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People come to North Carolina Bariatric Institute at different points in their weight-loss journey. Our program may be helpful if you have obesity or weight-related health conditions and have not had lasting results with diet and exercise alone.

You may be considering bariatric surgery. Or you may prefer to begin with a medically supervised plan that focuses on nutrition, physical activity and medication when appropriate. We also support patients who are already taking GLP-1 or similar weight-loss medications and want to understand their long-term options.

We’ll walk through each option with you and discuss which best fits your health needs and personal goals.

A More Personalized Path to Weight Loss

If you’ve tried to lose weight and keep it off, you know it affects more than the number on the scale. It can change how you feel day to day and impact your health over time. Because of this, we do not rely on a single type of treatment. Together, we look at factors like your BMI, weight-related health conditions, and what you’ve already tried to decide which options may be right for you.

At North Carolina Bariatric Institute, we offer both medical weight loss care and bariatric surgery. Some people start with a supervised medical plan. Others are better served by surgery. Many use both approaches at different points in their care. We treat obesity as a long-term health condition — not a personal failure — and use tools that reflect its complexity.

Surgical and Medical Weight Loss Options in One Program

North Carolina Bariatric Institute provides bariatric and weight-loss care with personalized treatment plans. Medical weight loss care, including nutrition support and medication, may be used before or after surgery to support your results. Your exact plan will depend on your health and the services available at this hospital. Options may include:

  • Medical weight loss
  • Nutrition and lifestyle support
  • Prescription weight loss medications, when appropriate
  • Sleeve gastrectomy
  • Gastric bypass
  • Revisional bariatric surgery
  • Gastric band repair or removal

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Understanding the Difference: Medical Weight Loss vs. Bariatric Surgery

Medical weight loss care is nonsurgical and typically includes medical evaluation, nutrition counseling, activity goal setting, and, in some cases, prescription medications to support weight loss.

Bariatric surgery changes your stomach and/or intestines to help you lose weight and improve health problems related to obesity. Surgery is often considered when other methods have not led to lasting results or when weight is already affecting your health.

Many people also ask about GLP-1 and similar weight loss medicines. For some people, medicine alone is helpful. Others do better with surgery or a combination of medication and surgery. During your visit, we review these options and discuss what may fit your health needs and goals.

Support at Every Stage

Most people need more than one visit or procedure to reach their weight loss goals. Long-term follow-up is an important part of safe and effective weight loss care, especially after surgery. Education, regular follow-up and clear instructions can make a meaningful difference. This program provides support from your first consultation through long-term follow-up.

Support at this hospital may include:

  • A care team experienced in weight loss treatment
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Guidance before and after surgery or medical treatment
  • Help with insurance questions and next steps
  • Ongoing follow-up to help you stay on track
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Ready to Get Started?

Taking the first step does not mean committing to surgery — it means getting answers. During your first visit, we review typical insurance requirements and the steps needed before certain treatments, such as surgery. Whether you are interested in medical weight loss, bariatric surgery or simply want to understand your options, we’re here to help.

Not sure which approach is right for you? Start with a conversation. We can review your health history, explain your choices and outline possible next steps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between medical weight loss and bariatric surgery?

Medical weight loss is a nonsurgical program supervised by healthcare professionals that may include nutrition guidance, physical activity goals, behavior changes and prescription medications. Bariatric surgery is a procedure that changes the digestive system to support weight loss and improve obesity-related health concerns. Your care team can help you decide whether to start with medical care, consider surgery or use both over time based on your health and weight loss history.

Are GLP-1 medications the same as bariatric surgery?

No. GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery are different treatment options. Some patients may do well with medication-based treatment, while others may be better candidates for surgery or a combined approach. Medications may be used before or after surgery as part of a long-term plan, while others use medication alone.

Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?

You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have obesity or serious weight-related health conditions and have not had lasting results with diet and exercise alone. Your care team will consider factors such as your BMI, medical history, current medications and prior weight loss attempts to help you understand whether surgery is a safe and appropriate option for you.

Tip: Generally, you may be a candidate if you are between the ages of 18 and 70 with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater, or a BMI between 30 and 35 with co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, or congestive heart failure.

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How do I get started and find the weight loss option that’s right for me?

You do not need to be ready for surgery to contact our program. Many people reach out simply to learn more about their choices. During an evaluation, a provider reviews your health history, current challenges and goals, and then explains options such as medical weight loss care, weight loss medications and bariatric surgery. Together, you can decide whether to start with medical treatment, consider surgery now or later, or take time to think about what feels right for you.

What support is available after I start treatment?

Support may include follow-up visits, nutrition guidance, physical activity and ongoing care from your weight loss team. If you have surgery, follow-up usually includes scheduled visits to check your recovery, adjust medicines and monitor your progress over time.

Will my insurance cover weight loss surgery or medical weight loss care?

Insurance coverage for bariatric surgery and medical weight loss services varies by plan. Many insurers require specific steps before approving surgery, such as medical evaluations, supervised weight loss visits, or documentation of weight-related health conditions. Your care team can review typical requirements and help you understand what your plan may cover, as well as any out-of-pocket costs.

Tip: For commercial plans, call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask exactly: “In my certificate of coverage are there benefits for weight loss surgery for morbid obesity if medically necessary?” For Medicare and Medicaid, benefits for weight loss surgery are available as long as the criteria are met — there is no need to contact them.