Non-Surgical Weight Loss

How Much Weight Will You Regain After You Stop Injecting Weight-Loss Drugs?

A recent study on the effects of stopping tirzepatide (Monjauro / Zepbound), reveals that individuals who stopped tirzepatide experienced substantial weight regain (approximately 14%), highlighting the challenges associated with relying on such medications for long-term results.

Dr. Alexander Abkin, a leading bariatric surgeon in New Jersey, emphasizes the limitations of injectable weight-loss drugs as a sustainable solution for severe obesity.

“In my professional opinion, the study reinforces the importance of lifestyle modifications and more permanent weight loss solutions”, says Dr. Abkin. He advocates for treatments that extend beyond short-term interventions like weight loss injections, emphasizing the need for comprehensive lifestyle changes, including healthier eating habits and regular physical activity, with bariatric surgery , such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, as a more effective and enduring option for sustained weight loss.

While injectable drugs like tirzepatide may offer initial weight loss, these medications are not a magic solution for the management of severe obesity. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight requires a fundamental shift in lifestyle.

Dr. Abkin echoes the sentiments of other physicians in the field, emphasizing that there is no “miracle drug” and that long-term success lies in lifestyle modification. He reinforces the idea that injectables can be considered as supportive elements but should not replace the fundamental changes needed for lasting weight management. This perspective aligns with the belief that bariatric surgery addresses the root causes of obesity, providing patients with a transformative and enduring solution compared to the uncertainties associated with injectable weight-loss drugs.

Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris offers a comprehensive weight loss program for patients with severe obesity, including patient education, dietary counseling, surgical weight loss and long-term follow up care designed to keep patients on track with their weight loss goals.  Contact us today to learn more.

Question 4 – How quickly can I expect to start losing weight?

In this 10 part series, New Jersey bariatric surgeon Dr. Alexander Abkin discusses 10 questions commonly asked by patients who are considering weight loss surgery.

Question 4 – How quickly can I expect to start losing weight? Read more

Question 3 – What risks are involved with bariatric surgery?

In this 10 part series, New Jersey bariatric surgeon Dr. Alexander Abkin discusses 10 questions commonly asked by patients who are considering weight loss surgery.

Question 3 – What risks are involved with bariatric surgery? Read more

Question 2 – What Type of Medical Tests Do I Need Before Bariatric Surgery?

In this 10 part series, New Jersey bariatric surgeon Dr. Alexander Abkin discusses 10 questions commonly asked by patients who are considering weight loss surgery.

Question 2 – What Type of Medical Tests Do I Need Before Bariatric Surgery?

 

Question 1 – Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery?

In this 10 part series, New Jersey bariatric surgeon Dr. Alexander Abkin discusses 10 questions commonly asked by patients who are considering weight loss surgery.

Question 1 – Do I Qualify for Weight Loss Surgery?

 

Dr. Abkin Voted “Top Doc” in Bariatric Surgery by NJ Monthly Magazine for 17th Consecutive Year

Dr. Alexander Abkin, renowned bariatric surgeon and director of bariatric surgery at Saint Clare’s Health System (Dover) and HMH JFK University Medical Center (Edison), has once again been recognized by his peers as a “Top Doc” in the field of bariatric surgery by New Jersey Monthly Magazine. This prestigious award marks the 17th consecutive year that Dr. Abkin has been acknowledged for his exceptional contributions to the field of bariatric surgery in New Jersey. Read more

How Remote Work Might Add 800 Calories to Your Day and Why Weight Loss Surgery Can Help

The advent of remote work has revolutionized the way we conduct business, offering flexibility and convenience like never before. However, this shift to working from home has also brought about some unexpected challenges, one of which is the potential for significant weight gain. Surprisingly, many remote workers find themselves consuming an additional 800 calories and 3,500 fewer steps per day on average compared to their office counterparts, according to a new survey from the diet tracking app MyFitnessPal.

In this article, we’ll explore why this phenomenon occurs and how weight loss surgery can provide a solution for those struggling with weight gain during their remote work journey.

