Bariatric / Gastric Bypass Surgeons in North Carolina

Biography: Dr. Craig Kolasch, MD is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 56 years old and has been practicing for 24 years. Dr. Craig Kolasch, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. William Hooks III, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 49 years old and has been practicing for 20 years. Dr. William Hooks III, MD is affiliated with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Biography: Even in my early teens, I knew I wanted to be a physician. I was fascinated by anatomy, loved science and was precise at dissection. Surgery was definitely my calling. \n Being the child of first-generation immigrants meant several messages were ingrained in my siblings and me. Our parents expected us to work hard, finish what we started, push to succeed and never complain. \n I had a wonderful mentor during my residency who shared with me his surgical mantra: "Treat every patient like they are your mother." I took it to heart and adopted it as my mantra, too. I believe this wholeheartedly and continue to operate with this thought in mind. \n When it comes to robotic surgery, I was an early adopter. I have performed more than 1,500 robotic procedures. I even test other surgeons on their robotics skills once they have completed training. In my role as a robotic proctor, I travel the country and evaluate and "sign off" on surgeons who have completed robotics training. \n I have founded two bariatric centers and built them into established Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence (BSCOE). The BSCOE designation helps patients identify surgeons who provide the safest and most effective treatments. The robotic center in High Point I founded was awarded the first robotic epicenter in North Carolina by the Intuitive Surgical group in 2019. \n I'm a member of the American Board of Surgery and SAGES (Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons) and am a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. \n My hobbies include coaching and helping with my kids' travel sports, playing golf and tennis, cooking, painting and woodworking. I most enjoy traveling - and just hanging out - with my wife.

Biography: Medical care starts with caring for people. That's always been my philosophy, and why I work every day to put the people before the medicine. Regardless of what a patient's need is, I want to walk them through the whole process: establishing a plan, getting the care needed and seeing them through the time of healing. \n I have been a proud member of the Novant Health surgical team for years. During my time as a team member, as well as during my time as the chief of surgery at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center (formerly Presbyterian Hospital), I have seen the Charlotte community grow and change, and I have stayed committed to serving it at every stage. \n When I am not working, I love spending time with my wife, sons and extended family. I enjoy running, playing chess and finding a great hiking trail.

Biography: After several of my family members - specifically my father - required more than routine medical care, my career path was set. I chose medicine after witnessing firsthand the compassionate and professional care my family members received. \n As a surgeon, I have had the privilege of treating patients when they're at their time of greatest need and supporting them to a full recovery. It's an honor to be able to have an immediate and lasting impact on a patient's life. \n My approach to healthcare is to meet the patient where they are. It takes courage to seek surgical assistance for weight loss. An open, honest discussion about weight loss options allows patients to have a voice in their care, which in turn allows them greater success and satisfaction. \n Being a bariatric surgeon allows me to be part of a multidisciplinary team committed to helping patients eliminate multiple health conditions - in addition to obesity - such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and more. \n Our team at Novant Health includes a dietitian, lifestyle physician, mental health provider and surgeons who fully care for each patient's physical, mental and emotional health. We believe the patient is the most important member of that team. \n I truly have the best job in healthcare as I get a front row seat to my patients realizing the joys that come with significant weight loss. After bariatric surgery, patients not only have reduced their risk of serious illness, they're also able to move easier with fewer joint and body pains. Our clinics are often filled with smiles, hugs, high fives and stories of spending time with their families in ways they never thought possible. \n Patients who seek care through our team can rest assured they will receive the highest quality care possible. Our team and hospital participate in the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery accreditation process. Through this process, we constantly monitor our surgical outcomes and are committed to continuous improvement in the patient experience. \n I've been honored to win a number of awards, including being on the University All-Academic Team at East Carolina University and being named to the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. \n I am the bariatric program medical director at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and was named Surgical Professor of the Year there in 2023. I'm serving as chair of the division of surgery from 2025 through 2027, as well as chair of the robotic surgery committee from 2024 through 2026. \n I am married and have two sons and a daughter. My hobbies include scuba diving, golf, sailing, travel and supporting my kids in all their adventures. I love the outdoors but have recently discovered the joys of indoor cycling on my Peloton bicycle.

