Our Program

Begin your journey of transformation today.

About the Surgical Weight Management Program

This program offers comprehensive care for patients before and after weight loss surgery. Under the leadership of medical director, Montgomery Cox, MD, and board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dr. Jon Hata and and Dr. Baker Henson from the Wake Forest Health Network Surgical Specialists – Hickory, the staff consists of a team of professionals who are experts in their respective field. The team works together to provide patients with the best medical services in an environment of compassionate intervention and goal-oriented care. This excellence in patient care is provided from consultation through treatment.

Changing Lives through Compassionate Care, Guidance and Education

Our weight loss surgery team partners with you to achieve sustained weight loss, improve serious medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and to enhance your quality of life. We use the latest surgical technique and equipment to ensure safe and successful weight-loss surgery. We also provide the comprehensive support and education you need before, during and after surgery to ensure your success in reaching your health and lifestyle goals.

Medically Supervised Diet Included - No Extra Charge

Many insurance plans require a 3, 6 or 12-month medically supervised diet prior to weight loss surgery. If required by your insurance, our program offers a medically supervised weight loss program to you at no extra charge. Monthly counseling led by the program’s dietitian focuses on making small nutritional, exercise, and behavioral changes to help prepare you for life after bariatric surgery. This plan helps to ensure a successful outcome.

Taking the First Step and Attending a FREE Information Seminar

If you are not sure bariatric surgery is right for you, attend a free information seminar to learn more about the Catawba Valley Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss Program. During this two-hour presentation, you will have a chance to meet members of the bariatric program team as they walk you through the details of the weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes necessary for success. The surgeon will present information on bariatric procedures including the Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. You will learn more about the dietary and lifestyle changes required both before and after surgery. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear honest answers from the experts. ​Click Here to Find and Register For Our Next Seminar.

Supporting You along the Journey

Losing weight takes a strong commitment on your part, and undergoing bariatric surgery as a significant part of a weight-loss program is a major undertaking. While it’s something you can do alone, there is absolutely no reason you have to. We’ve found that to be truly successful both in the short- and long-term, it’s best to have plenty of support along the way– not just from your family and friends.

Throughout the weight loss process, many patients wish they had someone to share similar experiences, someone they can connect with when struggling with diet, exercise, head hunger and other lifestyle change issues after surgery, especially in the first several weeks to months. Friends and family are able to lend support, but sometimes it takes the wisdom of another who has the same trials and shares the same goals to help find the answers you seek. Our closed Facebook support group does exactly that!

The Surgical Weight Management Program at Catawba Valley Medical Center has developed this patient focus online support group for the convenience and support of our patients.

This Program offers you the opportunity to participate in monthly support group meetings before and after surgery to help contribute to your successful outcome. Support group provides a friendly forum for people who are considering surgery or have already had weight loss surgery. Friends and family are welcome, too. You will hear about successes, frustrations, plateaus, and special moments, and have a chance to share your own experiences. Various speakers, including our registered dietitian, exercise specialists, psychologists, and physicians will share their knowledge and experiences on a variety of topics of interest to bariatric support group participants. Successful patients attend support group regularly.

Support groups are held the first Monday of each month in AHEC 112 on CVMC Campus at 6pm.

Surgical Weight Management Testimonials

Kellie Kirby, Hickory
"I wanted to live life."

Abby Lutz, Newton
"I am so glad I had the surgery. When I was at my heaviest, I was tired all the time and felt terrible. Time spent playing with my daughter then consisted of watching her play by herself. Now we ride bikes at the park and enjoy an active lifestyle."

Roger Whisnant, Hickory
"At the weight I was at, I really don’t think I would have had the confidence to go back to school and walk around campus."

Andra Williams, Statesville
“Bariatric surgery truly gave me my life back. I never used to feel well or do things with my kids. My weight was embarrassing and I stayed away from several social situations. Now, my life is the total opposite."

Chesley Greer, Morganton
“I have struggled with my weight my whole life. Due to my weight, I developed problems with my feet and ankles and could not exercise. I knew that I could not lose the weight with dieting alone.With the surgery, I lost 135 pounds. It's changed my life."

Jessica Goodman, Salisbury
“The Surgical Weight Management Program at Catawba Valley Medical Center changed my life for the better. I can walk miles without being out of breath, and I can spend more time with my nieces and nephews. When the folks at CVMC asked me if I would do this again, I said, ‘Yes! Of course, I would!’ I couldn’t imagine not doing it."