UNC BARIATRICS

There doesn't appear to be a lot of discussion about the UNC program in Chapel Hill. I finally have the okay from my family doctor and need to decide between Duke and UNC but I weigh slightly more than the maximum that Duke will accept (go figure).  UNC is closer and seems to have less of a bariatric program and more of a set of doctors who perform the surgies, which appeals to me.

Any thoughts on the docs and facilities at unc.

I don't know much about either program.  But they both have informational sessions.  You should attend one at both and see which program you like best. 

Kelly

Yes I am going through them to have the surgery RNY on July 29 they seem to have a good rep but just small. I know I have had a great experience with them so far from Dr Tim F and the nurse Karen. They are knowledgeable and accurate on information. They are small so they know you when you call in as well which I think is a big plus( you don't get lost in the shuffle just in case you have complications or need them for something). They have support meetings that you can attend too and they have informational seminar that you can attend. The fees are not like Duke fees either.I have a friend who went to them and that is how I got referred and she did  wonderful wouldnt trade it for the world. Its a few people on the site that have been to UNC too. I know Annie P is one of them. Keep me posted on how things go for you and I will do the same on my end.  I am nervous and excited all in one.

Hi Gale,

My husband and I had our surgery at Duke and I run a fairly large support group in the area and know a number of people that have used UNC. We actually have someone here that had her surgery at Duke and her husband had his at UNC, so she has a wonderful perspective because she has witnessed both programs up close. I think that both programs have their strengths and weaknesses. If I were you, I would go to seminars at both of their programs and maybe even explore a couple of others in the area, then make my decision after looking at them all. All of them have strengths and weaknesses. You'll just have to determine which works best for you. 

Duke is a much bigger program than UNC. It takes longer to get through their program and from what I hear, it is more comprehensive which is probably why it has the ASBS Center of Excellence designation (it's one of 8 in the state that do and the only one in the triangle area that does.) Duke has 5 surgeons on staff, 2 psychologist and 2 nutritionist. They also have to RNP's. They hold monthly support group meetings and require that you attend pre-op and post-op psych and nutritional counseling. They have a dedicated bariatric wing and coordinator.  Each surgeon has a 'fellow' working with them and often the psychologists also have interns working with them. You are given detailed instructions and written material to help you through the dietary component of the program. After the surgery, you attend medical, psych and nutritional appointments at 3 wks post op, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. I also was seen at 18 months and 24 months.

UNC is a smaller program that usually can get you through the 'mill' faster than Duke. Dr. Farrell is the lead surgeon with that program and I believe he has one other surgeon that works with him. I think that Karen is the RNP that works with the program. I'm not sure who they use for their psych and nut. program and/or how many visits are a part of their program.  I can't speak to the followup protocol at UNC, but I'm sure that you'll have someone who has been there chime in soon.

I hope that helps some,

 

I cant begin to tell you how much I love UNC and Dr Farrel and his team.
They have been there for me before and after surgery.
Karen Coltan is Dr. Farrels nurse and she always goes the extra mile to help Dr. Farrels patients.
If you go to UNC ask about our monthly groups we have Karen should be able to tell you when and where.
                                                                          Annie