Samuel H. Wasser, MD, Bariatric Surgeon, Virtua Complete Weight Management Program

Losing weight isn’t always as simple as eating less and moving more. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve tried everything… why isn’t this working?”—you’re not alone.

For many people, weight loss isn’t about willpower. It’s about finding the right support, the right tools, and the right approach for your body. And at some point, that can lead to a bigger question: Could bariatric surgery be the next step?

Is bariatric surgery right for you?

There’s no single moment that makes the decision for you—but over time, certain patterns can start to stand out. If you’re noticing any of the signs below, it may be a signal that it’s time to consider bariatric surgery as a next step.

Your weight is affecting your health

Bariatric surgery isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about improving your overall health. It can help manage or even resolve conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and joint pain. It may also improve fertility and reduce pregnancy-related risks, while helping you feel more energized day to day.

You’ve lost and regained weight

If you’ve lost weight before but gained it back—or feel stuck despite your efforts—you’re not alone. Many people experience this cycle. Bariatric surgery can offer a more sustainable, long-term solution when other approaches haven’t worked.

You’re ready to commit to lifestyle changes

Surgery is a powerful tool—but it’s not a quick fix. Long-term success depends on your habits, including healthy eating, regular movement, and staying connected with your care team for ongoing support.

What types of bariatric surgery are offered at Virtua?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss surgery. At Virtua, our team offers a range of bariatric procedures, each designed to support long-term weight loss in different ways—based on your health, goals, and lifestyle.

Common options include:

• Sleeve gastrectomy: A minimally invasive procedure that removes about 80% of the stomach, helping you feel full sooner and eat less
• Gastric bypass: A procedure that reduces stomach size and reroutes part of the digestive system to limit calorie absorption
• SADI-S (single anastomosis duodeno-ileostomy with sleeve gastrectomy): An advanced option that combines a sleeve gastrectomy with an intestinal bypass for more significant metabolic changes

At Virtua, your care team will work with you to determine which option is the best fit—so you can feel confident moving forward.

Why Roxanne chose bariatric surgery

For Roxanne Ferguson, bariatric surgery wasn’t a quick decision. Living with type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high triglycerides, and other health conditions, she initially explored weight-loss surgery to improve her chances of having children.

“At first, it was about fertility,” Roxanne shared. “I knew PCOS could make it harder to get pregnant.”

But over time, her perspective shifted. When her father experienced a heart attack, it became clear that her health risks extended far beyond fertility.

“That’s when it really hit me,” she said. “There was more risk to being overweight than just preventing me from getting pregnant.”

In December 2020, Roxanne moved forward with SADI-S surgery at Virtua—a decision that would ultimately change her life. This procedure included a sleeve gastrectomy, followed by an intestinal bypass to support additional weight loss when she hit a plateau.

This approach allows patients to lose up to 80% of their excess weight and reverse up to 90% of type 2 diabetes cases—the highest of all bariatric surgeries. With guidance from her care team, including hormone management for her PCOS, she was able to continue progressing toward her goals.

Since her surgery, Roxanne has lost more than 100 pounds—and gained something even more meaningful: her health and quality of life. She no longer takes medication for diabetes or PCOS and is able to stay active and present with her husband and young daughter.

“Waking up and putting on clothes that fit… being able to shop in any store,” she said. “That made me cry. I can’t remember the last time I wore this size.”

Thinking about surgical weight loss?

Virtua offers free online bariatric surgery seminars each month—so you can learn about your options in a supportive, no-pressure environment. Sign up and take the first step today!