The Work-from-Home Culinary Trap

  • The Kitchen Proximity
    Working from home means your office is just steps away from the kitchen. This accessibility to food throughout the day can lead to more frequent snacking and, consequently, a higher calorie intake. In an office environment, you’re less likely to snack mindlessly because you have to make a conscious effort to visit the break room or vending machine.
  • Lack of Routine
    The structured routine of office life often dictates when you eat. With remote work, this routine can become disrupted. You may find yourself skipping breakfast, having irregular meal times, or grazing on snacks all day long. This erratic eating pattern can lead to overconsumption of calories.
  • Stress and Emotional Eating
    Remote work can be stressful, with blurred lines between professional and personal life. Stress and isolation can trigger emotional eating, as many people turn to food for comfort. This emotional connection to food can result in the consumption of extra calories.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle
    Remote work often involves prolonged periods of sitting in front of a computer screen. This sedentary lifestyle can lead to a decrease in physical activity, which can, in turn, contribute to weight gain.

Weight Loss Surgery: A Viable Solution

For individuals who have found themselves battling weight gain while working from home, weight loss surgery may be a beneficial solution. Here’s why:

  • Permanent Weight Loss
    Weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, can provide long-term weight loss results. These procedures help reduce the size of the stomach or alter the digestive process, leading to reduced food intake and better control over calorie consumption.
  • Improved Health
    Excessive weight gain can lead to a range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Weight loss surgery can help improve or resolve these conditions, enhancing overall health and well-being.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life
    Maintaining a healthy weight can boost self-esteem and confidence, which can have a positive impact on both personal and professional life. Weight loss surgery can help individuals regain their self-confidence and lead a more active, fulfilling life.
  • Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
    Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix but a tool that facilitates sustainable lifestyle changes. Patients are required to make significant modifications to their diet and exercise habits post-surgery, helping them establish healthier routines that can counteract the remote work calorie trap.

Conclusion

While remote work offers undeniable benefits, it also presents unique challenges when it comes to weight management. The convenience and flexibility of working from home can lead to the consumption of an extra 800 calories per day, contributing to unwanted weight gain. For those struggling to control their weight, weight loss surgery can be a valuable solution, offering the potential for permanent weight loss, improved health, and an enhanced quality of life. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine whether weight loss surgery is the right option for your specific circumstances. In the end, finding a balance between remote work and a healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining overall well-being.

Bariatric Procedure Outperforms Semaglutide in Patients With Obesity, Fatty Liver

A recent study was published comparing two treatments for people with obesity and a liver condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The two treatments tested were bariatric surgery and a medication called semaglutide.

The findings showed that bariatric surgery led to more weight loss and better improvements in liver health compared to semaglutide. Many obese individuals also have MASLD, and losing weight is the main recommendation for treating it. Both bariatric surgery and semaglutide help people lose weight, but the study aimed to determine which one is more effective for improving liver health.

Dr. Reem Z. Sharaiha, the lead researcher, believes that using a combination of treatments may be the best approach for these patients. Semaglutide and similar medications are a good starting point, but some patients may plateau in their weight loss or want to stop taking the medication. That’s where bariatric surgery and similar procedures come in. On the other hand, patients treated with bariatric surgery may need help maintaining their weight loss, so medication could be beneficial for them.

In conclusion, the study suggests that a combination of treatments may be the future for managing obesity and MASLD, and the most important thing is to start treatment, regardless of the specific method used.

Please note, while our practice does not offer endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), we do offer Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) and Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (RNYGBP) procedures for qualified candidates who meet the criteria. 

Click here to read the full study. Call 973-410-9700 or contact us online to learn more.

JFK Spotlight: Bariatrics with Dr. Abkin

Joel Katz talks to Dr. Alexander Abkin about Bariatrics at Hackensack University JFK Medical Center. Click the link below to listen. Read more

FDA Adds Intestinal Blockage as Potential Side Effect to Ozempic, Wegovy

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently made a significant update to the label of Ozempic, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and increasingly used for weight loss. This update highlights a potential side effect that patients and healthcare providers should be aware of – intestinal blockage.  Another weight loss drug known as Wegovy, produced by the same manufacturer, also carries a warning about the possibility of ileus. Read more