Taking the First Steps

Determining if weight-loss surgery is the right choice.

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.

1. Attend Information Seminar

NOTE:  Live information sessions will end June 5^th.

• 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.

2. Verify insurance information

You will need to call your insurance company to determine if Bariatric surgery is a covered benefit. The codes for the operative procedures are: 

• Roux-en Y Gastric Bypass:  CPT 43644
• Gastric Banding:  CPT 43770
• Sleeve Gastrectomy:  CPT 43775
  

3. Complete Assessment

You will need a complete assessment to see if Bariatric surgery is right for you including:

• An application reviewing your BMI, your weight-loss history, and any obesity-related health conditions
• Submit the Bariatric Application Form
• Bariatric Application form and Medical Release Authorization form

4. Schedule a multi-disciplinary clinic visit

This pre-surgical evaluation is an all-inclusive appointment

• You will meet with a dietitian, psychologist, and nurse practitioner in one convenient location
• After this visit, the compiled information will be submitted to your insurance for final approval
• Once approved, an appointment with the Bariatric surgeon will be scheduled.

5. Personalized Treatment

Together, we will take steps to determine:

• If surgery is the right treatment for you
• The type of procedure that is right for you
• If you are mentally and emotionally prepared to make lifelong lifestyle changes
• That you have, or will have, the necessary support system around you as you get back to life after your weight-loss surgery.

Additional Information:

• Making an appointment:  Call 919-966-8436
• Contraindications to Weight Loss Surgery
• "Other location"  Highgate Specialty Center, 5316 Highgate Dr. 125, Durham, NC 27713, 919-484-1015
• Highgate Speciality Center, directions