Englewood Hospital and Medical Center offers bariatric (weight-loss) surgery to patients with obesity, using the latest options and techniques to help you lose weight and keep it off. We perform nearly 350 bariatric surgeries a year. We are accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. Accreditation is important because it demonstrates our commitment to high standards. Our care approach goes beyond consultations and surgical procedures. We offer free informational seminars, pre-op education classes, support groups, and pre- and post-op nutritional guidance to help you meet your health and wellness goals. Our board-certified surgeons and compassionate staff are sensitive to your needs. The accommodations on the designated bariatric surgery unit make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Call for a referral:
201-894-3983
Care & Treatment
Our Expertise
Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery is life-changing and can help prevent or reduce many of the serious health problems associated with obesity. Our team of surgeons offers minimally invasive techniques for those who qualify for these weight-loss procedures. Our program includes access to a program coordinator, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals to help with your care. Each expert is dedicated to providing support for bariatric patients both before and after surgery.
Our Expertise
Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery is life-changing and can help prevent or reduce many of the serious health problems associated with obesity. Our team of surgeons offers minimally invasive techniques for those who qualify for these weight-loss procedures. Our program includes access to a program coordinator, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals to help with your care. Each expert is dedicated to providing support for bariatric patients both before and after surgery.
Surgical Options
There are two basic ways that bariatric surgery works to help patients lose weight and improve or resolve co-morbidities. One way is malabsorption and the other is restriction. One of the procedures is a combination of both.
Restrictive surgery
Restrictive procedures limit the amount of food in the stomach. Procedures that use restriction limit the amount of food patients can eat by reducing the size of the stomach or the amount it can expand. The adjustable gastric band and the sleeve gastrectomy are two examples.
Malabsorptive surgery
Malabsorptive procedures limit the amount of nutrient uptake. Procedures that use malabsorption change the body’s ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food. The surgeon changes the way food travels through the patient’s system. The food is rerouted past a large part of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine. This causes much of the calories and nutrients to pass through without being absorbed.
Combined
Combined procedures use both methods. Procedures that make the stomach smaller and change the path that the food travels to prevent absorption of calories and nutrients is a combined procedure. The gastric bypass is an example.
Download our comparison chart of vertical sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass options.

Physical changes
Between 2/3 – 3/4 of the stomach is removed. This leaves a long, narrow, vertical “sleeve” (shaped like a banana) which can hold 2-4 oz (60-120 ml). The part of the stomach that creates a hunger-causing hormone (ghrelin) is removed. No intestinal bypass performed.
Eligibility
Calculate your BMI now.
- BMI≥40
- BMI≥35 with other conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease or other health issues
- BMI 30-34.9 with Type 2 Diabetes that is not well controlled with medication and diet, may be considered
- Multiple, serious, supervised attempts at weight loss were unsuccessful
- Willing to make significant lifestyle changes
Mechanism
- Significantly restricts the volume of food that you can eat
- No malabsorption
- Feel full with smaller amount of food
Expected weight loss
55% excess weight lost after 2 years
Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery
4-5 small incisions on abdomen, instruments and camera are inserted through incisions, less chance of wound complications, less pain and quicker recovery
Length of operation
1.5 hours
Hospital stay
1-2 nights
Time off work
1-2 weeks. Varies, depending on how strenuous the job is.
Safety
Risks similar to gallbladder surgery or hip replacement
Advantages
- Most foods are well tolerated
- Decreased appetite
- No malabsorption
- No foreign object in body
- Lower risk of protein and vitamin deficiencies
- Resolution of many health problems: Type 2 diabetes (about 60%), hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol
Disadvantages
- Not reversible
- Risk of leaks at staple line, which might require further surgery
- Potential for blockages in sleeve
- Reflux is sometimes worse

Physical changes
An adjustable silicone band is placed around the top part of the stomach separating it into a small section and a larger section. The upper portion is a small 1-2 ounce (30-60 ml) pouch. A port is inserted just below the skin to allow for saline to be inserted into the band.
Eligibility
Calculate your BMI now.
