Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery near 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: 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: 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: Dr. Michael Melkonian, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 56 years old and has been practicing for 30 years. Dr. Michael Melkonian, MD is affiliated with Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Biography: Dr. Manthan Makadia, MD is a General Surgery Specialist who practices in Charlotte, NC. He is 38 years old and has been practicing for 14 years. Dr. Manthan Makadia, MD is affiliated with Novant Charlotte NC.

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 Ballantyne Outpatient Surgery.