Valley Health System Launches Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and WellnessTM

PARAMUS, NJ, August 1, 2024 – Valley Health System is pleased to announce Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and WellnessTM, the next evolution in Valley’s longstanding and successful program for medical weight loss and bariatric surgery, offering weight loss solutions for adults of all ages.

The program offers medically managed weight loss using the latest FDA-approved medications plus leading-edge surgical options, including robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy and robotic-assisted modified duodenal switch, for those whom surgery is considered the best solution.

But not every patient would – or should – consider surgery as their primary option.

Valley LifeStartTM offers medical weight management for individuals who do not qualify or are not interested in surgical treatment for obesity. Our team works with patients to find the right combination of strategies that will help them meet their weight-loss goals. Medical weight management includes dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise plans, and medications that are FDA-approved.

“An individual today who is looking to lose weight has many options open to them, and our primary role is to help patients navigate these choices and determine the best option for them,” says Naser Gharaibeh, MD, Director of Metabolic Medicine and Weight Loss at Valley. “We take into account an individual’s medical history, family history, lifestyle, and personal preferences in reaching a weight loss plan that will work best for them.”

“We realize that each patient's weight loss needs and goals are different, which is why we offer several solutions.” said Dr. Gharaibeh. “Through a personalized approach to care, we provide our patients with the tools to lose weight successfully, maintain their successes, and live healthier, fuller lives.”

Valley LifeStart features a multidisciplinary team of professionals, all of whom play a vital role in a patient’s success. The team includes doctors, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, and patient coordinators. Supportive Valley services include Valley Health LifeStyles, Valley’s gym and wellness center in Mahwah.

Central to Valley’s program is its holistic, comprehensive approach. The program is not just about weight management but focuses on total health and can involve the patient’s family where appropriate. “Our vision is bold – to improve the health of the northern New Jersey population,” said Edward Yatco, MD, Medical Director of Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Valley Medical Group and Subspeciality Director of Bariatric Surgery at The Valley Hospital. “We will be tracking outcomes over time to improve the health of large portions of the community.”

Patients choosing to undergo surgery should know that Valley’s bariatric surgery program is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

“Our vision is to create the most comprehensive Weight and Wellness program in the region: a one-stop shop offering all services tailored to patients' needs, utilizing the latest technology and evidence-based care,” said Dr. Yatco.

Valley LifeStart is currently located at 947 Linwood Avenue in Ridgewood. On August 27, the program will move to a new location at 80 Rt. 4 East, Suite 490, in Paramus.

For more information, call 201-251-3480 or visit ValleyHealth.com/WeightLoss.