The team at the Cape Fear Valley Weight Loss Surgery program are known for compassionate care. We provide highly skilled, advanced surgical procedures at two convenient locations.
Types of Weight Loss Surgery at Cape Fear Valley Health
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery
The most common bariatric procedure in the U.S. Often simply called "gastric bypass," this surgery is a combination method.
A small pouch at the top of the stomach is created and adds a bypass around a segment of the small intestine . This redirects food intake, bypassing most of the stomach and the first section of the small intestine, called the duodenum.
Instead, food enters directly into the second part of the small intestine, called the jejunum. The procedure limits the patient's ability to absorb calories.
Sleeve gastrectomy
Gastric sleeve surgery has become the fastest growing weight loss surgery in the U.S. The surgeon removes a large section of the stomach, along the greater curve. What is left is a narrow tube-like canal or "sleeve" that holds just 15% of the original stomach capacity.
Patients feel fuller with smaller meal portions as a result. The stomach section responsible for producing the hormone, Ghrelin, is also removed. This hormone stimulates the brain to feel hungry. So patients not only eat less, they also feel less hungry.
The remaining stomach section continues to function normally. Patients can continue eating most of their favorite foods without suffering chronic stomach discomfort or "dumping syndrome”.
Patients can expect to lose between 40 to 50% of their excess body fat within two years. Some patients lose half their body weight within 12 months. The surgery is minimally invasive and can be done in about an hour under general anesthesia.
Am I a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
At Cape Fear Valley Health, eligible candidates for bariatric surgery must meet the following criteria:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
You must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or greater, or you must be 100 pounds or more overweight. Calculate your BMI using the BMI Calculator .
Co-Morbidity
If your BMI is between 35 and 40, then you must have at least one significant co-morbidity (serious medical problem), such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, elevated blood fats, heart problems, severe sleep apnea, or chronic back or knee pain .
Emotional State
You should not have any severe psycho-emotional or medical problems that would make surgery unnecessarily risky.
Smoking
No smoking.
Drug and alcohol dependency
No drug or alcohol dependency. If you have a drug or alcohol use disorder, you must have shown progress in a qualified treatment program. You should have at least one year of sobriety.
Commit to the process
You must have a personal ongoing commitment to follow the nutrition, exercise, medication, and laboratory protocols provided.
Attend Support Groups
You must have a personal ongoing commitment to attend support group meetings on a regular basis.
Follow ups
You must have a personal ongoing commitment to return to the office for follow-up appointments.
What to expect when scheduling your weight loss surgery
The time period from your first office visit to surgery may take three to six months. The timeline depends on the number of consultations and testing conducted. When your surgery is approved by your insurance company, the surgery will be scheduled within two to four weeks.
For scheduling appointments, providers are only in the office on a limited basis due to their alternating surgery schedules. They also may be on-call for emergency surgery.
Our Approach to Weight Loss Surgery
At Cape Fear Valley Health, our medical care team spends time getting to know you and understanding your needs. Bariatric surgery is only one part of the treatment plan. Our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nurses, dietitians and psychologists provide a comprehensive program to ensure your success.
We believe proper education is the key to you achieving your weight loss goals.
They ensure you are fully informed about planning your surgery.
What are the surgeons’ qualifications?
Since September 2020, our surgeons have performed over 3,500 procedures, and approximately 95% have been done laparoscopically. They have attained an expert level skill in performing bariatric surgeries through experience and diversity of training. They have earned certifications and credentialing through fellowship programs and board certifications through the American Board of Surgery.
Each surgeon participates in numerous hours of continuing medical education each year to stay updated on the newest procedures and advancements in the field of bariatric surgery.
Our surgeons’ experience, safety and quality record have earned recognition. Cape Fear Valley Health has several accreditations within the bariatric field, including recognition by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Your Surgical Team:
You’ll have a team of specialists working together to ensure you reach your healthy weight goals. Your care team may include:
- Bariatric surgeons
- Dietitians
- Nurse practitioners
- Nutritionists
- Psychologists
- Therapists
Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
For patients with severe obesity, bariatric surgery can provide many health benefits. Some benefits include:
- Easier to lose weight
- More manageable to keep weight off long-term
- May lower risk of death from chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease
- May decrease joint pain
- Feel more energetic
- More enthusiastic to do activities you haven’t done in years
- Improve your overall health and well-being
Ovie Appresai, MD, FACS
- General Surgery
Ijeoma Acholonu Ejeh, MD, FACS
- General Surgery
Daniel McCullough, MD, FACS, FASMBS
- General Surgery
