Q: Where are you from and where did you attend medical school?
A: I am from Thibodaux, Louisiana, and I attended LSU Medical School in New Orleans.
Q: What types of bariatric surgery do you offer to patients?
A: At Fort Sanders Regional, we perform Sleeve Gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Lap Band and the Loop Duodenal Switch surgeries.
Q: How long have you been doing bariatric surgery?
A: I started performing bariatric surgery 14 years ago in Blount County. In 2013, Dr. Mark Colquitt and I of Foothills Weight Loss Specialists, joined with Covenant Health to practice at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville.
Q: What sort of comprehensive programs does Fort Sanders Regional offer for bariatric patients?
A: The hospital has the Fort Sanders Center for Bariatric Surgery, which is accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement. We offer regular education, dietary information, exercise programs, psychological support and support groups with lifelong follow up to help focus on long-term success.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of being a bariatric surgeon?
A: I love witnessing the dramatic improvement and resolution of major medical issues like diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and overall improvement in the patients’ well-being as well as the weight loss. Seeing patients get excited about life again is very rewarding.
Q: How can those interested in making a life change through bariatric surgery learn more?
A: We offer free bariatric seminars led by a physician two to three times per month at various locations in East Tennessee. More information is available at our Foothills Weight Loss Specialists Seminar webpage or by calling the office at (865) 984-3413.