Meet The Team

Dr. Heider first became interested in bariatric surgery because it is a field of surgery that requires the utmost surgical skill. His team enjoys it for the same reason.

Header Image: 
Description: 
Dr. Heider first became interested in bariatric surgery because it is a field of surgery that requires the utmost surgical skill. His team enjoys it for the same reason.
Video file: 

Medical Director/Surgeon

Dr. Heider and the Lake Norman facility recently were awarded the Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (BSCOE) by The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The BSCOE designation enables patients to distinguish specific providers who have met the requirements for delivering high-quality perioperative and long-term follow-up care from those who do not.

Dr. Heider received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and completed his surgery training at University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill. While at UNC, he participated in a variety of advanced minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastrectomy and esophageal surgery.

Dr. Heider is a certified LAP-BAND Total Care ChampionTMand board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He has also published numerous articles and completed extensive research in the area of advanced laparoscopic surgery.

He was the first Charlotte-area surgeon to perform single-incision, “scarless” bariatric surgery and is one of only a few surgeons in the nation with the advanced training to perform the 90-minute procedure.

Bariatric Program Manager

A nurse for 24 years, Denise brings a wealth of clinical experience and knowledge to the Center for Surgical Weight Loss. She completed her education in New York, havnig eanred an Associate Degree initially and returned to school earning a BSN and MSN from Molloy College. During her tenure Denise has held a variety of roles as staff nurse, in nursing leadership and nursing education. Her clinical expertise is medical-surgical nursing in which she has maintained an ANCC certification for 20 years. She also brings a strong educational background having been a Nursing instructor for nursing programs in New York and North Carolina. Denise is a certified Lap-Band Total Care ChampionTM. She is enthusiastic in assisting our patients in their journey to improve their quality of life by improving their health with the collaborative efforts of the bariatric team.

Bariatric Program Director

Brenda received her Nursing Education in South Africa. Upon immigrating to the United States in 1986, Brenda began her career in the Operating Room, and since that time has been actively involved in the surgical arena. Brenda is currently the Director of Ambulatory Surgery at LNRMC. Brenda is a member of the Association of peri-Operative Room Nurses and the Ambulatory Surgery Association. Brenda assists patients through all phases of the weight loss journey, including EGD, pre-operative workshop and surgery.

Nutritional Services

Amanda is a Registered and Licenses Dietician. She has a Master's Degree in human nutrition and is a member of the American Dietetic Association and Charlotte Dietetic Association. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Health and Sports Studies from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Amanda completed a dietetic internship at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Amanda works with patients before and after surgery to help develop a personalized eating plan.

Administrative Coordinator

A native of Long Island, New York, Cindy gained extensive experience starting at the Bariatric Center of the Good Samaritan Hospital. She also spent four years as a Patient Accounts Representative at their Sleep Apnea Center. Cindy is often the patient's first contact with The Center for Surgical Weight Loss and will guide them through the New Beginning program and beyond. Cindy is a certified Lap-Band Total Care ChampionTM.

Michelle attended ECPI Medical Career's Institute in Concord, NC and graduated with honors. She then went on to pursue her Associates Degree in Applied Science, Medical Assisting and graduated Magna Cum Laude in August of 2009. Soon after graduating she earned her Registered Medical Assistant Certification through the American Medical Technologists. She started her career at Mid Carolina Cardiology for 1 year and then went on to pursue a career in bariatrics with Dr. Heider. Michelle assists patients through all phases of the weight loss journey. She is empathetic to the struggles patients face and is very supportive since she too has struggled with her weight.

Becoming a Patient

Step 1: Seminars

Attend Our Free Weight Loss Seminar

It is necessary to attend one of our free, monthly informational seminars before your first appointment with The Center for Surgical Weight Loss at Lake Norman. To reserve your spot in advance call (704) 660-4584. Space is limited.

Step 2: Insurance

Call Your Insurance Company
Check to make sure weight loss surgery is covered by your plan. Criteria for coverage will vary among insurance companies.

Step 3: See the Surgeon

See the Surgeon
After attending a seminar and deciding that this is something you would like to pursue, please call the office to schedule an appointment with the surgeon.

Step 4: Consultations

Consultations
To meet established guidelines for weight loss surgery, consultations with a registered dietician, a physical therapist and a behavioral health specialist are required.

Step 5: Pre-operative Visit

Pre-operative Appointments
You are moving forward with surgery and to prepare you for your new beginning, will need to attend the following appointment:

Featured Testimonial

  • Vance went from a size 4XL to an XL shirt (and that runs a little big).

    Read full story

  • Lisa describes her doctor as someone “who truly cares...”

    Read full story

  • Lauren lost 115 lbs in one year with gastric sleeve surgery.

    Read full story

  • Gerald dropped 120 lbs and 7 pant sizes with gastric sleeve surgery.

    Read full story

  • Ashley lost 80 lbs (and counting) with bariatric surgery.

    Read full story

Support Groups

We offer support groups for post-surgery patients working toward their weight loss goals.

Support Group Schedule
Meets twice a month, the third Wednesday at 6 pm and fourth Thursday at 11:30 am at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. Everyone is welcome. Call (704) 660-HLTH (4584).

Learn more.

BMI Calculator

Your body mass index (BMI) is a way of determining your candidacy for weight loss surgery.

Height ft. in.
Weight lbs.