UNC vs. Duke (The age old question!)

Normally I'm a Tarheel all the way, but I'm talking about major surgery here, so the particular shade of blue on the hospital sign doesn't matter to me. My insurance finally came through so I'll be really starting my WLS journey next week. I've been to an info session at UNC and like what I heard, but I'm also very impressed with all the info on Duke's website.

What have everybody's experiences been with these two programs and their surgeons? Should I go ahead with UNC or head over to Durham? I'm in Chapel Hill so either would be convenient for me. They are both in my insurance network as well.

I live in Chapel Hill and I went to REX. I went through Bariatric Specialists of NC in Cary.

Rex was top notch.

Sorry to throw another hat in the mix.

Good luck.
Lehnanne

I run a very large support group in Raleigh and we have representation from just about every program in the area. First of all, I really believe that all of the programs have very competent physicians. Two of the programs, Duke at Durham Regional and Dr. Enochs at Rex are recognized by the ASMBS as Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence (BSCOE). Here is a link that explains the ASMBS BSCOE program requirements. The UNC program is recognized as Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. Here is a link that explains that programs requirements.

I and my husband had our surgeries at Duke at Durham Regional Hospital. My surgeon is no longer with the program, but was very competent. My husband's surgeon, Dr. Dana Portenier is still with the program and I personally like him very much. He is approachable, knowledgeable and will talk with you about your concerns, considerations, etc. I have not had personal experience with any of the other surgeon's on the staff, but have heard good things about them all from my support group members. Duke has a comprehensive program with Nutritionists and Psychologists that are an integral part of their program. They have monthly support group meetings that are professionally directed addressing a number of topics that are generally geared to the first year of weight loss. They are known to have a somewhat trying office staff as it relates to getting your paperwork through, but we found that if you keep copies of all of your paperwork that is being submitted and work with them, that you can get the support you need to get the services you need.

A number of my support group members have used Dr. Farrel at UNC and generally have good things to say about him and his practice. It is a much smaller practice and generally you can get through the paperwork part of it more quickly than Duke. The concerns that I have heard voiced about that practice is that they doe not have the nutritional and psych support. This varies from patient to patient, but one support group member's wife had hers at Duke and his at UNC. while he had his surgery at UNC, he has recently moved all of his care to Duke.

A large number of my support group members have also had their surgery done by Dr. Enochs and they also generally have good things to say about their experiences. While the practice used to be smaller and easier get into, like UNC, as it has grown, I have heard my comments about issues like the ones that Duke has regarding office support.

I would strongly recommend that you attend all of their informational sessions before making a decision. You are also most welcome to come to my support group meeting to ask questions of our members. We meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month and will be meeting next Saturday. If you want information about my support group meetings you can get it at www.meetup.com/nc-wls

Wishing you all the best as you look for the right fit for you,

 

Thanks, both of you. That does actually help a lot. I had gotten the impression that the program at UNC was smaller, but hadn't really thought about what that meant as far as support services. I'll definitely be looking into those other info sessions before I make a decision.