Weight-loss Success! Three years after bariatric surgery, Barbara White has lost weight, kept it off and feels great. Her positive attitude, commitment to success and the bariatric program at South Jersey Healthcare have changed her life. “At 366 pounds, I felt like I was always sitting on the sidelines,” said Barbara. “I watched as my husband and son enjoyed activities like skiing and riding theme park rides together—things I used to be able to do. Finally, I made up my mind—I was going to do something about my weight.” Bariatric surgery was a weight-loss option that Barbara took very seriously. She began researching online, reading books and visiting bariatric surgeons. After two years, Barbara chose Condapuram Pasupathy, M.D., board-certified general surgeon and co-medical director of South Jersey Healthcare’s bariatric program, to perform her bariatric surgery. “I had the support of my family and Dr. Pasupathy, and I was ready for the life-changing procedure,” said Barbara. “My surgery was in April 2004. Since that day, I have lost 180 pounds. I’m back to enjoying activities, including shopping, that I couldn’t do before.” A Life Changed for the Better Bariatric surgery turned Barbara’s life around, but it took more than surgery to help her lose weight. Barbara learned everything she could, was open to changing her diet and exercise habits, and had a wonderful support group. “A positive attitude and commitment to change are essential to successful weight loss,” said Dr. Pasupathy. “We provide the weight-loss foundation, but a patient’s willingness and desire for success work hand in hand with losing and maintaining weight loss after surgery.” Striving for Excellence SJH offers the highest level of bariatric care available, having received status as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence in 2006 (for more information about the key elements of a successful bariatric program, see “Building a Bariatric Center of Excellence” on page 3). In maintaining a high level of success, SJH offers the gold standard for bariatric surgery—Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a small pouch at the top of the stomach and connects the small intestine to it. Food then bypasses most of the stomach, encouraging weight loss by reducing calorie absorption and the amount of food a person can eat at one time. Following the surgery, patients receive education about what kinds and how much food they can eat as they begin to shed pounds. SJH also offers ongoing support groups to encourage patients and answer any questions they may have as they begin this new phase of life. A Whole New Life Thanks to the comprehensive program at SJH and Barbara’s weight-loss and wellness routine, her blood pressure has returned to normal and she is no longer on the brink of diabetes. “I had very high blood pressure,” said Barbara. “My doctor told me that I was a ‘walking stroke.’ Now I’m completely off my blood pressure medication and my pressure is normal.” Along with Barbara’s blood levels returning to normal, she has experienced a significant reduction of her arthritis pain and the accompanying need for less pain medication. These improvements aren’t just limited to Barbara’s surgery, either. Many bariatric patients experience an assortment of health improvements following surgery. “I’ve been performing gastric bypass surgery for about 25 years and have seen how it changes lives for the better,” said Dr. Pasupathy. “We’re excited to offer this option to obese patients who have made the choice to make a positive change in their lives.” “Most days I go to the gym now,” Barbara added. “I feel great; it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.” For more information about the bariatrics program at SJH, call (856) 641-8263. Barbara White’s words of wisdom for bariatric patients:  I made a scrapbook that details my transformation. Whenever I need motivation or a reason to keep doing what I’m doing, I pull out that picture book and review it for inspiration.