What is Weight-Loss Surgery?

If you would like a better quality of life and again enjoy life without pain, fatigue and health problems related to your weight, you may wish to consider weight-loss surgery. This type of surgery, known as bariatric surgery, creates a smaller stomach which in most cases allows people to eat less – and lose weight.

ECU Bariatric Surgery has been performing this procedure for more than 30 years and pioneered its use.

The two most common weight loss surgeries performed by our Surgeons are the gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy. Both procedures reduce the size of the stomach. Gastric bypass also re-routes the intestines to create a shorter digestive system. With dietary changes, bariatric surgery may lead to dramatic weight loss. Because these changes are permanent, it’s important to fully understand the procedures. This website can help answer your questions.

If you struggle with extra weight, you may find you can no longer take part in normal activities. You may have health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Breathing difficulties, sleep problems and arthritis can also come with obesity.

Obesity may be a lifelong problem when people are unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. Obesity can prevent people from enjoying life by making many ordinary activities difficult or exhausting. It can lead to serious illnesses.

Weight-loss surgery is a proven method to help people lose weight when all other methods have failed.

Who Should Consider Weight-Loss Surgery?

Obesity is a life-threatening disease with increasing prevalence in the United States. The health conditions related to obesity are numerous and can significantly reduce your life expectancy. The following are some health problems related to obesity: high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, arthritis, sleep apnea, diabetes, depression, acid reflux, peripheral edema (swelling of legs/feet), infertility, irregular menstrual cycles.

Thousands of people experience dramatic life improvements after weight-loss surgery. They enjoy a much better quality of life and take part in activities that once were too difficult. What’s more, serious health problems such high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and sleep apnea usually improve with weight loss. After gastric bypass surgery, there is often a complete remission of Type 2 diabetes. This effect has been clinically proven.

If you have tried to reduce your weight unsuccessfully by eating less and exercising, weight-loss surgery may be an option.

We Are North Carolina’s Weight-Loss Pioneers

If you’re thinking about weight-loss surgery, you’ve come to the right place. East Carolina University is a leader in weight-loss surgery. We helped develop the procedure known around the world as the Greenville Gastric Bypass and offer the experience you need make positive changes in your life.

With our program, you will have a full team of weight-loss professionals working for your success. While you prepare for your procedure and as you adjust to your new life, the staff of ECU Bariatric Surgery will be with you along the way.

For more than 30 years we have performed this surgery. Our experience and research allow us to offer the best and newest technologies, methods and recovery guidelines. That means better results for you.

Our surgeons are faculty of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Your care is provided by doctors who are teaching tomorrow’s doctors. Our experience and excellence assure you of the best care available.

While no one can predict your results, most patients safely lose the weight they need. There are other health benefits, such as a clinically proven improvement in diabetes.
Our team includes surgeons, advanced practice providers, registered nurses, dietitians and counselors. We are recognized as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

For more information, you may contact us at 252-744-2018 or by email at weightlosssurgery@ecu.edu.