Lake Norman Center for Surgical Weight Loss Bariatric Center

The first time I met my surgeon was at a seminar. At that time I was unsure if the surgery was even covered under my insurance. But he seemed positive that it was. He seemed very easy to talk to and eduacated on this procedure. He answered all of my question with no probelm and made me feel at ease. His bedside manner is top notch. He is straight forward and honest about his expectations although they are pretty easy to follow. I would recommend him in a heart beat to anyone interested in Bariatric Surgery.

Dr Heider is Excellent! My first impression of him was that he had a real passion for helping people with a weight problem find a safe surgical solution to help them live a healthier life.
I would describe his office staff to be very knowledgeable of all of the necessary items that you will need leading up to your surgery and they are very sympathetic to your needs.
After having my lapband procedure some of his staff came to visit me in my hospital room and I went home being reassured that I had all necessary tools to do exactly what I needed to do.
I feel so much better more and more each day, this was the best decision I have ever made for myself health wise. I wish I would have done it sooner.

Dr. Heider is one of the nicest ppl you will ever meet. As a Doctor he is above and beyond anything you would expect from a Doctor!!!! I went to 4 diffrent seminars in diffrent towns, and couldn't take that next step. As soon as he spoke I knew I had found my Surgeon. First office visit is awesome he is so easy to talk to(and none of us like talking weight). Anyway I could go on forever about the great road I have traveled. It has been one year this month and I have had a wonderful time lossing weight it's so much easier than I ever thought. Lost 110lbs went from size 22 to a size 5/6. HE AND HIS STAFF ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would recommend Dr. Heider to anyone!!!!!

BEYOND AMAZING!!! Don't think that going to a big city or even another country can guarantee you a great surgeon-or just because the surgeon has done a million surgeries that he should be the one you choose. Look at the weight loss numbers. Dr. Heider's patients far exceed the average weight loss in the shorter amount of time. I have lost 65 pounds in less than 6 months. The lap-band is a tool-like all weight loss surgeries. Dr Heider just doesn't do the surgery then push you out of the nest. It is a "program" and he sticks with you through out the process. Monthly follow-up visits and an incredible support staff that is there for you every step of the way. I have several friends that had surgery-had less than significant weight loss-then started to go to Dr. Heider and tripled the amount they lost in a matter of months compared to 2-3 years before. Every doctor I know-has raved and suggested Dr. Heider. Thank You Dr. Heider!!

Selecting a bariatric surgeon is not an easy choice. You need to select someone that you feel confident about their surgical skills as well as someone whom you believe is working with you AFTER the surgery. Dr. Heider is all of that and more! My husband went with me to the seminar to learn about WLS and he really liked Dr. Heider's no nonsense approach. Dr. Heider doesn't make outlandish claims nor does he promise you things he can't deliver. He is also candid about the whole insurance process. The straight up attitude really impressed both of us. After I decided to go with Dr. Heider as my surgeon, I was able to learn more about his medical knowledge side. He is a young guy that is quite knowledgeable and confident. I am now 3 months post surgery and have gotten to know Dr. Heider as part of my support team. In reality this is a lifetime process so I will probably know his practice for a very long time. He is always personable and talks with you as an individual instead of as a sterile surgical case. I am half way to goal and I feel supremely confident that I have the medical support network I need to succeed! I love the remarkable Huntersville support group because we help one another and we all think Dr. Heider is "Da Bomb"!

Lets get this out right away... I hate going to the doctors! But with Dr. Heider it was different. He has a great manner about him. He makes you feel relaxed and comfortable right off. He is very knowledgable. And the support groups are great. I would HIGHLY recommend him and his team to anyone!

Dr Heider was WONDERFUL. He went above and beyond to make sure I got the surgery that was right for me. His office staff are all very professional and wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend Dr Heider to anyone in the area looking into bariactric surgery.

First impressions-He's too good-looking to help fat people. Then, when he talks to you, instead of at you, you know you are dealing with a professional. He also doesn't appear grossed out to have to touch your body, I was, but he wasn't. His office staff are very quick, I never had to wait longer than 15 min to be seen, the chairs are larger, and easier for us big folks to get in. I always had a fear of standing up with a chair stuck to my butt. This program is just getting up to speed, and they are currently looking for a new director, but Cindy Contos in the office is very sharp. She made the process so easy for me, she coordinated most of my appts, and even scheduled them for me. Talk about a life-saver. Dr. Heider typically sees his pt after 2 weeks, and then again at 4 mos. This is about where I am. He encourages all his patients to come to the monthly meetings, and really encourages exercise, if it is nothing but walking everyday.
I was lucky and didn't have any major co-morbidities, but he did have a hard time with my surgery due to a lot of adhesions and scar tissue. I would certainly encourage anyone I know who is currently considering WLS to come to him for consult.
In a perfect world, a surgeon would have the competence of a laser and the bedside manner of Marcus Welby, MD, but we don't live in a perfect world. As a nurse, I have to place a higher value on competency, but as a human, I value respect and dignity. I didn't really answer that question, did I?

Hi, I know how hard a decision it is to feel you are choosing the right surgeon. I researched,. visited surgeons and talks...but 8-24-2009, I had surgery with Dr. T. Ryan Heider. He is the One incision wonder.I had the gastric sleeve. I was apprehensive because I knew I would have to spend one night in the Hospital. I was so amazed. Dr. Heider did my gastric sleeve using a one (yes, I said 1 (one) small incision. This one very small incision was at my belly button with a small dressing over it. I had researched the gastric sleeve and every other physician is using around 6 to 8 incisions. Due to Dr. Heider's advanced laparoscopic skills and experience, he has surpassed this. I went to See Dr. Heider today (one week post op), I have lost 15 lbs and feel great; in fact, I had nausea one day, anesthesia does this to me. He gave me a prescription for pain medication and I tore it up; just did not need it. I was alittle sore, but NO pain. I am self-paid; he is so reasonable..and the staff at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center is heads above any medical staff I have ever seen. Dr. Heider is also backed by his wonderful staff and the Hospital's program (check this out...www.yournewbeginning.info)rnDr. Heider's commitment, willingness to listen, his comprehensive bariatic support behind him, his excellent laparoscopic skills (one incision) made this decision a no brainer for me. I now am convinced I choose the right surgeon. My regret; I did not do this 20 years ago! I am self paid so if this is stopping you, he is much more reasonable than I anticipated. I view this money as an investment in my health; to not just live long; but live happier and healthy! Good luck in your journey.

God blessed me with this doctor from the beginning. A good friend had surgery by him and told me that I needed to go see Dr. Heider. At first I did not want to go because it was so far from my house. But I thought I would go to the first meeting and see what was up. The whole staff was great and helped so much. Dr. Heider talks to you like you are a person not just a case. In no way does he act like a doctor that is stuck up and will not talk to you. He acted like he cared and even helped me out to get what I wanted done.