If you're struggling with weight and health issues despite trying various diets and exercise programs, weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, might be a viable option. At UNC Health, a team of experts can guide you through the process, providing individualized care and the resources needed for successful weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill and UNC Hillsborough Campus offer various bariatric surgery options to help you achieve your weight loss goals and improve your overall health.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery encompasses a range of procedures that alter your digestive system to facilitate weight loss. These procedures work by limiting the amount of food you can eat, reducing the absorption of nutrients, or both. Weight-loss surgery can lead to better health, which in turn leads to a higher quality of life and increased lifespan. Severe obesity can lead to many life-threatening health problems and a shorter life span.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery at UNC Health
UNC Health offers several types of weight loss surgery, each with its own unique approach and benefits. Your bariatric surgeon will work with you to determine the most suitable option based on your individual goals, health condition, and preferences.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is the most common bariatric surgery performed at UNC Hospitals. This restrictive procedure involves removing a large portion of your stomach (about 80%), leaving a smaller, banana-shaped "sleeve." This significantly reduces the amount of food you can eat, leading to weight loss. After vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery the new stomach will be about the size of a banana. The amount of food you can eat after surgery is restricted because a thin tube, or “sleeve” will be created from your natural stomach opening to the natural stomach outlet along the smaller curvature of the stomach. The larger stomach portion along the outer curvature will be removed. Expect to lose 50-60 percent of excess weight if you make required lifestyle changes after this surgery.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is another common and effective weight loss procedure. This procedure combines both restrictive and malabsorptive elements. First, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch, separating it from the larger portion of your stomach. Then, the small intestine is directly connected to this pouch, bypassing a significant portion of the stomach and small intestine. This restricts the amount of food you can eat and reduces the absorption of calories and nutrients. Gastric bypass divides your stomach into a small pouch and a larger portion, and connects your small intestine directly to the pouch. Expect to lose 60-80 percent of excess weight if you make required lifestyle changes after this surgery.
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Duodenal Switch (Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch)
The duodenal switch, also called biliopancreatic diversion, is a more complex procedure that combines the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass procedures. The stomach is reduced in size by about 70% and connected to the small intestine close to the large intestine. This procedure restricts both food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. Creates a small stomach “sleeve,” where 60% of the stomach is removed and ½ of the upper GI tract is bypassed, which decreases the amount of calories absorbed from food. Expect to lose greater than 70% of excess weight if you make required lifestyle changes after this surgery.
Gastric Banding
An inflatable band is placed around the upper stomach to restrict the flow of food through the stomach. This procedure requires you to eat slowly and makes you feel full sooner. Gastric banding typically results in a smaller percentage of weigh loss when compared to other types of weigh loss surgery.
Revisional Surgery
Revisional surgery is performed to correct or repair a previous bariatric surgery. This may be necessary if the initial surgery was unsuccessful or if complications have arisen.
The Weight Loss Journey at UNC Health
UNC Health is committed to providing comprehensive support throughout your weight loss journey. From your initial consultation to lifelong follow-up care, a team of experts will be by your side, guiding you every step of the way.
Initial Consultation and Evaluation
As part of the surgical preparation process, you’ll meet one-on-one with a bariatric surgeon to discuss your goals, health, and treatment options. The team at Pardee Bariatrics and General Surgery provides complete, surgical weight-loss care. Trust the guidance of surgeons, Dr. Christopher Edwards and Dr. Rebecca Rice, who have the experience to recommend the best procedure for you.
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Pre-Surgery Preparation
Before undergoing bariatric surgery, you'll receive thorough preparation, including nutritional, exercise, and lifestyle education. You may also participate in the 12-week Optifast® Program, which offers 4-5 weeks of nutritionally dense full meal replacements to initiate weight loss. Patients are seen for weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with our registered dietitian and bimonthly visits with a physician.
Surgical Procedure
Most types of weight loss surgery are performed in Rex Hospital's state-of-the-art operating rooms in Raleigh. We have designated inpatient rooms specifically designed to accommodate you during your inpatient stay.
Post-Surgery Care and Support
After surgery, you'll continue to receive ongoing support and guidance from your bariatric team. This includes nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle adjustments. Lean on your bariatric surgery team for nutritional, exercise and lifestyle education and support before and after treatment. Get encouragement and advice in monthly support groups. Bariatric multivitamins and minerals should be taken daily for the rest of your life to optimize nutritional health and prevent deficiencies.
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery offers numerous benefits beyond just weight loss. It can also improve or resolve many obesity-related health conditions, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
- Joint pain
Accreditations and Recognitions
UNC Health is recognized for its excellence in bariatric surgery. UNC Hospitals is accredited as a comprehensive center for weight-loss surgery by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. UNC Medical Center is also a Blue Distinction Center+ for gastric stapling. UNC Health Rex has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery® and designated as a comprehensive accredited center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). UNC Health Rex has also been designated as an Optum Center of Excellence and is reviewed annually to maintain this designation.
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Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
If you've struggled to lose weight through traditional methods and are experiencing health problems related to obesity, weight loss surgery may be a viable option. Take our Weight Aware risk assessment to find out if you are at risk for certain weight-related conditions. Deciding to accept risk for the purpose of improving one’s health is a big decision that requires face-to-face discussions between patients and physicians.
REX Nutrition Services
Our REX Nutrition Services Registered Dietitians can help you develop a successful plan for weight loss, guide you through improving medical conditions through diet, or just teach general healthy eating for you and your family. Visit REX Nutrition Services for more information.