Biography: Dr. Joshua Rickey is a board-certified general surgeon with Novant Health Salem Surgical Associates. "Josh," as he often tells his patients to call him, has been a member of Salem Surgical for six years. Originally from the coast of South Carolina, Josh completed his undergraduate studies at Clemson University in Biochemistry. He then went on to attend medical school at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, South Carolina. After completing medical school in 2010, he continued into general surgery residency at MUSC. During his time at MUSC, he was known for his teaching of medical students and residents, having earned multiple teaching awards and being recognized as the Max S. Rittenbury Intern of the Year. Driven by an interest in the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery, as well as the application of new technologies, Josh then completed a bariatric and minimally invasive surgery fellowship at then Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. He says that the possibility of helping people with surgery for a disease that can be a lifelong struggle has always intrigued him. After completion of his fellowship in Charlotte, Josh joined his family in Winston-Salem, going on to complete an additional year of training in the Transition to Practice Fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Health. \n Josh elected to stay in Winston-Salem as he felt it reminded him of his hometown with a close-knit group of people, offering a small town feel in a big city. Here they have grown to love the community and surroundings. Since joining Salem Surgical, he has been excited to offer new technologies and techniques to address the medical issues of his patients from Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. A supporter of the application of the robot in surgery, Josh has been able to help multiple patients with complex problems recover faster and with less pain as they return to their lifestyles. He feels it is important to help people get back to "normal" as quickly as they can and feels that use of the robot will allow patients that opportunity. \n His approach to medicine may be a little different, as he feels it is important to partner with the patient. Josh likes to maintain a personal relationship with the patient and work with them actively to be involved with their care and decision making. He strives to help patients understand the issues and the choices, personalizing the plan for each patient. His belief is, "education and understanding are key to good outcomes." \n Josh has been excited by bariatrics since his training and has been actively seeking to help provide that service to the people of Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas. Helping patients achieve goals they thought were not possible has always driven Josh. When approached about helping Novant Health start bariatrics at Clemmons, Josh was happy to finally be able to help provide additional services to the population. His care and planning show as he describes helping patients navigate the process of approval, evaluation and preparing for surgery. "We at Salem Surgical want to provide a seamless and smooth process for patients," Josh said. "We want them to have a pleasant experience navigating what can be a confusing situation and most importantly, we want them to know we are here for them." He is excited about being able to apply the robot to patients undergoing weight loss surgery as a method to help improve recovery and outcomes. \n When not at work, Josh spends time with his family (wife Ashley and two children). With his office littered with tiger paws and orange, it's obvious he is an ardent Clemson University fan. At any given time, you are likely to see him in some form of orange or purple, whether at the office or simply out and about. Don't be surprised during fall Fridays to catch him wearing orange (a custom in Clemson). As people around the office have heard him say, "On Fridays we wear orange." In the fall, he and his family enjoy attending football games and cheering the Tigers on to victory. Other times, he and his family enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, playing sports together, riding bikes or just spending time together.

Biography: I have been a surgeon since 1993 and have been the director for bariatric surgery at High Point and now in Kernersville and Winston-Salem for more than 20 years. For the last 12 years I have focused entirely on bariatrics procedures in Kernersville. I have maintained Novant Health's bariatric program's Center of Excellence status for the last 20 years. We perform metabolic surgeries to help patients live longer and better by improving many weight-related problems including diabetes and high blood pressure. The nice "side effect" is our patients also lose a significant amount of weight. \n Our program involves care from nutritionists, counselors, exercise trainers and medical bariatricians. All of our team members are dedicated solely to bariatric/weight management. Surgery, while important, is reserved for patients who cannot achieve their goals without an operation as a tool to success. Operations typically take 30 to 60 minutes laparoscopically and involve an overnight stay at the hospital. \n I'm active in professional associations in my field and am a fellow for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ASC). I still enjoy being in the classroom. I serve as a clinical preceptor for Wake Forest University and a teaching professional for Ethicon, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. \n Outside work, you might find me volunteering at the Humane Society, cycling or hiking. I also love to travel and, most importantly, spend time with my family.

Biography: Candace Boone, FNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Candace Boone, FNP is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Eric Mallico, MD is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Salisbury, NC. He is 50 years old and has been practicing for 22 years. Dr. Eric Mallico, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: As the son of a physician, I was introduced to the medical community early in life, and it gave me an inherent understanding of its demands and rewards. From a young age, I witnessed the dedication, empathy and resilience medicine requires. This fostered a deep respect for the profession and gave me valuable insights into the patient experience. My father set a wonderful example of how to be a good clinician and an excellent person, always treating people with compassion and kindness. \n Before medical school, I worked many years in wilderness leadership, where I had the opportunity to be the primary medical caregiver for my group of students. Wilderness medicine provided invaluable preparation for a surgical career by honing skills that are crucial in high-stakes environments. The unpredictable nature of the wilderness requires quick thinking, resourcefulness and adaptability - qualities that translate seamlessly to the operating room. I also learned to work with limited resources, which necessitated problem-solving and making important decisions under pressure, two other skills I still use daily. Additionally, I learned the importance of triage, emergency management and the ability to handle unforeseen complications with composure. I am grateful for my wilderness medicine experience during every patient encounter. \n Being a surgeon combines my passion for science with an ability to make a tangible, life-changing impact on individuals. The challenge of solving complex medical puzzles and the precision required in the operating room energize me. Each surgery presents a unique opportunity to restore health and improve quality of life for my patients, which is deeply rewarding. I pride myself on focusing not just on the surgical procedure, but also on the overall well-being of my patients, ensuring they receive personalized care tailored to their needs. \n I grew up in Charlotte and attended college and medical school in North Carolina as well. Before attending medical school, though, I took time to explore other parts of the United States as well as other careers. I've worked as a carpenter, teacher, guide and coach. I still love to travel, now with my wife and son. Seeing new places, being outdoors and eating good food are all things that offer me a reprieve from my work and allow me to return to my patients with renewed energy and perspective.