- BMI≥40
- BMI≥35 with other conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease or other health issues
- BMI 30-34.9 with Type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled with medication and diet, may be considered
- Multiple, serious, supervised attempts at weight loss were unsuccessful
- Willing to make significant lifestyle changes
Mechanism
- Moderately restricts the volume and type of foods you can eat
- No malabsorption
- Limits food intake, reduces appetite and slows digestion
- Feel full with smaller amount of food
Expected weight loss
47% excess weight lost after 2 years
Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery
4-5 small incisions on abdomen, instruments and camera are inserted through incisions, less chance of wound complications, less pain and quicker recovery
Length of operation
1 hour
Hospital stay
Go home same day
Time off work
1 week. Varies, depending on how strenuous the job is.
Safety
Risks similar to gallbladder surgery or hip replacement
Advantages
- Reversible
- No cutting, removal or rerouting of any part of stomach or intestines
- Lowest risk protein/ vitamin deficiencies
- Resolution of many health problems- Type 2 Diabetes (about 50% patients), hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol
- Restriction is adjustable
Disadvantages
- Weight loss is slower
- Frequent trips to surgeon for adjustments
- Slipping or infection of band can require further surgery
- Band may erode into stomach, requiring surgery to remove band
- Port problems
- Many foods not tolerated well (rice, nuts, popcorn, dense meats)
- Foreign object in body

Physical changes
Small 1-2 ounce pouch (30-60 ml) from the stomach is connected to the small intestine. The stomach remains in the body and is connected to the lower part of small intestine.
Eligibility
Calculate your BMI now.
- BMI≥40
- BMI≥35 with other conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease or other health issues
- BMI 30-34.9 with Type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled with medication and diet, may be considered
- Multiple, serious, supervised attempts at weight loss were unsuccessful
- Willing to make significant lifestyle changes
Mechanism
- Significantly restricts the volume of food that you can eat
- Intestines are rerouted which causes malabsorption
- Only small amounts of calories and nutrients can be absorbed
- Feel full with smaller amount of food
Expected weight loss
67% excess weight lost after 2 years
Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery
4-5 small incisions on abdomen, instruments and camera are inserted through incisions, less chance of wound complications, less pain and quicker recovery
Length of operation
2 hours
Hospital stay
2-3 nights
Time off work
2-3 weeks. Varies, depending on how strenuous the job is.
Safety
Risks similar to gallbladder surgery or hip replacement
Advantages
- Rapid weight loss
- Most foods, except sweets and fats, are well tolerated
- Resolution of many health problems- Type 2 diabetes (about 80% patients), hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol
- No foreign object in body
Disadvantages
- Difficult to reverse
- Decreased nutrient absorption (vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc)
- Dumping syndrome: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing, dizziness, light-headedness, and sweating
- Potential for leak
- Potential for infection
- Potential for bowel obstruction
Surgical Options
There are two basic ways that bariatric surgery works to help patients lose weight and improve or resolve co-morbidities. One way is malabsorption and the other is restriction. One of the procedures is a combination of both.
Restrictive surgery
Restrictive procedures limit the amount of food in the stomach. Procedures that use restriction limit the amount of food patients can eat by reducing the size of the stomach or the amount it can expand. The adjustable gastric band and the sleeve gastrectomy are two examples.
Malabsorptive surgery
Malabsorptive procedures limit the amount of nutrient uptake. Procedures that use malabsorption change the body’s ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food. The surgeon changes the way food travels through the patient’s system. The food is rerouted past a large part of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine. This causes much of the calories and nutrients to pass through without being absorbed.
Combined
Combined procedures use both methods. Procedures that make the stomach smaller and change the path that the food travels to prevent absorption of calories and nutrients is a combined procedure. The gastric bypass is an example.
Download our comparison chart of vertical sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass options.

Physical changes
Between 2/3 – 3/4 of the stomach is removed. This leaves a long, narrow, vertical “sleeve” (shaped like a banana) which can hold 2-4 oz (60-120 ml). The part of the stomach that creates a hunger-causing hormone (ghrelin) is removed. No intestinal bypass performed.
Eligibility
Calculate your BMI now.
- BMI≥40
- BMI≥35 with other conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease or other health issues
- BMI 30-34.9 with Type 2 Diabetes that is not well controlled with medication and diet, may be considered
- Multiple, serious, supervised attempts at weight loss were unsuccessful
- Willing to make significant lifestyle changes
Mechanism
- Significantly restricts the volume of food that you can eat
- No malabsorption
- Feel full with smaller amount of food
Expected weight loss
55% excess weight lost after 2 years
Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery
4-5 small incisions on abdomen, instruments and camera are inserted through incisions, less chance of wound complications, less pain and quicker recovery
Length of operation
1.5 hours
Hospital stay
1-2 nights
Time off work
1-2 weeks. Varies, depending on how strenuous the job is.
