Frye Regional Medical Center Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Lives Through Surgical Weight Loss

Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, is celebrating 25 years of helping patients achieve weight loss and improved health through its nationally recognized surgical weight loss program, now known as the North Carolina Bariatric Institute.

Established in 2001, the program was among the first accredited bariatric surgery programs in North Carolina and has helped thousands of patients throughout the region overcome obesity and improve their quality of life through personalized, evidence-based treatment. Over the past 25 years, the program has performed 4,470 bariatric procedures, helping patients achieve lasting weight loss and reduced obesity-related health conditions.

Over the past quarter century, the program has evolved into a leading center for surgical and medical weight management, offering minimally invasive and robotic-assisted bariatric surgery, physician-guided medical weight loss, nutrition counseling, behavioral health services and lifelong follow-up care. Its multidisciplinary team, including bariatric surgeons, obesity medicine specialists, dietitians, psychologists, nurses and patient navigators, works collaboratively to guide patients through every step of their weight loss journey.

“For 25 years, our surgical weight loss program has transformed lives by helping patients improve their health, confidence and overall well-being,” said Lindy White, MBA, FABC, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “This milestone reflects the dedication of our physicians and staff, as well as the courage and commitment of the patients who have trusted us with their care. We are honored to celebrate their successes and proud of the life-changing impact this program has had across our community.”

In 2024, the program adopted the name North Carolina Bariatric Institute to better reflect its expanded services, regional reach and comprehensive approach to obesity treatment. While the name evolved, its mission remained unchanged: delivering personalized, patient-centered care that helps individuals achieve sustainable health outcomes.

The North Carolina Bariatric Institute is accredited as a Comprehensive Center by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a distinction that recognizes programs meeting rigorous national standards for safety, quality and outcomes. The accreditation reflects the program’s commitment to continuous quality improvement and delivering the highest standard of bariatric care.

The program’s surgical team includes board-certified general surgeons Dr. Monty Cox, Dr. Jonathan Hata and Dr. Baker Henson, who perform advanced bariatric procedures including gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Today, the North Carolina Bariatric Institute continues to offer surgical options including gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures, alongside medical weight loss services tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals.

“Obesity is a chronic disease that requires individualized treatment and long-term support,” said Dr. Hata. “For 25 years, our team has been committed to helping patients find the right path toward better health. Whether through surgery, medical weight management or lifestyle changes, we provide the tools, expertise and encouragement patients need to succeed.”

As it celebrates this milestone anniversary, the North Carolina Bariatric Institute remains focused on advancing obesity care and helping patients throughout western North Carolina live healthier, more active lives.

The North Carolina Bariatric Institute is located at 1781 Tate Blvd. SE in Hickory. To learn more about weight loss services, visit NorthCarolinaBariatricInstitute.com or call 828.315.5577.

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