Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey recently updated their bariatric coverage policy to include members with a BMI > 30 with a comorbidity of Type 2 Diabetes. Read more
Researchers say low-carb, high-fat ‘keto-like’ diets lead to higher ‘bad’ cholesterol, which raises risk of stroke and heart disease.
In recent years, the “keto diet” (low-carb ketogenic) has increased in popularity among those looking to lose weight.
However, a new study suggests that a “keto-like” diet could set off an increase in “bad” cholesterol, which can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and a significantly greater risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.
Findings from the study were presented on Sunday in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session Together With the World Congress of Cardiology.
In a press release about the findings, lead author Iulia Iatan, M.D., PhD, says “Our study found that regular consumption of a self-reported diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat was associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol — or ‘bad’ cholesterol — and a higher risk of heart disease.”
According to the American Heart Association, bariatric surgery may lower the risk of future cardiovascular problems.
A recent study demonstrated that participants with cardiovascular disease and severe obesity (a body mass index of 40 or higher) who underwent bariatric surgery had fewer major cardiovascular events than people with similar conditions who did not have the surgery. Fewer of them died as well.
To learn more about bariatric surgery in New Jersey, please call 973-410-9700 or contact us online.
Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center was listed as one of the Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery by Money Magazine. Read more
Dr. Alexander Abkin has been voted as a NJ Top Doc by New Jersey Monthly magazine for a 16th consecutive year (since 2007). Read more
Joel Katz speaks with Dr. Aram Jawed about the many benefits of minimally invasive Bariatric surgery. Read more
Body positivity advocate spars with Dr. Phil over whether obesity causes health problems.
New study shows insurance requirement may unnecessarily delay surgery, diminish results. Read more
Aram E. Jawed, MD, FACS, FASMBS has been awarded #1 BodyTite Provider in New Jersey for Q1 & Q2 2022 by InMode. Read more
FLORHAM PARK, NJ, JULY 27, 2022: Patients seeking surgical treatment for obesity and its related conditions have a high-quality choice for receiving care at a nationally accredited program that meets the highest standards for patient safety and quality in the greater New Jersey area.
Dr. Alexander Abkin, Managing Partner of Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Dover and his partner Dr. Aram Jawed announced today that its bariatric surgery center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, ensure that metabolic and bariatric patients receive multidisciplinary medical care, which improves patient outcomes and long-term success. MBSAQIP-Accredited centers offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity.
“This accreditation highlights our leadership and ongoing commitment to success.” says Dr. Alexander Abkin, Director of Bariatric Surgery at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Dover. “The comprehensive bariatric surgery program at Saint Clare’s Hospital drastically improves the overall health and well-being of our patients.”
Saint Clare’s Hospital’s commitment to quality care begins with expertly trained staff and the leadership of an experienced bariatric surgeon. The program is tasked with continuous review of surgical data as they continue improving the structure and outcomes expertise necessary to provide safe, efficacious, and high-quality care to all metabolic and bariatric patients.
To earn MBSAQIP Accreditation, Saint Clare’s Hospital met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifying opportunities for quality improvement. The MBSAQIP Standards, Optimal Resources for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, are published by the ACS and the ASMBS.
After applying for MBSAQIP Accreditation, centers undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who reviews the center’s structure, processes, and clinical outcomes data. Centers that earn accreditation are awarded a specific designation level, depending on how many patients it serves annually, critical care capabilities, the types of procedures provided, and whether it provides care to patients under the age of 18.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 93 million adults in the United States are affected by obesity and that number continues to increase. The disease of obesity increases the risks of morbidity and mortality because of the diseases and conditions that are commonly associated with it, such as type II diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among other health risks. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be effective in the reduction of comorbid conditions related to obesity.* Working together, the ACS and the ASMBS have developed accreditation standards for metabolic and bariatric surgery to assist patients with obesity in identifying centers that provide optimal patient care.
*Buchwald H, Avidor Y, Braunwald E, et al. Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2004;292(14):1724-1737. DOI:10.1001/jama.292.14.1724.
About Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris, LLC
Founded by Dr. Alexander Abkin in 2001, the practice is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Dr. Abkin is medical director of bariatric surgery at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Dover. Under his leadership, the practice has performed over 10,000 bariatric procedures in the past 22 years. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He has been honored by his medical colleagues as a “Top Doctor” in NJ Monthly Magazine each year since 2007.
Dr. Aram Jawed is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the state of New Jersey. He is Board Certified and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS). He is a member of the American Medical Association (AMA), American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). He has been voted NJ Top Docs since 2020. He is also certified by da Vinci® Surgical as a robotic surgeon.
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical education and practice and to improve the quality of care for surgical patients. Its achievements have placed it at the forefront of American surgery and have made the College an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 82,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world.
About the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is the largest organization for metabolic and bariatric surgeons in the world, with more than 4,200 members. It is a not-for-profit organization that works to advance the science of metabolic and bariatric surgery. The ASMBS is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about metabolic and bariatric surgery, including the associated risks and benefits, as a treatment option for obesity.
For more information, please call 973-410-9700 or visit alsnj.com
CONTACT:
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris
83 Hanover Road, Suite 190
Florham Park, NJ 07932
info@alsnj.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris, LLC announces partnership with Aram E. Jawed, MD, FACS, FASMBS, acknowledging his significant, ongoing contributions to the practice.
“I am very excited to start our new strategic partnership as the practice continues to grow and serve our community.” said Alexander Abkin, MD, FACS, FASMBS, founder of the practice.
Joining the practice in 2016, Dr. Jawed specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic bariatric surgery and advanced cosmetic skin tightening procedures.
“It’s been an honor to play an integral part in growing this practice.” said Dr. Jawed. “I look forward to continuing the rewarding work we do for our patients.”
Dr. Jawed is licensed to practice medicine and surgery in the state of New Jersey. He is Board Certified and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS). He is a member of the American Medical Association (AMA), American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). He has been voted NJ Top Docs since 2020. He is also certified by da Vinci® Surgical as a robotic surgeon.
About Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeons of Morris, LLC
Founded by Dr. Abkin in 2001, the practice is recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The surgeons work at JFK Medical Center (Edison), Saint Clare’s Hospital (Dover) and Morristown Medical Center (Morristown), all designated as a Center of Excellence (COE) for metabolic and bariatric surgery.
“I have been a patient of Dr. Abkin for over 3 years, since 2020. I’ve lost 85 pounds and will be forever grateful for this life changing experience. Every staff member genuinely cares in the ease and success of your journey. They leave no stone unturned. Dr. Abkin is a master at his craft and truly makes you feel comfortable with process. I’ve never felt more confident in my own skin! I will continue to refer anyone struggling with weight loss and health issues to his office. It’s a second chance at a new life!”
“Dr. Abkin’s expertise in performing my gastric sleeve surgery in 2022 was truly remarkable. From our first consultation to post-op follow-ups, he demonstrated genuine care and professionalism. The procedure went flawlessly, and I felt well-informed and confident throughout. Thanks to Dr. Abkin’s skill and guidance, I’ve achieved significant weight loss and improved health. Grateful for his exceptional care on this transformative journey.”
“After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, I am amazed by the positive impact it has had on my life. The procedure was smooth, and the medical team was extremely supportive throughout the process. I’ve experienced significant weight loss and newfound energy. My confidence has soared, and I’m enjoying a healthier lifestyle. Grateful for this life-changing surgery.”
“Today, at the age of 45, I can confidently say that I am in the best shape of my life. I feel great, and my depression is a thing of the past. I have found purpose once again. And now, I am eager to share my story with all of you. Dr. Abkin and Dr. Jawed, you have saved my life! You have given my wife her husband back, and my children have their father again!”
“Enormously thankful to Dr. Abkin for changing my life! Lost over 150 lbs after having sleeve surgery in 2019. His expertise and support made my transformation possible. Forever grateful!”
“Dr. Abkin was so friendly and explained each procedure thoroughly. I never felt forced or not heard, which really made me feel very comfortable with going forward with the surgery. Well a year later and I’m reflux free and still losing weight and extremely happy with all my services from him and his staff! I have referred him several times to my friends and co workers and will keep referring him!”