Safety
Risks similar to gallbladder surgery or hip replacement
Advantages
- Most foods are well tolerated
- Decreased appetite
- No malabsorption
- No foreign object in body
- Lower risk of protein and vitamin deficiencies
- Resolution of many health problems: Type 2 diabetes (about 60%), hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol
Disadvantages
- Not reversible
- Risk of leaks at staple line, which might require further surgery
- Potential for blockages in sleeve
- Reflux is sometimes worse

Physical changes
An adjustable silicone band is placed around the top part of the stomach separating it into a small section and a larger section. The upper portion is a small 1-2 ounce (30-60 ml) pouch. A port is inserted just below the skin to allow for saline to be inserted into the band.
Eligibility
Calculate your BMI now.
- BMI≥40
- BMI≥35 with other conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease or other health issues
- BMI 30-34.9 with Type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled with medication and diet, may be considered
- Multiple, serious, supervised attempts at weight loss were unsuccessful
- Willing to make significant lifestyle changes
Mechanism
- Moderately restricts the volume and type of foods you can eat
- No malabsorption
- Limits food intake, reduces appetite and slows digestion
- Feel full with smaller amount of food
Expected weight loss
47% excess weight lost after 2 years
Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery
4-5 small incisions on abdomen, instruments and camera are inserted through incisions, less chance of wound complications, less pain and quicker recovery
Length of operation
1 hour
Hospital stay
Go home same day
Time off work
1 week. Varies, depending on how strenuous the job is.
Safety
Risks similar to gallbladder surgery or hip replacement
Advantages
- Reversible
- No cutting, removal or rerouting of any part of stomach or intestines
- Lowest risk protein/ vitamin deficiencies
- Resolution of many health problems- Type 2 Diabetes (about 50% patients), hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol
- Restriction is adjustable
Disadvantages
- Weight loss is slower
- Frequent trips to surgeon for adjustments
- Slipping or infection of band can require further surgery
- Band may erode into stomach, requiring surgery to remove band
- Port problems
- Many foods not tolerated well (rice, nuts, popcorn, dense meats)
- Foreign object in body

Physical changes
Small 1-2 ounce pouch (30-60 ml) from the stomach is connected to the small intestine. The stomach remains in the body and is connected to the lower part of small intestine.
Eligibility
Calculate your BMI now.
- BMI≥40
- BMI≥35 with other conditions: Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease or other health issues
- BMI 30-34.9 with Type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled with medication and diet, may be considered
- Multiple, serious, supervised attempts at weight loss were unsuccessful
- Willing to make significant lifestyle changes
Mechanism
- Significantly restricts the volume of food that you can eat
- Intestines are rerouted which causes malabsorption
- Only small amounts of calories and nutrients can be absorbed
- Feel full with smaller amount of food
Expected weight loss
67% excess weight lost after 2 years
Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery
4-5 small incisions on abdomen, instruments and camera are inserted through incisions, less chance of wound complications, less pain and quicker recovery
Length of operation
2 hours
Hospital stay
2-3 nights
Time off work
2-3 weeks. Varies, depending on how strenuous the job is.
Safety
Risks similar to gallbladder surgery or hip replacement
Advantages
- Rapid weight loss
- Most foods, except sweets and fats, are well tolerated
- Resolution of many health problems- Type 2 diabetes (about 80% patients), hypertension, sleep apnea, high cholesterol
- No foreign object in body
Disadvantages
- Difficult to reverse
- Decreased nutrient absorption (vitamin B12, calcium, iron, zinc)
- Dumping syndrome: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing, dizziness, light-headedness, and sweating
- Potential for leak
- Potential for infection
- Potential for bowel obstruction
Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Morbid obesity can lead to a shorter life and many life-threatening health problems. Studies show that the risk of an early death for those struggling with obesity is twice that of someone at a healthier weight. Many obesity-related health conditions may be improved or resolved with bariatric surgery. With treatment, there is a better chance for enjoying good health and a longer life. Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce or resolve:
- Migraines
- Pseudotumor cerebri
- Depression
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Dyslipidemia hypercholesterolemia
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- GERD
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Venous stasis disease
- Gout
- Degenerative joint disease
Health Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Morbid obesity can lead to a shorter life and many life-threatening health problems. Studies show that the risk of an early death for those struggling with obesity is twice that of someone at a healthier weight. Many obesity-related health conditions may be improved or resolved with bariatric surgery. With treatment, there is a better chance for enjoying good health and a longer life. Bariatric surgery has been shown to reduce or resolve:
- Migraines
- Pseudotumor cerebri
- Depression
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Dyslipidemia hypercholesterolemia
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- GERD
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Stress urinary incontinence
- Venous stasis disease
- Gout
- Degenerative joint disease
The Process
Our bariatric program includes access to a program coordinator, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals to help you every step of the way.
