Are You Thinking About Weight-loss Surgery?
Register for a free information session and see how FirstHealth Bariatric Center can help you.
Iris, FirstHealth Bariatric Surgery Patient
“I am so thankful for this new lease on life,” Iris says.
Weight-loss Recipes and Articles
Try these healthy weight-loss recipes to help you stay on track.
Weight Loss Surgery
Since it began in 1999, the bariatric surgery program at FirstHealth has helped nearly 2,000 patients to lose weight and restore active healthy lives.
OverviewDownload Brochure
FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and Pinehurst Surgical have established a comprehensive Bariatric Surgical Program in the mid-Carolinas. The program offers Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy surgical approaches to significant weight loss and maintenance for those suffering from morbid obesity. The FirstHealth Bariatric Center is staffed by an interdisciplinary team who provide quality education and support, before and after surgery.
MANDATORY INFORMATION SESSIONS
Attend one of our mandatory weight loss surgery information sessions to learn more about the benefits of having bariatric surgery, surgical treatment options, hear from our bariatric surgeons and bariatric surgery patients, and more.
FirstHealth offers in-person and online information sessions. Choose the option that's best for you.
All Weight Loss Services
Read more about the comprehensive services that make FirstHealth's bariatric program one of the best.
Patient Experiences
Frank & Alicia Norton
The Nortons started to consider weight-loss surgery during a family Thanksgiving meal a couple of years ago when they observed the greatly improved appearance of a relative they later learned had had a bariatric procedure.
Hear from the Nortons
Iris Davis
Iris Davis, a 55-year-old Moore County resident, has struggled with weight her entire life – until now.
Hear from Iris
Eric Baker
Meet Eric Baker, 49-year-old Seven Lakes resident. Listen as Eric talks about his struggle with weight, failed diets and why he opted to have weight-loss surgery here at the FirstHealth Bariatric Center.
Hear from Eric
2015 Celebration of Success
Several dozen people whose lives have been changed by weight-loss surgery were joined by relatives and members of their FirstHealth weight-loss surgery team in celebrating their new health status during the Second Annual “Celebrate Your Success” celebration.
Jamie Waldschmidt
Prior to weight-loss surgery, Jamie Waldschmidt suffered from high blood pressure, acid reflux and an overall lack of energy. With the support of her family, she decided it was time to make her health a priority, and she chose weight-loss surgery at FirstHealth. Since the surgery, Jamie's health has drastically improved. Hear more of her story.
Dr. Ronald Kader
After years of struggling with weight, Dr. Ronald Kader, an emergency room physician, opts for weight-loss surgery at Moore Regional.
Learn more
Mark Rhyne
Watch as Volonda Calloway from My Carolina today interviews weight-loss surgery patient, Mark Rhyne & bariatric surgeon, Dr. Raymond Washington.
Danielle Boykin
Danielle chose to have the gastric sleeve surgery so she could lose weight, feel healthy, and have the opportunity to play and have fun with her kids in the evenings after work instead of being tired every night after work and just sitting on the couch.
Exercise is Medicine
Physical activity is essential to successful weight-loss. The FirstHealth Fitness Exercise is Medicine program is available to teach weight-loss surgery patients the importance of exercise and assist in establishing an exercise program.
Before and After Photographs
Check out these amazing before and after photos that were shared by FirstHealth weight-loss surgery patients.
View Photos
JoAnn Hussey
JoAnn received the gastric sleeve less than two years ago from FirstHealth. Since her surgery, JoAnn has gone from a size 20 to a size 8, and she feels great. Hear more of JoAnn's story.
Nicole Trembley
Trembley had weight-loss surgery, a Roux-en Y gastric bypass procedure, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital on Aug. 20, 2010. In addition to being a successful bariatric patient, Trembley has become a passionate spokesperson for FirstHealth’s weight-loss service.
Read More
Nicole Trembley
Trembley had weight-loss surgery, a Roux-en Y gastric bypass procedure, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital on Aug. 20, 2010. In addition to being a successful bariatric patient, Trembley has become a passionate spokesperson for FirstHealth’s weight-loss service.
What our Patients are Saying
We asked some of our patients how having weight-loss surgery has changed their lives. Here is what they had to say.
Read MoreInnovation and Treatment
View Entire Team Meet our Medical Professionals
Board Certified
Raymond G. Washington, Jr., M.D.
Specialties
- General Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery
Hospital Affiliation
- Moore Regional Hospital
Training
- M.D., Medical College of Virginia
Internship & Residency
- Christiana Care Health System, Del.
Board Certified
David W. Grantham, M.D.
Specialties
- General Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery
Hospital Affiliation
- Moore Regional Hospital
Training
- M.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellowship
- Laporoscopic & Advanced Gastroenterology Surgery, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, N.C.
Internship & Residency
- Wake Forest University, N.C.
Melissa Herman, R.D., LDN, CDE
Bio
Melissa has more than 20 years experience as a registered dietitian. She currently counsels bariatric patients both pre- and post-operatively and serves as program manager for the FirstHealth Bariatric Center and program coordinator for the Diabetes and Nutrition Education Program at FirstHealth. Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Immaculata College, has been a Certified Diabetes Educator since 2000 and is a Certified Health Coach. Melissa has done extensive community work in the area of diabetes, presented at numerous national conferences and currently sits on the Diabetes Advisory Council at the state level. Melissa works closely with the bariatric multi-disciplinary team to help patients gain insight and high quality education while providing encouragement and support throughout their weight-loss journey.
Christine Bartel, CMA
Bio
Christine Bartel, CMA is one of the Bariatric Patient Navigators at FirstHealth Bariatrics. As a Bariatric Patient Navigator, Christine helps patients by guiding them through all steps to make sure they are ready for bariatric surgery. This includes assisting them with insurance issues, scheduling appointments, and answering questions.
Christine graduated in 2016 with honors as a Medical Assistant from Central Carolina Community College and is certified nationally with the American Association of Medical Assistants. She started her career at Pinehurst Surgical in the General Surgery & Bariatric department in August of 2016 and transitioned into her new role in August of 2017. Prior to her role as the Bariatric Patient Navigator, Christine worked in the plasma donation industry in various roles, including training supervisor, operational management instructor, lean green belt, and assistant manager. She also has experience with working with adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s and dementia.
