Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective, durable treatments for severe obesity — but as Michael Nusbaum, MD FACS · FASMBS, explains, the operation is only one part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program that has helped thousands of New Jersey patients from his Cedar Knolls, Morris County practice lose the weight and keep it off.
Who Should Consider Weight Loss Surgery?
"Anyone who is struggling with weight issues should come in for help," Dr. Nusbaum says. "Whether you have 10 pounds to lose or over 100, we're equipped to help every patient based on their metabolism." The evaluation always starts with the whole person — not a scale reading alone.
For patients who have tried diet after diet without lasting success, bariatric surgery is an excellent, evidence-based option. It's not a last resort or an admission of failure. Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease, and surgery is one of the few interventions proven to produce significant, durable weight loss and to improve or resolve conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
Not everyone needs an operation, though. Many patients do beautifully with our medical weight-loss program, which combines nutrition, metabolic testing and modern GLP-1 medications. The right path depends on your health, your history and your goals.
The Surgical Options — and a Non-Surgical One
There is no single "best" procedure; the best choice is the one matched to your anatomy, metabolism and lifestyle. The main modalities Dr. Nusbaum offers include:
- Gastric sleeve — removes roughly 80% of the stomach to reduce hunger and portion size; today's most common bariatric procedure.
- Gastric bypass — reroutes the digestive tract for powerful, lasting results, especially for patients with diabetes or reflux.
- Gastric banding — an adjustable, reversible option for select patients.
- Gastric balloon — a non-surgical, temporary device placed endoscopically for patients who want a jump-start without an operation.
According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, metabolic surgery is safe, effective and often life-changing for patients with severe obesity — frequently improving dozens of related health conditions at once.
Why the Program Beats the Procedure
"The strength of our center is that we have a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach," Dr. Nusbaum explains. Surgery changes anatomy; a program changes outcomes. Patients work with surgeons, nutritionists and support staff before and long after any procedure.
That structure matters because the operation is a tool, not a finish line. Sustainable success comes from the surrounding care — nutritional coaching, behavioral support, medical management of metabolism, and long-term follow-up. For younger patients, we also offer dedicated adolescent medical weight loss.
If you've struggled for years, the message from Dr. Nusbaum is simple: help exists, it works, and it's tailored to you. Schedule a consultation at our Cedar Knolls office to learn which path fits your body and your goals.
