Parkwest Bariatric Surgery Takes Patients From Frustration to Freedom

At Covenant Health Parkwest, the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery delivers advanced weight-loss surgery options for long-term success. When diets, exercise and medications don’t work, bariatric surgery could be the key that unlocks the door to a whole and healthy life.

Josie Wilson knows the struggle of yo-yo dieting all too well. For years, she tried everything from paid programs to diet pills and even starving herself, only to lose weight and gain it right back.

But everything changed after a chance conversation at a restaurant.

“I overheard someone talking about losing 150 pounds through bariatric surgery,” Wilson says. “That conversation got me thinking, so I went home and started researching.”

Her search led her to a seminar hosted by K. Robert Williams, MD, a skilled and experienced bariatric surgeon and medical director of the Parkwest Center for Bariatric Surgery. Parkwest Medical Center is a leading provider of weight-loss surgery in the Knoxville area and offers bariatric surgical procedures to meet patients’ individual needs.

That night, Wilson decided she was done with quick fixes. She was ready for lasting change.

Gastric Sleeve for Weight Loss

Dr. Williams determined that a gastric sleeve procedure would be the right fit for Wilson. 

“We did a sleeve gastrectomy, reducing the size of the stomach. It basically takes the stomach from the size of a football down to about the size and shape of a banana,” Dr. Williams says. “That was an effort to limit her appetite and how much she can eat.”

During the operation, he also discovered and corrected a hiatal hernia. The procedure helps curb reflux after the surgery.

“That’s not uncommon,” Dr. Williams says. “About one out of every five cases we do, we find a hiatal hernia.”

Most patients stay in the hospital one or two days, with a recovery period of a few weeks. Wilson had to adjust as her body adapted to her smaller stomach. She began to build new habits to continue and maintain weight loss.

Wilson has now lost 102 pounds and her new life is filled with boundless energy and hope. As an additional benefit, she lost her sleep apnea, too. She has celebrated every milestone, from being able to cross her legs to ditching her CPAP machine.

There was a time when Wilson was skeptical about weight-loss surgery, thinking it was the easy way out. “There’s nothing easy about it,” she says. “You have to be disciplined, but it’s absolutely worth it.”

Fighting a “Losing” Battle

 When Wilson first learned about bariatric procedures, one thing that resonated with her was set point theory. It’s the theory that the human body will sometimes fight to stay at or near the same weight. In other words, losing weight isn’t just about willpower. Your body may be working against you to hold on to the number on the scale.

“Anytime you starve yourself to lose a few pounds, your metabolism drops and you struggle with appetite. Then the weight usually comes back pretty quickly,” Dr. Williams explains.

If you have a BMI over 35 and are at least 100 pounds overweight, diet and exercise probably won’t be enough for you to achieve significant and long-term weight loss. 

“When we study people in that category, we find only about one percent can get their weight down and keep it down for five years or more,” Dr. Williams says. “Bariatric surgery helps establish a new set point, a new weight that the body wants to stay at. It makes it achievable to lose a large amount of weight.”

Bariatric Surgery and Weight-Loss Medications

Injectable medications have become popular options for weight loss under names like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Dr. Williams says before you line up for a prescription, there are a few things you should know.

Medications and surgery can both help with weight loss. But for people with a higher BMI, surgery is often the more effective long-term solution.

What is BMI?

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of weight relative to height. BMI ranges can be valuable tools for assessing health concerns that may be related to weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal, and 30 or higher is classified as obese. When BMI tops 35, health risks increase.

How Do Medications and Surgery Compare?

Weight-loss medications can usually help you drop 10 to 20 percent of your body weight. However, in most cases, the weight returns when you stop using them.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize if they start these meds, they’re probably going to have to stay on them — maybe at a lower dose, but likely for life,” says Dr. Williams.  

Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, can lead to twice as much weight loss (or more) if patients stick to the post-surgery guidelines.

“Medications work well for people who don’t qualify for surgery,” Dr. Williams explains, “But once someone’s BMI gets to 35 or 40, the results just don’t compare to what surgery can do.”  

The goal of bariatric surgery isn’t just weight loss. It’s to help the patient achieve weight loss, a healthy lifestyle and a quality of life that lasts. 

Finding Strength Through Support

To achieve a new way of life, Wilson had to be willing to follow doctor’s orders and trust the process. Stella Mouzon, RN, MSN, Parkwest’s bariatric coordinator, leads a support system for patients to ensure the best outcomes.

“I want patients to feel comfortable before they even set foot in the hospital,” Mouzon says. She explains that patients are often nervous about different aspects of the experience, adding, “I help ease those nerves.”

Mouzon has seen firsthand how emotional the weight-loss journey can be. Many patients struggle with emotional eating and mental roadblocks. Support groups provide a place to work through those challenges. Studies have shown that bariatric support groups improve success rates after weight-loss surgery. Accountability is key, and empathy is important.

“Most people have an unhealthy attachment to food,” Mouzon says. “But hearing from others who’ve been in their shoes can be life-changing.”

“Knowing others had gone through the same thing made a huge difference,” Wilson says. “And Stella was always there with encouragement and advice.”

RESET: A New You

Mouzon often adds themes to her support group sessions, teaching lessons with a fresh approach. At the start of the new year, she built a session around the acronym RESET:

• Remember where you started and track your progress to stay inspired.
• Erase past failures and move forward.
• Simplify meals and routines for success.
• Enjoy the present moment.
• Thankfulness fosters a positive outlook.

“These principles apply not just to bariatric surgery, but to life in general,” Mouzon says. “If you’ve tried everything and still struggle with your weight, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option. The right support system can make all the difference.”

Today, Josie Wilson tells her story in support groups, lending life experience and encouragement.

“This was the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “Dr. Williams is phenomenal, and the support I received was incredible. My only regret is not doing it sooner.”

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery

Dr. Williams says that on average, patients spend about two years considering bariatric surgery before deciding to proceed. He encourages research and welcomes questions.

Parkwest Medical Center provides expert surgical care and support to help patients achieve lasting weight loss and enjoy healthier lives. You can learn more about bariatric surgery options at Parkwest Medical Center and Covenant Health in the convenience and privacy of your home. Our free online seminar answers the most common questions about bariatric surgery at Parkwest. In-person seminars are also held several times a year. Information is also available throughout the Parkwest Center for Bariatrics website or by calling 865-374-7275.