Carolinas Center for Surgery

An illustration of the most common options can be viewed here.


Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measurement used to evaluate if a person is overweight. BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is a reliable indicator even though it does not directly measure body fat.

• An adult who has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.
• An adult who has a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese.

Individuals who are overweight and obese have a higher incidence of developing certain diseases and/or conditions that affect our health:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Dyslipidemia (high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Coronary heart disease
• Stroke
• Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon)

Your body mass index (BMI) is an indicator of your total body fat, which is related to your risk of developing or dying from obesity related disease.

While there are some limitations with BMI calculators, they do provide you with an idea of how overweight you may be.

You are eligible to be considered for Weight Loss Surgery if your BMI is:

• Between 35 and 39.9 and you have other weight related health problems.
• Equal to or above 40.

1. Enter your height in feet and inches.
2. Enter your weight to the nearest pound (nobody sees the results, so be honest).
3. Click on "Calculate BMI".

You may determine your BMI using this chart.


A disease or illness associated with being overweight. Some examples are high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes and severe joint disease.


Bariatrics refers to the branch of medicine dealing with obesity, its causes, and methods for prevention and treatment. Obesity is a serious problem in American society with 65% of the population now regarded as overweight and 30% of the population in the obese range. And, has moved to the number one preventable disease.

Every January millions of people turn to diet, fitness and medication to treat their obesity. However, the National Institutes of Health report that 90% of the people who participate in diets and weight-loss programs do not lose significant and sustained weight. Studies continue to reveal that weight-loss surgery, as compared to non-surgical treatments, provides the most effective sustainable weight loss for patients who have failed other therapies.


Most insurances, including Medicare, cover weight loss surgery if your BMI is 40 or higher, or 35-40 if you have co-morbidities associated with your weight.


We offer Care Credit with interest free financing. You can apply for this at www.carecredit.com.


Hospitals and surgeons qualify for designation as an American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence® (BSCOE) by participating in a rigorous evaluation process designed to document that they have a comprehensive program and meet the established program requirements for providing safe bariatric surgical care with excellent short- and long-term outcomes. The evaluation not only documents process, i.e., equipment, supplies, training of surgeons and staff and the availability of consultant services — but emphasizes results.


The LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE® Program, developed by Allergan based on the worldwide experience with the LAP-BAND® System, is a comprehensive set of clinical and operational “best practices”. What does this mean for you, the patient? It means that your LAP-BAND® System Bariatric team can access the LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE® tools they need to give you the best care, information and support possible, anywhere. These tools are designed to support surgeons and patients throughout the lifestyle and body image transformation, from your first contact with the front desk to your day in the operating room and ultimately to your long-term weight loss success.

The professional team involved in bariatric practice that follows the LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE® guidelines can include: a dietician, nurse practitioner(s), surgical nurse(s), mental health professional(s), and physical therapist(s). The program provides helpful tools and tips to everyone on the team, including the office staff.

With the help of the LAP-BAND TOTAL CARE® Program, your healthcare team is able to support your every step along your weight loss journey with the LAP-BAND® System.

They will help you with important areas such as:

• Establishing your goals and expectations
• Preparing for your surgical procedure
• Explaining the importance of integrating diet, exercise, and the ongoing support of those close to you in a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes the LAP-BAND® System
• Outlining the dietary recommendations
• Support both before and after surgery, to help you successfully maintain your ongoing lifestyle changes

The really unique feature of the Lap-Band system is that it can be adjusted after surgery to control the rate of weight loss based on your specific needs. The goal is to keep patients in the "green zone".

Adjustments are performed in our office and are quick and painless. You will be scheduled for your first adjustment 4-6 weeks after surgery. We will see you and evaluate you every 4 weeks for the first 6-12 months to assess the need for further adjustments. On average, 4 adjustments are needed over the long term.


You have taken your first step on the journey to a healthier lifestyle by visiting our website. The Carolinas Center for Weight Loss Surgery wants to ensure that you have all of the information available to make the best decision possible. Our team is committed to your well-being, and we will be there as your coach along this life changing journey. Your success is our success, and we will celebrate your milestones along the way with you. Please feel free to contact our Patient Liaison at (252) 222-5919 for any questions or additional information.