Bariatric Dietitians in Raleigh | Rex Bariatric Specialists

MARY GRAY HIXSON, M.P.H., R.D., C.S.O.W.M., L.D.N.

NUTRITION SERVICES

Mary Gray Hixson, MPH, RD, CSOWM, LDN is a graduate of NC State University where she studied food science and nutrition. She then received her Masters of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has been providing nutrition therapy and education in the Raleigh area since 2008, in private practice and at UNC Rex Bariatric Specialists. She has been working with weight loss surgery patients for most of her career. She has a passion for facilitating group classes, grocery store tours and cooking demonstrations and loves building relationships with her patients in order to help them achieve their long-term health goals. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family by the water.

LIZ LANGSTON, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., C.D.C.E.S

Liz graduated with her bachelors and masters of nutrition from East Carolina University. Since 2004, she has been providing medical nutrition therapy, in a variety of settings, across NC, specializing in diabetes care and education. Liz has a passion for helping patients build confidence as they develop healthy habits. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband to see The Avett Brothers, entertaining friends and family, and chasing her daughter and dog.

LAUREN HAWLEY, M.R., R.D., L.D.N.

Lauren graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Clemson University, and is currently enrolled at North Carolina State University for her Master’s degree in Nutrition. She has provided nutrition counseling for patients in a variety of settings, including weight surgery, obesity management, and general nutrition education. She has a passion for helping patients become their best selves with realistic and attainable goals to develop lifelong healthy habits. In her free time, she enjoys reading thriller novels, spending time with her boyfriend and dog, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

MAGGIE L. DARDEN, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

Maggie earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, and went on to complete her Masters in Nutrition Science at Meredith College, also in Raleigh. She has experience providing both individual and group counselling across a variety of settings, with her primary clinical interests in heart health and diabetes management. Maggie is dedicated to building trust through compassionate, personalised care, partnering with each patient to set realistic goals that support lasting nutrition and lifestyle changes. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her long-haired mini dachshund.

SUZANNA GRACYK, R.D.

Suzanna is a Raleigh native who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Master of Science in Nutrition, and dietetic internship at Meredith College. She has performed nutrition assessments, provided medical nutrition therapy, and taught nutrition classes in a variety of environments, including weight loss, community nutrition, and inpatient hospital settings. She is dedicated to supporting and empowering patients to achieve their health goals and build their confidence. In her free time, Suzanna enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Andrew Stillwagon, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

Andrew was born and raised on the Jersey Shore but has called North Carolina home since 2009. He earned his bachelor’s degrees in Nutrition Science from NC State University and Nutrition & Dietetics from North Carolina Central University, and completed his Master of Science in Nutrition at Lenoir-Rhyne University. He has experience providing medical nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Andrew’s approach centers on making nutrition simple, creating sustainable habits, and helping patients feel confident in their health journey. In his free time, he enjoys relaxing with a good movie, playing golf, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

BARIATRIC SURGEONS & STAFF

MEET THE TEAM

At Rex Bariatric Specialists we have an expert team consisting of fellowship-trained weight-loss surgeons, caring health educators, registered dietitians and other professionals.

Dr. Dustin M. Bermudez

Dr. Peter C. NG

Dr. Lindsey S. Sharp

Dr. Linda M. Youngwirth

Dr. Benjamin G. Crisp

Dr. Basil Yurcisin

Dr. Angela Lipscomb

Support Staff

Row of logos from various Rex Bariatric Specialists Awards, and Associations

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Registered Dieticians