About the UNC Bariatric Surgery Program
The University of North Carolinas Bariatric Surgery program is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improve overall health. Combining the expertise of surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists, UNC provides a patientcentered pathway from initial evaluation through lifelong followup.
Our team follows the most recent guidelines from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and leverages cuttingedge technology to minimize risk while maximizing benefit.
Procedures Offered
UNC offers four FDAapproved bariatric operations, each selected based on individual health status, weightloss goals, and personal preference.
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) removal of ~80% of the stomach, creating a sleeveshaped pouch that limits food intake.
- Laparoscopic RouxYLimb Gastric Bypass (RYGB) creates a small gastric pouch and reroutes a portion of the small intestine, reducing both intake and absorption.
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) an inflatable band placed around the upper stomach; now less common but still an option for select patients.
- Duodenal Switch (DS) combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a long intestinal bypass, offering the greatest weightloss potential but with higher nutritional monitoring needs.
All procedures are performed minimally invasively with a focus on enhanced recovery and sameday discharge when appropriate.
Who Is a Candidate?
Eligibility is determined after a comprehensive assessment. The general criteria include:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) 40 kg/m, or BMI 35 kg/m with at least one serious obesityrelated comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.).
- Age between 18 and 65 years (older patients may be considered on a casebycase basis).
- Documented unsuccessful attempts at sustained weight loss through lifestyle and medical therapy.
- Psychological readiness ability to adhere to postoperative lifestyle changes and followup care.
- No uncontrolled psychiatric illness, active substance abuse, or untreated severe medical problems.
Even patients who fall slightly outside these parameters may be evaluated for surgery if the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks.
The Surgical Process at UNC
1. Initial Consultation
During the first visit, a bariatric surgeon reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, and orders baseline labs and imaging. Youll also meet a registered dietitian and a behavioral health specialist.
2. Multidisciplinary Evaluation
The team reviews your data collectively, discussing the most appropriate procedure, expected weight loss, and necessary preoperative preparation (e.g., verylowcalorie diet for 24 weeks).
3. PreOperative Education
All patients attend a mandatory educational series covering nutrition, portion control, physical activity, potential complications, and longterm followup. Handouts and video modules are available online.
4. Surgery Day
Procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia with 34 small abdominal ports. UNCs Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol includes early mobilization, multimodal pain control, and discharge planning.
5. PostOperative Care
Patients stay in the hospital for 12 days (occasionally overnight) and receive instructions on diet progression, medication adjustments, and activity. Followup appointments are scheduled at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and annually thereafter.
Results & Outcomes
UNCs bariatric program consistently reports outcomes that meet or exceed national benchmarks.
- Average excess weight loss (EWL) at 12 months: 68% for sleeve gastrectomy, 74% for gastric bypass.
- Resolution or improvement of type 2 diabetes: 66%.
- Resolution of hypertension: 48%.
- 30day complication rate: < 2% for laparoscopic procedures.
- 5year survival advantage compared with medically managed obesity: 15%.
Beyond weight loss, patients experience enhanced quality of life, increased mobility, and reduced reliance on chronic medications.
Longterm nutritional monitoring is vital. The dietitian team provides lifelong vitamin supplementation plans and periodic labs to prevent deficiencies, especially after malabsorptive procedures.
Contact & Appointments
Ready to explore if bariatric surgery is right for you? Call our dedicated line or fill out the online request form. A member of the UNC Bariatric Surgery team will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your initial consultation.
Phone: (919) 5551234
Email: bariatrics@unc.edu