Biography: Very little has changed in my approach to bariatrics since we started our clinic in 2005. We believe that morbid obesity is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial lifelong condition. Therefore, it must be treated and monitored throughout the life of the patient using multiple therapies. \n Our entire practice is geared toward finding the best weight management program for each individual patient, be that lifestyle management, medical management, surgical management or a combination. \n Our clinic has pioneered many advancements in bariatrics. I was the first surgeon to perform the sleeve gastrectomy in the Charlotte region, and our clinic was also one of the first in the country to have its own registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and behavioral counselor. In 2013, 11 years after completing my fellowship in bariatric surgery, I became board-certified in bariatric medicine to offer a more comprehensive approach to treating obesity. \n Over the years, I have been involved in many clinical research projects and trials to develop new surgical techniques, trial devices and equipment and to study new protocols to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of bariatrics. Most recently, we have been studying a new revisional surgery technique, a device to decrease wound infection and a program to optimize patients prior to orthopedic and spine surgery. \n I'm most proud of our clinic becoming the first Bariatric Center of Excellence in Charlotte in 2007. We have been recertified three times, which I believe shows the quality of work that we perform and the comprehensive program that we have built. \n In addition to my roles at Novant Health, I serve on the board for the Queen City Teaching Farm, a nonprofit that provides health and wellness education, fresh produce and job opportunities to at-risk communities through outdoor classrooms and teaching gardens developed at public schools. I am also active with the American Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery and currently serve on two task forces with the organization - one on weight recurrence after bariatric surgery and the other on the development of telemedicine in bariatrics. \n My wife and I are the proud parents of a teenage daughter and son, a Cavapoo, an Aussiepoo and a guinea pig. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family at home or traveling to the mountains, the beach or places the kids have never been. My wife and I enjoy cooking and grilling on the weekends. I love to fish anywhere anytime, but I particularly enjoy bass fishing and fly fishing. I also pretend to be a gardener and a birder. I have an herb garden and a cutting garden at home surrounded by more different bird feeders and birdhouses than I should mention.

Biography: I was drawn to becoming a physician because a career in medicine offers the unique combination of science, problem-solving and helping others. I chose to focus on surgery because it can resolve illnesses. This is particularly true with bariatric (weight loss) surgery, which can cure or prevent complications from diseases like diabetes. Long-term studies have proven that bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable weight loss treatment, but each patient must be prepared to actively participate in a multidisciplinary program. This includes nutrition, behavioral and exercise counseling. Therefore, my team and I carefully screen each patient. Then we discuss your unique health situation and all the options with you so that we can make the best weight management decisions together. I have trained extensively to become a bariatric surgeon, including completing a fellowship in metabolic & bariatric surgery in 2022, after graduating from general surgery residency in 2021. However, learning is a lifelong journey, so I am continuously training in the latest techniques for minimally invasive laparoscopic, robotic and bariatric surgery. I am certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Medicine and recognized as a fellow of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS). I serve as the metabolic & bariatric surgery director at Forsyth Medical Center and co-founded its bariatric program. In addition to bariatric surgery, I also perform minimally invasive general surgery such as hernia, appendix, gallbladder and colon surgeries. I am an active member of Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) and American College of Surgeons. During my general surgery residency, I was recognized as the surgery intern of the year in 2017, surgery resident of the year in 2018 and chief resident of the year in 2021. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, pickleball and traveling with my wife and our 2 daughters.

Biography: Jamie Szymarek, FNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Jamie Szymarek, FNP is affiliated with Novant Health Kernersville Medical Center.

