Introducing Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and Wellness

An individual today looking to lose weight has many options open to them. While choice is good, it can lead to uncertainty and indecision. Valley LifeStart: The Center for Weight and Wellness™ works with patients to evaluate the many traditional and evolving treatments to determine the best approach based on medical history, family history, lifestyle and personal preferences. Let us help navigate the world of weight loss with you and find the best approach for your success. 

The Valley Approach to Weight Loss

From left to right: Edward J. Yatco, MD, FACS; Seema Dhorajia, DO; and Naser E. Gharaibeh, MD

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. Through a personalized approach to care, Valley LifeStart provides patients with the tools to lose weight successfully, maintain success and live healthier, fuller lives.

Weight-Loss Services

Surgical Approaches

Nonsurgical Medical Weight Management

WATCH: Edward J. Yatco, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Valley Hospital, and Subspecialty Director of Bariatric Surgery, The Valley Hospital, answers questions from the community about weight loss management.

WATCH: Naser Gharaibeh, MD, CPE, DABOM, NCMP, Medical Director, Metabolic Medicine and Weight Loss Program, discusses medical weight management options, including dietary and lifestyle changes, exercise plans, and FDA-approved weight-loss medications.

Medical Benefits of Losing Weight

The benefits of weight loss are numerous. Medical benefits include:

  • Reduced risk of heart disease
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
  • A more restful, satisfying sleep, including a reduction in the severity of sleep apnea
  • Improvements in levels of cholesterol, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and other elements measured in routine bloodwork
  • Increased function of the liver, pancreas and other organs and tissues
  • Improvements for those with an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)

Additional benefits include:

  • Increased energy
  • Improved stamina throughout the day
  • Improved confidence
  • Reduced stress
  • Feelings of accomplishment
  • Easier to exercise

Even small amounts of weight loss (5-10% of body fat) can reap benefits. Valley LifeStart will work with you to identify your weight-loss goals and how best to achieve them. Many options are available. We realize that each patient's weight-loss needs and goals are different, which is why a number of effective solutions are offered. Through a personalized approach to care, Valley LifeStart provides patients with the tools to lose weight successfully, maintain their successes and live healthier, fuller lives.

Why Choose Valley for Weight Loss?

  • Experience: For decades, Valley Health System has helped patients achieve their goals and practice lifelong habits for wellness. We have the professionals, expertise, and understanding to help you succeed.
  • A nationally recognized program: Valley's 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. It is fully accredited for its commitment to providing medical and surgical management of obesity for both adolescents and adults.
  • Dedicated weight-loss specialists: In addition to our skilled surgeons, our team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, exercise physiologists, social workers, and a skilled office staff - all dedicated to helping you achieve your weight-loss goals.
  • Support to help you succeed: Free monthly support group meetings create a network where patients can help each other reach their goals and sustain their accomplishments.

Contact Us

Have a question about bariatric surgery or other weight-loss options? Want to learn more about our services? Please complete the form below and we will get back to you.