When Atlantic Health’s Metabolic Medicine and Weight Control Center at Overlook Hospital and Morristown Memorial Hospital officially opened its doors several months ago, it opened new horizons too—new ways of life for people who had attempted to lose weight so many times, they thought there was no hope. But what patients find here is a program so focused on long-term success, the possibility for weight loss is once again a reality.

The focus of the Center is weight loss. For patients who have had any form of bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass and gastric banding, support services are available. Patients who haven’t had bariatric surgery but are contemplating it can be referred to a surgeon for a consultation. And patients who haven’t considered surgery or don’t qualify for it can enroll in the Center’s services and reap the benefits—even with only 20 pounds to lose.

As a member of the Center’s program, patients initially meet with a dietician for an intake assessment to determine their individual problems and needs and learn about the benefits of the program itself. The dietician in effect becomes the case manager, maintaining each patient within the system. If there is a medical condition, like diabetes, patients also see a metabolic physician. They’re assigned a physical therapist, too, for a personalized exercise program that can be used at any facility, including the Center’s gym. Patients also have access to cooking classes, to support a healthy lifestyle. Here, diet, exercise, and nutrition are all taken care of in one spot.

The Center’s staff works in tandem with each patient’s referring physician, keeping that doctor in the loop with a copy of the comprehensive plan the patient is set to follow. The referring physician can then participate as much or as little as he or she wants to. The goal is to keep patients comfortable in doing what they need to do, and make the process as easy as possible in order to achieve success.

If bariatric surgery is the only way for a patient to achieve that success, the Center offers referral services, pre-operative treatment and assessment, and post-operative follow-up. And because bariatric surgery should be looked at as a lifelong process—not just a surgery—the Center offers lifelong follow-up care.

But with so much support and so many tools at their disposal, many patients are relieved to find that they are able to take off excess weight without surgery. For the Center’s doctors, it is always rewarding to see patients who needed help but were reluctant to seek it because they were afraid they automatically would be told they need surgery; it is an option when it’s needed, of course, but there are other methods to try first. So for any patient struggling with weight and looking to achieve a healthier life—whether that means dropping 20 pounds or losing 200—the Center’s doors are open.

For more information on Atlantic Health’s Metabolic Medicine and Weight Control Center at Overlook Hospital, call (973) 971-7166.