Achieving a healthy weight can be a challenging journey, but ECU Health offers a comprehensive range of weight loss and lifestyle medicine services tailored to individual needs. For people suffering from morbid obesity and the life-threatening health issues that often come with it, losing weight can be a matter of life and death. It may seem like there is no solution in sight, no magic pill, no diet plan or exercise regimen that works and lasts. This article explores the various weight loss programs and resources available through East Carolina University (ECU) and ECU Health, focusing on both surgical and non-surgical options.
ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine
ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine provides a multidisciplinary team of experts, including board-certified obesity physicians, registered dietitian nutritionists, lifestyle coaches, and exercise physiologists. According to Dr. Florida, excess body weight is multifactorial, often influenced by unhealthy nutrition, a lack of physical activity, poor sleep, unmanaged stress, a lack of support systems, and substance dependence - whether that be caffeine, sugar, or another substance.
The ECU Health approach emphasizes sustainable lifestyle changes as the key to long-term weight loss. For instance, if someone struggles with getting enough sleep, the coach might help them set small, actionable goals like limiting screen time before bed. Exercise physiologists at ECU Health further support patients by creating personalized exercise plans. ECU Health Lifestyle Medicine's goal is to meet patients where they are and empower them to make sustainable changes.Dr. Florida uses anti-obesity medications when appropriate to jump start patients in making lifestyle changes.
Bariatric Surgery at ECU Health Medical Center
For individuals with morbid obesity, bariatric surgery at ECU Health Medical Center may be a viable option. ECU is an internationally recognized leader in the field of bariatric surgery. The current version of the gastric bypass operation, used throughout the world, was designed and tested at ECU in 1980. Not much later, the university’s surgeons were also the first to document that the operation could reverse type 2 diabetes, prevent the complications of that disease, and reduce mortality by 83%. ECU was also the leader in assuring the safety of the operations. To protect these patients, of which many are burdened by the complications of obesity, ECU led in the development of Centers of Excellence as well as the design of BOLD, a software for the international registry of the operations done in the US and 22 countries. In these carefully controlled settings of these centers, the surgery, even in these complex patients is now safer than routine gall bladder operations. There are now over 750 such centers in the US.
Currently, the surgeons together with basic scientists at the university are pursuing the mechanisms by which the surgery reverses not only diabetes but also high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, non-alcoholic liver disease, infertility, and a number of other complications of obesity. At ECU Health Medical Center, BMI reduction two years after bariatric surgery is significantly greater than the national average. Often, patients have other health conditions caused by obesity and may be under the care of a specialist. If surgery is your best option, you’re in good hands. Our surgeons are pioneers in bariatric surgery.
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Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass reduces the amount of food you can eat and the calories you absorb by creating a small stomach pouch that connects to the small intestine. Bariatric surgery often results in greater weight loss compared to medical treatments alone and can significantly improve chronic conditions linked to obesity. While surgery is highly effective, it is not without risks, including bleeding, infection, and nutritional deficiencies.
Steps to Bariatric Surgery at ECU Health
All of our patients will need to Complete an Information Session prior to their initial consultation visit with us in the office. You will also need to complete the required documents for initial consultation. Online submission: see below under “Required Documents for Initial Consultation Appointment” and “Online Submission”. Watch the video below and complete/submit the three required documents for initial consultation appointment under “Online Submission” below. When all three documents are received, a weight loss surgery referral coordinator will call you to schedule your initial consultation appointment. Click the link at right to Watch Our Video. After watching the video, you will need to complete a quiz as part of the required documents needed prior to scheduling your initial consultation appointment.
East Carolina Weight Loss Program (ECWL)
The East Carolina Weight Loss Program (ECWL) in Greenville, NC, offers a clinic focused on safe, sustainable results without shots or surgery. The program combines coaching, simple meal guidance, and a body composition scan to target fat loss without extreme dieting. Every person and every family has different needs, different schedules and different styles. While utilizing different patented nutraceuticals, we impact metabolic pathways, keeping weight loss easy while losing inches of fat. From the moment you commit to becoming a new you, we will provide you with dedicated support and coaching.
What makes the East Carolina Weight Loss program different is that we address the metabolism by resetting it and not speeding it up as do most other programs. The program's doctor-developed approach is now available for everyone at a very affordable cost. This simple system uses our very effective proprietary blend of supplements which act as an appetite suppressant and maximize fat burning.
It is important to note that the ECWL program cannot provide specific costs without knowing more about your individual health and weight loss goals.
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Testimonials from ECWL Participants
Many individuals have shared their positive experiences with the East Carolina Weight Loss Program:
One participant shared, “I can’t believe the transformation I’ve experienced at East Carolina Weight Loss Program in Greenville. Losing 39 pounds and 22.5 inches in just 60 days has completely changed my life. I’ve gained back my energy, my confidence, and a true sense of control over my health. The ECWL team supported me every step of the way-they genuinely care. This program isn’t just about weight loss-it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.”
Another individual stated, “I started my journey 40 pounds ago. I suffered from severe joint pain and knew it was time to get healthy. I have been overweight my entire life and tried countless diets. Once I met with East Carolina Weight Loss and discussed my symptoms and situation, they immediately took charge. This weight loss program was full of educational information and it truly enabled me to address the root of my problems. My joint pain is gone and I have so much more energy.”
One participant described, “When I was pregnant with my second child, I faced some personal issues and turned to food to deal with difficult emotions. I struggled for years to lose weight and often found myself depressed. After years of low energy, I knew I had to get healthy and take care of myself first. Meeting with East Carolina Weight Loss was the best decision I ever made. I started noticing changes almost immediately which was both motivating and inspiring. The East Carolina Weight Loss program has increased my energy and I’ve lost 75 pounds and 24 inches around my entire body. For the first time in 20+ years, I know I’m eating healthy and making very positives choice about my health. I feel fantastic! My confidence is back and the guys I work with in my construction stopped calling me “Manatee Mike”. It feels good to not be fat anymore and to have lost so much weight so quickly. Invest in yourself and in this incredible program!”
Another participant added, “The East Carolina Weight Loss program works better than any other plan I have ever been on. It is very easy to follow and you get to eat real food and it’s not a starvation diet.”
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Important Information Regarding Statistics
It is important to note that any statistics related to the ECWL program are based on data collected from external sources and are provided for informational purposes only. The accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the statistics cannot be guaranteed, and no warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, is made regarding the validity or suitability of the data. Users are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and discretion when interpreting or relying on the information provided. The Secret for Weight Loss providers, their affiliates, and agents shall not be held liable for any claims, losses, or damages arising from the use of or reliance on these statistics.
Comprehensive Approach to Weight Loss
ECU Health emphasizes a comprehensive approach that addresses the multiple factors contributing to excess body weight. This includes:
- Nutrition: Guidance on healthy eating habits and meal planning.
- Physical Activity: Personalized exercise plans to increase activity levels.
- Sleep: Strategies to improve sleep quality and duration.
- Stress Management: Techniques to manage stress and reduce its impact on weight.
- Support Systems: Connecting individuals with support networks for encouragement and accountability.
- Addressing Substance Dependence: Identifying and addressing dependencies on substances like caffeine or sugar.