Our Team
Montgomery Cox, MD, FACS | Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Montgomery H. Cox is a bariatric surgeon at Frye Regional Medical Center. Dr. Cox completed his medical degree and residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. He is board-certified with the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Cox joined the Frye Regional Medical Staff in July 2003. He performs gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures, both laparoscopically and robotically.
Jonathan Hata, MD, FACS | Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Jonathan Hata is a bariatric surgeon at Frye Regional Medical Center and is the Medical Director of Surgical Weight Loss at the North Carolina Bariatric Institute. Dr. Hata completed his medical degree and residency at Duke University School of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. Dr. Hata joined the Frye Regional Medical Staff in July 2008. He performs minimally invasive laparoscopic gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures.
Baker Henson, DO, FACS | Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Baker Henson is a bariatric surgeon at Frye Regional Medical Center. Dr. Henson completed his medical degree at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and his residency at Pinnacle Health System in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He is board-certified with the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Henson joined the Frye Regional Medical Staff in September 2016. He performs the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures, both laparoscopically and robotically.
Jodi Lanier, FNP-C | Bariatric Surgery
Jodi Lanier, FNP-C, is a nationally certified family nurse practitioner with over 15 years of experience who specializes in preoperative and postoperative care for bariatric surgery patients and gastric band adjustments. Jodi completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. She then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory and a Master of Science in Nursing at UNC-Charlotte. She is an integrated health member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Ailisa Smith, MD | Obesity Medicine
Dr. Ailisa Smith is a board-certified family medicine physician with expertise in obesity medicine. She received her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. As the physician leader of our medical weight loss team, Dr. Smith offers treatment plans that utilize lifestyle interventions, such as habit changing, dietary intake and physical activity. Weight loss medications may also be utilized in the plan that assist during the lifestyle change.
Erin Brabandt, PA-C | Obesity Medicine
Erin Brabandt specializes in treating patients who have obesity, with a focus on whole body health, lifestyle modifications and medical weight management as the foundations. She has been practicing as a physician assistant since 1999 and has been with FryeCare Physicians Network since 2014.
Anita Gribble, PA-C | Obesity Medicine
Anita Gribble specializes in the treatment of obesity management and brings 30 years of experience to our weight management team. In addition to being a certified physician assistant, Anita received her Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine and is a member of the Obesity Medicine Association. She is committed to providing evidence-based and medically backed obesity treatments, which are tailored to individuals based on lifestyle, medical history, diet history, and even family/social histories.
Joan Brugman, PsyD | Behavioral Health
Dr. Joan Brugman is a clinical psychologist specializing in the behavioral management of an extensive range of medical conditions, including weight management for over 35 years. She received her Doctor of Psychology degree from Nova Southern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL and completed additional training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MA. Dr. Brugman offers psychological evaluations, and an integrative approach to cognitive behavioral therapy.
Becky Steele, RD, LDN
Becky Steele is a registered dietitian and coordinator for the surgical weight loss program at Frye Regional Medical Center. Becky has worked at Frye Regional since 2000 and has been a member of the surgical weight loss team since its inception in November 2001, educating more than 4,000 patients. Becky is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Tamara Stafford, Patient Navigator | Medical Weight Loss & Bariatric Liaison
Tamara Stafford plays a dual role in supporting patients on their weight loss journey while serving as the primary connector between FryeCare Medical Weight Loss and the North Carolina Bariatric Institute (NCBI). Tamara ensures patients receive seamless, coordinated care from medical weight loss through surgical intervention when appropriate, while strengthening communication and collaboration across care teams.
Our Facility
North Carolina Bariatric Institute, a department of Frye Regional Medical Center, is here to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Since 2001, the surgical weight loss team at Frye Regional has worked with thousands of individuals who struggled with excess weight and partnered with them to regain their health and change their lives. In 2023, we expanded our offerings to include a medical weight loss program and provide evidence-based and medically backed obesity treatment. Accredited by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the American College of Surgeons and multiple insurance companies, the team at North Carolina Bariatric Institute is committed to providing our patients with the tools and treatments needed for lifelong success.