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Meet Dr. T. Ryan Heider

T. Ryan Heider, M.D. was the first Charlotte area surgeon to perform single-incision, “scarless” bariatric surgery and is one of only a few surgeons nationally with advanced training to perform the 90-minute procedure. He also travels country-wide training other physicians to perform this life-changing, minimally invasive surgery.

Dr. Heider received his medical degree from the University Of North Carolina School Of Medicine and completed his general surgical training at University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is also a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).

While attending UNC, Dr. Heider participated in a wide variety of advanced minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures including laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastrectomy, and esophageal surgery. He has also published numerous articles and completed extensive research in the area of advanced laparoscopic surgery.

Dr. Heider believes that there are few surgical procedures that can have such a positive impact a patient’s health. He considers it a privilege to not just witness, but also to play a major role in facilitating, these positive changes.

Already a successful bariatric surgeon, Dr. Heider felt the need to reach out to individuals that don’t want, or qualify for, weight loss surgery but do want to lose weight, regain their health, and learn how to make permanent lifestyle changes. It was with that thought in mind that he made the decision to open Lake Norman Bariatrics.

Dr. Heider lives in Mooresville with his wife and their four children. When he’s not working he enjoys boating on Lake Norman, coaching his children’s basketball and football teams, and playing tennis.

Education
University of Notre Dame – BS, Pre-Professional Studies
University of North Carolina School of Medicine – MD, with Honors

Residency
General Surgery Resident, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC
Research Fellowship, University of North Carolina

Professional Experience
Research Fellow, Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina
Research Fellow, Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina
Mooresville Surgical Associates
Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center
Medical Director, Lake Norman Bariatrics



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Michelle Sierzega, RMA

Michelle Sierzega is a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and assists Dr. Heider at Mooresville Surgical Associates in his private practice.

Michelle attended ECPI Medical Career's Institute in Concord, NC and graduated with honors. She then went on to pursue her Associates in Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting and graduated Magna Cum Laude in August of 2009. Shortly after receiving this high honor she received her Registered Medical Assistant Certification through the American Medical Technologists.

Michelle has always dreamed of being a part of the medical field partly because of her passion to help those around her. She fulfilled her dream in 2008 all while working a full time job, raising two children, and was extremely grateful for her husband who supported her every step of the way.

Michelle says, “I really enjoy working with Dr. Heider’s bariatric and Optifast patients. I have struggled with my weight since the age of 19 so I really do understand our patient’s weight concerns. When you’re overweight it’s very hard to deal with - emotionally as well as physically. Try to remember that you didn’t put the weight on overnight so it isn’t going to come off overnight. We all wish it worked that way but it doesn’t. Stay strong, believe, and focus.”