The National Institutes of Health sets minimum requirements for recommending bariatric surgery as a treatment option: 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition. Calculate your BMI now.
Other qualifying factors may include:
- History of documented, failed weight loss attempts
- Lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and medical guidelines
- Psychological evaluation
Together, you and your bariatric surgeon take steps to determine if surgery is the right treatment for you, which type of procedure is right for you, if you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes, and that you have, or will have, the necessary support system around you.
The qualification process will include a series of tests. You also will meet with a dietician, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.
Those considering weight-loss surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center are invited to attend one of our free, regularly scheduled informational seminars. During the seminar, the medical center’s bariatric surgeons provide extensive information on the types of procedures and the lifestyle modifications that weight-loss surgery entails, including education about diet, exercise, and relationship changes. They will explain the benefits and risks of surgery and answer your questions.
Sessions are held four times a month on various days and times for your convenience. See schedule and register now.
For many people, bariatric surgery is affordable because it is included in their health insurance coverage. For other people, bariatric surgery is a medical treatment they pay for themselves, called self-pay or cash pay. Whether your insurance company will cover the cost of bariatric surgery or you are paying for it yourself, you will need to prepare detailed written documentation to support the medical necessity of your surgery.
Obtaining insurance approval:
- Consult your insurance company regarding your benefits
- Determine if a medically supervised weight-loss diet program is required
- Consult with your primary care medical doctor and ask for a letter of medical necessity
- Obtain your diet history and record of your weights from your doctor or other supervised weight-loss program. Most insurance companies are looking for a 5-year history of morbid obesity.
Our information sessions are presented by one of our bariatric surgeons. You can choose to have a follow-up appointment with the presenting surgeon or are welcome to make an appointment with another one of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s bariatric surgeons.
At your initial consultation, the procedures will be reviewed. You and your surgeon will decide which procedure is best for you. Pre-surgery evaluations including blood work, X-rays, and EKG are required. Nutritional and psychological evaluations are required. Other tests or consults may be necessary based on your health. During this preparation process, your surgery date is scheduled.
In some patients, the laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, approach to surgery cannot be used. Here are reasons why you may have an open procedure, or that may lead your surgeon to switch during the procedure from laparoscopic to open:
- Prior abdominal surgery that has caused dense scar tissue
- Inability to see organs
- Bleeding problems during the operation
The decision to perform the open procedure is made by your surgeon either before or during the actual operation and is based on patient safety.
For people suffering from the lifelong disease of morbid obesity, bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool that helps people manage their condition. Of course, bariatric surgery is a tool, not a cure. Each procedure works in a different way to make following the dietary changes easier. Following the dietary and lifestyle changes are the keys to success.
Learn more about Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s Nutrition Counseling Services.
The Process
Our bariatric program includes access to a program coordinator, dietitian, and other healthcare professionals to help you every step of the way.
The National Institutes of Health sets minimum requirements for recommending bariatric surgery as a treatment option: 100 pounds or more above ideal body weight or a BMI of 40 or greater, or a BMI of 35 or greater with one or more obesity-related health condition. Calculate your BMI now.
Other qualifying factors may include:
- History of documented, failed weight loss attempts
- Lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and medical guidelines
- Psychological evaluation
Together, you and your bariatric surgeon take steps to determine if surgery is the right treatment for you, which type of procedure is right for you, if you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes, and that you have, or will have, the necessary support system around you.
The qualification process will include a series of tests. You also will meet with a dietician, psychologist, and other support staff members in sessions leading up to surgery. Each healthcare professional will help you prepare for the changes and challenges that lie ahead.
Those considering weight-loss surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center are invited to attend one of our free, regularly scheduled informational seminars. During the seminar, the medical center’s bariatric surgeons provide extensive information on the types of procedures and the lifestyle modifications that weight-loss surgery entails, including education about diet, exercise, and relationship changes. They will explain the benefits and risks of surgery and answer your questions.
