Weight Reduction Surgery

At Montefiore's Center for Weight Reduction Surgery, our fully comprehensive weight-management program addresses all of our patient's health, psychological and socialization issues. We are helping obese patients to conquer their often lifelong battle with weight and achieve long-term success.

To qualify for weight reduction surgery at Montefiore, patients must meet certain criteria. For most people, that entails being morbidly obese — generally, 100 or more pounds overweight or having a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40. Patients with a BMI of 35 and at least two co-morbidity factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease) are usually eligible as well. Our patients undergo comprehensive education to prepare them on every level.

Research shows surgery works

We know that surgical treatment is a medical necessity for qualified patients. Research shows that, combined with behavior modification, surgery is the only proven method of achieving long-term weight loss for the morbidly obese. However, weight reduction surgery — known as gastric bypass — is merely the first step. Our comprehensive approach also encompasses weight management and health.

Our multidisciplinary team includes physicians, surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists and nurse practitioners, all specially trained to assist patients through weight reduction surgery and beyond. We work closely in all phases of treatment to assess each patient’s situation and develop an appropriate plan of care, including surgery, nutrition counseling and psychological follow-up.

Reducing risk with minimally invasive techniques

At Montefiore, we now perform all of our gastric bypass procedures using minimally invasive surgery. This method lets us operate via a small incision in the abdominal wall. Benefits to patients are many, including significantly less pain and scarring, faster recovery and prevention of post-operative complications associated with traditional surgery.

Thanks to our expertise and multidisciplinary approach, Montefiore is uniquely equipped to handle even the most complicated weight-management cases. We have vast experience in treating patients at the extremes of obesity, once considered too risky for surgery.

With this procedure, most patients lose an average of one-third of their initial weight during the first 12 to 18 months. In addition, the vast majority of certain obesity-related health conditions are improved or resolved.

Continuing support for long-term health

Montefiore offers our patients a full-service approach to weight reduction and health. We understand that adequate support is essential to successful long-term weight management, and we provide focused support groups in English and Spanish.

Our speaker series offers information and inspiration from a variety of experts discussing topics that range from plastic surgery to behavior modification. We have exercise programs, such as yoga, to stimulate ideas and help patients think creatively about exercise in their lives.

For those who cannot join our on-site groups, Montefiore's online support group ensures all our patients get the encouragement they need. Patients also have online access to "report cards," which gauge their progress throughout weight loss and maintenance.