Trenton Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Robert Brolin is a  member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Bariatric Surgery.


Q. How successful is bariatric surgery?

A. The succes rate of bariatric surgery depends to some extent on the type of operation performed. The Roux en Y gastric bypass has been performed for more than 40 years and has about a 75% long term success rate. The Lap Band has been performed for nerarly 10 years in the U.S. and has about a 50% long term success rate. During my career Ive seen several operatons come and go. 

Q. How does the Predominantly Restrictive procedure work?

A. Both the bypass and the band work via predominantly thru gastric restriction which means they are designed to limit the amount of solid food consumed at one time. Neither restricts liquid intake. So consumption of large quantities of high calorie liquids is a recipe for failure after either procedure. Each operation reduces the size of the functional stomach to an egg or shot glass capacity. The bypass also incorporates a small amount of malabsorption which contributes toward weight loss.

Q. How Important is Patient Attitude Towards the Success Of Bariatric  Surgery?

A. The attitude of a patient towards bariatric surgery is extremely important. Our practice is highly focused on promoting behavior that will lead to long term success. In that capacity we have a clinical dietitian and a bariatric coach (who had bariatric surgery and kept her weight off). These people are in the office during all of our outpatient clinics. The Coach also has special classes for instruction of preop patients and runs our Support Group for postop patients. In my 30 years I have learned that patients need to stick with the program after their surgery so they won't lapse into bad eating habits that can lead to weight regain. We are there to help but patients need to take advantage of the services we offer. Patients should NOT think that merely because they had a bariatric operation their weight problem is permanently solved.

Q. Do you do the Panniculectomy procedure for your patients after the  surgery?

A. Panniculectomy (tummy tuck) is the only plastic/reconstructive procedure that Dr Chau and I perform. We refer the other types to plastic surgeons in the area.

Q. Do you recommend any alternatives to Bariatric Surgery?

A. I don't tend to recommend alternatives other than surgery because nearly all of the patients we see as candidates have failed multiple serious attempts at weight loss short of an operartion. Hence, surgery is what is left. l always tell a patient "if you think one more diet might work by all means try it" Bariatric surgery is a last resort. Forunately it works well for many of our patients.