate your health and weight loss goals to recommend the best medication for you.
Weight loss medications can be effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. They can help you lose 5-20% of your body weight within the first six months. However, results vary, and these medications are not a substitute for lifestyle changes.
Bariatric surgery is a surgical procedure designed to help you lose weight by altering your digestive system. It typically involves reducing the size of the stomach, which limits food intake and reduces appetite. The most common types are sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and revisional procedures.
Eligibility for bariatric surgery depends on your Body Mass Index (BMI) and any associated health conditions. Generally, candidates have a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. An evaluation by our medical team is required to determine your suitability.
Bariatric surgery is one of the safest elective surgeries available today. However, as with any surgical procedure, bariatric surgery does carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. Long-term risks include nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal issues. Our medical team will discuss all risks with you during your consultation.
Everyone heals differently and recovery times vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery. Generally, you can expect to spend a few days in the hospital and several weeks recovering at home. Full recovery may take 4-6 weeks, with restrictions on certain activities and a gradual return to normal routines.
The speed of weight loss after bariatric surgery varies from person to person, but many patients start to notice significant changes within the first few weeks. Generally, you can expect to lose 10-30 pounds in the first month. The most rapid weight loss typically occurs in the first 3-6 months following surgery, with the rate gradually slowing down as you approach your goal weight.
Several factors influence the rate of weight loss, including the type of bariatric surgery, your starting weight, adherence to dietary guidelines, exercise, and overall health. Following your surgical team’s recommendations for diet, exercise, and follow-up care is essential for achieving the best results. Remember, bariatric surgery is a tool that requires long-term lifestyle changes for sustainable weight loss and overall health improvement.
To get started, schedule a consultation with our weight loss management team. During the initial visit, we will discuss your health history, weight loss goals, and treatment options. From there, we’ll create a personalized plan that suits your needs.
Coverage for weight loss programs varies by insurance provider and plan. Bariatric surgery is often covered for eligible patients with certain conditions, while medical weight loss services may have partial coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your benefits.
Maintaining weight loss involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and ongoing support from our team. We offer post-treatment counseling, support groups, and follow-up appointments to help you stay on track.
Yes, non-surgical alternatives to bariatric surgery include medical weight loss programs and endoscopic procedures, which combine prescription medications with lifestyle changes. These programs are ideal for individuals who prefer a less invasive approach or who do not meet the criteria for surgery.
Call us at 973-389-5265. You can also fill out the form on this page or send us an email at weightloss@sjhmc.com.
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Bariatric Surgery Offers Hope for Weight Loss
You’ve tried the strategies: counting calories, recording points, drinking extra water, maybe even weight loss medication. But the pounds return. For millions of Americans, weight loss is a lifelong struggle that not only affects self-image, but overall health and well-being, putting you at risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Contact Us
St. Joseph’s Health
Bariatric Surgery Center
220 Hamburg Turnpike
Suite 20
Wayne, NJ 07470
Call 973-389-5265 to make your appointment today.