Biography: I was led to a career in surgery by several factors. Growing up, I witnessed my father's rewarding career as a cardiothoracic surgeon who loved his profession and the opportunity to improve his patients' lives. When I was 16 I was diagnosed with a spinal condition that required surgery. My recovery went well and became a profound personal experience of the life changing impact that surgery can offer. To this day it provides perspective and helps me relate to the experiences my patients are going through. \n Following surgical residency, I pursued a fellowship in advanced minimally invasive GI and bariatric surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. While there I performed research to optimize outcomes following bariatric surgery and better understand how surgeons are trained in advanced minimally invasive techniques. I earned a certificate in fellowship training from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society for American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. I am also proud to have won the Wendell Levi Award for surgical leadership from the Medical University of South Carolina, and being a member of the Gold Humanism in Medicine Honor Society and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. \n My patient care philosophy is to treat each patient as if they were my family member. This requires compassionate care and consideration in the clinic, technical excellence and diligence in the operating room, and commitment to the recovery and well-being of my patients after surgery. I also recognize that medicine is a "team sport" and I support and motivate all of the phenomenal staff involved in every phase of my patients' care. \n When I am not at the hospital, I am spending time with my wife and two sons. We enjoy being outdoors, going to the beach, playing golf, going on family vacations, and playing with our yellow lab, Cooper.

Biography: I first developed an interest in medicine when I was in high school because I had a lot of sports-related injuries, which required surgery. When I observed how the surgical team, nursing staff, and physical therapist took care of me through my long rehabilitation, I immediately knew I wanted to become a doctor and help others in the same way. I grew up doing carpentry, home remodeling, and other woodworking, which made surgery the obvious choice for specialty once I began medical school. I was drawn to surgery because I love working with my hands, problem-solving, the evolving technology of surgery, and the ability to fix something that is broken. As a general surgeon, it is my duty to stay up to date with the most current technological advances in order to provide my patients with the best possible care. Through the extensive robotic and complex laparoscopic surgery techniques that I learned during my residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, I can offer my patients minimally invasive surgical options, which result in less pain and a quicker and smoother recovery.\n During my training and career, I have been awarded the administrative chief resident position and Wendell M. Levi Jr MD Award for Surgical Leadership. I have also been honored as an ESPN Academic All-American Nominee while I was playing Quarterback at Catawba College during my undergraduate years. In my free time, I am a family man first and foremost.\n I enjoy spending time with my wife, Faith, and my 3 young children Madelyn, Charlotte, and Miller. Our children keep us quite busy with swimming, gymnastics, and soccer practices. As a native of Durham, I am an avid Duke fan. I also enjoy supporting Catawba College in nearby Salisbury, where I played football as an undergrad. My family and I love the beach, especially Charleston, SC where we spent 5 years during my residency training.

Care Philosophy: ``I welcome all patients in my practice of all ethnicities, creed and sexual orientations of all walks of life.``

Biography: Amy Black, ACNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Amy Black, ACNP is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: Danielle Dinsmore, PA-C is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Danielle Dinsmore, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: From an early age, I was drawn to biology and the sciences and dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. By exploring the secrets of the oceans, I hoped to find cures for the diseases of nature. But I soon realized that curing diseases for humanity was at the heart of my desires. \n Once in medical school, my strength and interest in surgery were impossible to deny. While I found all components of general surgery and critical care fascinating, I believe that the most effective way to cure many diseases is to help people achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Metabolic/bariatric surgery paired with lifestyle changes can make that possible. \nI approach healthcare with the goal of using activity and food as sources of wellness. Following surgery, as I witness my patients' health improve and their reliance on medications decrease, it is a truly happy and gratifying moment for my patients and for me. \n Bariatrics allows me to have ongoing relationships with my patients, which is an important aspect of my job. Only by connecting with my patients at an individual level and learning about the obstacles each person faces can we design a personalized plan for success. \nOutside of work I love hiking, gardening and spending time with my husband and three children.

Biography: Lisa Ehrlich, AGNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Matthews, NC. Lisa Ehrlich, AGNP is affiliated with Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center.

Biography: Timothy Leonard, PA-C is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Timothy Leonard, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Outpatient Surgery.

Biography: Lindsey McInnis, FNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Matthews, NC. Lindsey McInnis, FNP is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Britney Layne, FNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Britney Layne, FNP is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: Nichole Rahenkamp, FNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Nichole Rahenkamp, FNP is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

Biography: Crystal Denison, PA-C is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Winston Salem, NC. Crystal Denison, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.

Biography: Cortney Eller, FNP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Salisbury, NC. Cortney Eller, FNP is affiliated with Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Justin Faulkner, MD is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Wilmington, NC. He is 37 years old. Dr. Justin Faulkner, MD is affiliated with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Biography: Shannon McNeill, FNP is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. Shannon McNeill, FNP is affiliated with Novant Health Ballantyne Outpatient Surgery.

Biography: Meredith Sokolowski, PA-C is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Salisbury, NC. Meredith Sokolowski, PA-C is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

Biography: Mandy Sperle, NP is a Bariatric Surgery Specialist who practices in Kernersville, NC. Mandy Sperle, NP is affiliated with Novant Winston-Salem NC.