Sessions are held four times a month on various days and times for your convenience. See schedule and register now.
For many people, bariatric surgery is affordable because it is included in their health insurance coverage. For other people, bariatric surgery is a medical treatment they pay for themselves, called self-pay or cash pay. Whether your insurance company will cover the cost of bariatric surgery or you are paying for it yourself, you will need to prepare detailed written documentation to support the medical necessity of your surgery.
Obtaining insurance approval:
- Consult your insurance company regarding your benefits
- Determine if a medically supervised weight-loss diet program is required
- Consult with your primary care medical doctor and ask for a letter of medical necessity
- Obtain your diet history and record of your weights from your doctor or other supervised weight-loss program. Most insurance companies are looking for a 5-year history of morbid obesity.
Our information sessions are presented by one of our bariatric surgeons. You can choose to have a follow-up appointment with the presenting surgeon or are welcome to make an appointment with another one of Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s bariatric surgeons.
At your initial consultation, the procedures will be reviewed. You and your surgeon will decide which procedure is best for you. Pre-surgery evaluations including blood work, X-rays, and EKG are required. Nutritional and psychological evaluations are required. Other tests or consults may be necessary based on your health. During this preparation process, your surgery date is scheduled.
In some patients, the laparoscopic, or minimally invasive, approach to surgery cannot be used. Here are reasons why you may have an open procedure, or that may lead your surgeon to switch during the procedure from laparoscopic to open:
- Prior abdominal surgery that has caused dense scar tissue
- Inability to see organs
- Bleeding problems during the operation
The decision to perform the open procedure is made by your surgeon either before or during the actual operation and is based on patient safety.
For people suffering from the lifelong disease of morbid obesity, bariatric surgery can be a powerful tool that helps people manage their condition. Of course, bariatric surgery is a tool, not a cure. Each procedure works in a different way to make following the dietary changes easier. Following the dietary and lifestyle changes are the keys to success.
Learn more about Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s Nutrition Counseling Services.
Information Sessions and Support Groups
We offer free information sessions for those considering bariatric surgery, and support groups for patients after surgery. For more information about these programs, contact Monica Challener, monica.challener@ehmchealth.org or 201-894-3983.
Bariatric surgery info sessions
For anyone who is interested in learning more about bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery pre-op classes
For patients preparing for a scheduled surgery
Bariatric surgery support group
For patients after their bariatric surgery
Schedule | To register, contact Monica Challener, monica.challener@ehmchealth.org or 201-894-3983.
The importance of support
Many successful bariatric surgery patients say that their support network helped them immensely in maintaining their new, healthy lifestyle changes. From family and friends to bariatric program support groups, there is a wealth of options available for people interested in bariatric surgery.
Support groups are an excellent resource. You’ll find people who share your goals of health and wellness. A support group is a forum for celebrating successes, such as the improvement or resolution of co-morbidities. Support group members have common experiences, can share their feelings in a safe environment, and develop relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. People who join support groups lose about 30% more weight than people who don’t. Support groups are a wonderful way to meet new people and get their perspective on bariatric surgery. You’ll hear about successes, frustrations, plateaus, and special moments and have a chance to share your story.
Information Sessions and Support Groups
We offer free information sessions for those considering bariatric surgery, and support groups for patients after surgery. For more information about these programs, contact Monica Challener, monica.challener@ehmchealth.org or 201-894-3983.
Bariatric surgery info sessions
For anyone who is interested in learning more about bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery pre-op classes
For patients preparing for a scheduled surgery
Bariatric surgery support group
For patients after their bariatric surgery
Schedule | To register, contact Monica Challener, monica.challener@ehmchealth.org or 201-894-3983.
The importance of support
Many successful bariatric surgery patients say that their support network helped them immensely in maintaining their new, healthy lifestyle changes. From family and friends to bariatric program support groups, there is a wealth of options available for people interested in bariatric surgery.
Support groups are an excellent resource. You’ll find people who share your goals of health and wellness. A support group is a forum for celebrating successes, such as the improvement or resolution of co-morbidities. Support group members have common experiences, can share their feelings in a safe environment, and develop relationships that can contribute to improved physical and emotional health. People who join support groups lose about 30% more weight than people who don’t. Support groups are a wonderful way to meet new people and get their perspective on bariatric surgery. You’ll hear about successes, frustrations, plateaus, and special moments and have a chance to share your story.