Bariatric Surgery
If conservative weight-loss methods haven’t helped you long-term, change your life with bariatric surgery at UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston, North Carolina. You’ll likely enjoy more energy, and reduce or eliminate symptoms of other medical conditions, when you follow your comprehensive preparation and recovery plan. Start your journey to better health with our fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons.
Do I Qualify for Weight-Loss Surgery?
You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you are age 18–64, can walk and have either:
Consider our medical weight-loss program instead of surgery if you:
- Have severe heart or lung disease or organ failure
- Are a man with a BMI higher than 55
- Are a woman with a BMI higher than 60
Types of Bariatric Surgery
All weight-loss procedures shrink the stomach so you feel full after eating less food. Depending on your situation, your UNC Lenoir surgeon may recommend one of the following minimally invasive treatments that reduce pain, scarring and recovery time.
Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass forms a small stomach pouch and attaches it directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and a lot of the small intestine. Expect to lose 60–80 percent of excess weight if you make required lifestyle changes after this surgery. About 80 percent of patients with Type 2 diabetes see their symptoms disappear with this procedure.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery removes about 80 percent of the stomach. Look forward to losing 50–60 percent of excess weight if you make required lifestyle changes after this surgery. About 60 percent of patients with Type 2 diabetes see their symptoms disappear after this treatment.
Support & Recovery
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. Maintain your progress with a free membership to Minges Wellness Center for a year following surgery.