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Contact Information:
4035 Burnett-Womack Bldg.
CB #7081
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7081

919-966-8436 Office
919-966-8440 Fax

 

 
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Weight-loss Surgery

firststeps_button.gifIf you are reading this page, it probably means you or someone you care about is significantly overweight and has tried virtually every imaginable method to become healthier. Too often, despite years of diets, exercise programs, and pills, Americans find the extra pounds and associated illnesses continue to affect their lives. weight-loss surgery may be the answer.

Studies have shown that weight-loss surgery can lead to better health, which in turn leads to a higher quality of life and increased lifespan. So, please let us tell you about the options for weight-loss surgery and the benefits of UNC's highly personalized approach.

Is weight-loss surgery for me? What are the benefits of surgery?

If you've tried but can't lose the excess weight that's causing health problems, weight-loss surgery may be right for you. Find out if you are a CANDIDATE for weight-loss surgery.

Severe obesity can lead to many life-threatening health problems and a shorter life span. Learn about the BENEFITS of weight-loss surgery.
What procedures are available? What can I expect?

Once you and your doctor have determined that weight-loss surgery is right for you, UNC Health Care offers different PROCEDURES to fit your individual needs.

For many, surgery is an exciting end to a long wait. Learn more about:
» Taking the first steps
» Getting prepared
» The day of surgery
» Life after weight-loss surgery

 

Meet the Team:

Dr. Timothy Farrell

Dr. Wayne Overby

Tara Zychowicz, FNP

Lisa Prestia, RN, Clinical Program Director-OP

 

Medical Weight Loss:

"We are pleased to announce the addition of the Optifast Program to our obesity treatment options."

The OPTIFAST Program has been proven to help overweight people lose weight and assists in long term weight management. A medically monitored weight loss solution, OPTIFAST succeeds by combining the expertise of physicians, registered dietitians and behavioral counselors with a high-quality, calorie-controlled, nutritional formula in a program that treats the whole person, not just his or her weight.

 

Patient Stories

Bill Biggers of Chapel Hill recounts how weight-loss surgery has given him a new lease on life. Phyllis Thomas, Pittsboro, North Carolina, describes how she came to undergo gastric-bypass weight-loss surgery and the health benefits it’s provided her.

Weight-loss Information Seminar

Please join us for an information session to learn how weight-loss surgeries can help you or someone you care about. In the sessions, members of UNC Health Care's team—one of the nation’s leading Bariatric groups—provide details on the options for weight-loss surgery and on the benefits of UNC's personalized approach.

NOTE:  Live information sessions will end June 5th

 

  • UNC Women's Hospital - led by Tara Zychowicz, FNP - 5/15/12, 5/22/12, 5/29/12, 6/5/12 from 11:15-Noon, located in the UNC Women's Hospital Classroom WHG0110.
  • Wellness Center -led by either Dr. Timothy Farrell or Dr. Wayne Overby,  5/1/12 and 6/5/12 from 6-7:30pm, located at Wellness Center, Meadowmont, 100 Sprunt St. Chapel Hill, NC.
  • Sign up for information sessions after June 5, 2012 by contacting us at (919) 966-8436.

UNC bariatric surgery program receives two important distinctions

The program has been accredited as a Level 1b facility by the Bariatric Surgery Center Network (BSCN) Accreditation Program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). In addition, the program was named a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Read more