Greater Newark area residents now have access to state-of-the art obesity treatment at the new comprehensive Bariatric and Metabolic Center at Saint Michael's Medical Center, where a team of experts offers surgery, nutritional guidance, fitness training, psychological support, medication, and guidance by a trained dietician and chef.
“There is no one cause of obesity,” said Dr. Saniea Majid, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of the center. “And so we know there is not just one solution. Our team will work with each person to support and guide them toward weight loss and better health.”
The new center, unique in New Jersey and in the nation, uses a team approach to help patients, who in one visit can meet with the surgeon, an internal medicine physician, a psychologist specializing in weight-loss and a trained chef. Many centers merely send patients to different specialists.
“At our center, the entire team consults on the best course for each patient,” Dr.Majid said. “Obesity is a life-long, progressive disease that can be life-threatening. The causes can be genetic, behavioral and environmental. The team addresses all these aspects.”
She said more than 65 percent of adult Americans are overweight and 40 percent are considered obese. Some $75 billion is spent each year in medical costs related to obesity. About 325,000 Americans will die prematurely because of obesity-related diseases each year, the surgeon added.
“We need to address this problem. It is not just a matter of getting through the subway turnstile, or into an airplane seat, or what clothes you can wear,” Dr. Majid said. “Obesity is a health issue as well.”
She acknowledged the challenges for people trying to lose weight or maintain weight loss.
“We are harassed by food at every turn with advertisements and fast food on every corner. And we know that food is an integral part of every cultural event,” Dr. Majid said. In addition, she detailed the so-called “super-size” phenomenon, in everything from a croissant to a hot drink to a hamburger has doubled or tripled in size and caloric content from a few decades ago.
The center provides a six-month non-surgical program, called “Lose for Life,” that uses lifestyle modification, nutritional counseling and personal training to help patients.
In addition to psychological support, medication and diet, Dr. Majid offers various surgical interventions, based on specific needs of patients:
The Laparoscopic Gastric band uses an adjustable silastic band to create a small pouch in the stomach that restricts the passage of food.
Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass uses staples to create a small pouch that is divided from the rest of the stomach. Part of the intestines is then attached to the small pouch.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy reduces the stomach by surgically removing a large portion of the stomach. The open edges are attached, creating a sleeve or tube.
The Saint Michael's Bariatric team includes:
Dr. Majid, who completed the nation's premier Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Fellowship at the University of California in San Diego. She was a general surgery resident at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and a general surgery intern at Brown University in Providence, RI.
Dr. Monmohan A. Patel, the only physician in New Jersey board certified in five medical specialties: Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. His wide range of expertise ensures comprehensive medical care for people with obesity-related medical conditions.
Jennifer Scully O'Brien, who earned a degree in nutritional sciences from Rutgers University and a degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County. A former chef, she works helping patients create healthful, nutritious and delicious meals.
Daris Wilson, a personal trainer with JCF Boot Camp, LLC, of Jersey City. He will provide personal and group training to improve weight loss.
Elissa Gross, Phd., a Duke University graduate and clinical psychologist with experience in the psychological issues surrounding weight loss and bariatric surgery.
David Ricci, CEO of Saint Michael's Medical Center, said the weight-loss program fills a need in the Greater Newark area, where rates of obesity-related health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease, are concerning.
“We know Dr. Majid is the right person to lead this initiative,” Ricci said. “Dr. Majid's training is impeccable. Equally important is her non-judgmental attitude and her compassion to help those struggling with weight issues.”
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