New Year's Resolution for 2011: Weight Loss Surgery with NJ Bariatric Surgeons

Dec. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- The New Year is getting underway and there’s never been a better time to put a plan into action for becoming healthier. Dr. Alexander Abkin, who specializes in a variety of weight loss surgery procedures in New Jersey, is committed to the long-term success of its patients. Dr. Abkin is encouraging bariatric patients everywhere to renew their focus on health and wellness and have the following recommendations for all post-op bariatric patients:

1.    You are what you eat. Consult with a licensed dietitian about what you should and should not be eating. The importance of a dietitian in your weight loss journey cannot be overstated, especially for bariatric surgery patients. There are many variations and nuances to the meal plans associated with the various surgeries and vitamin and micronutrient levels must be carefully monitored.

2.    If you have an adjustable gastric band (Lap-Band® or REALIZE® band) and are no longer losing weight or your loss has stalled, consider getting a band fill. If you feel as if you are increasingly hungry or not satisfied after eating, it may be time to have your gastric band adjusted. Whether you have a Lap Band or REALIZE adjustable gastric band, the “right fit” may be a moving target because your stomach may shrink as you do. The stomach can also get used to a certain level of tightness, so what seems tight at two months post-surgery may feel loose at six months. The beginning of the year is a great time meet with your bariatric surgeons and have your band fit analyzed.

3.    Attend support group. Talking to others about your weight loss success – and challenges – is a great way to remain compliant and get new ideas for achieving weight loss success, from new recipes to exercise ideas, to vitamins.

4.    Start moving! If it was hard to find time to exercise during the holidays, now is a great time to start exercising again. If you are having a hard time getting started, hire a trainer to help you develop a workout routine or find a group of like-minded people and start an exercise program together. Whatever you do… stick to it!

In addition in to these suggestions, Dr. Abkin announces his schedule of upcoming seminars for those considering bariatric surgery in NJ. The free seminars, conducted by Dr. Abkin himself, serve as an important educational tool to guide obesity surgery patients on their journey towards better health. During these seminars, Dr. Abkin discusses various obesity surgery options, answers questions, and offer patients support and guidance for their weight-loss journey.

Many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery, and patient concierges are available during the seminars to discuss attendees’ insurance coverage. The free seminars, being held every first Thursday in his Florham Park office, begin on January 06, 2011 and continue through December 01, 2011.

To register online, call 973-410-9700 or visit his website at http://www.NjLapBandSurgery.com

Dr. Alexander Abkin is a board certified general surgeon and experienced Lap Band Surgeon, having performed over 6,500 bariatric procedures in the past 10 years. He performs several types of bariatric surgery procedures, including Gastric Bypass Surgery, Lap Band Surgery, Realize Band Surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy, ROSE Procedure, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). Dr. Abkin performs most bariatric procedures laparoscopically, averaging 8 to 10 procedures per week.

Dr. Abkin received his medical training at First Leningrad Medical University in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he received his M.D. in 1986. He completed his residency at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Dr. Abkin also has specialized training in laparoscopic and bariatric surgical techniques, completed under the guidance of Dr. Philip Schauer in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Abkin is a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery , the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

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Dr. Alexander Abkin is a board certified general surgeon and experienced NJ Lap Band Surgeon, having performed over 6,500 bariatric procedures in the past 10 years.