Your Guide to Bariatric Surgery at Parkwest Medical Center

For many people, weight loss surgery is more than a medical decision. It’s a turning point. At Covenant Health Parkwest, bariatric surgeon K. Robert Williams, Jr., MD, helps patients take that step with confidence. Dr. Williams has performed thousands of bariatric procedures, and he leads a program built on safety, support, and long-term success.

“We want every patient to feel supported from the moment they walk in,” Dr. Williams says. “This is about helping people live healthier, fuller lives.”

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It’s a tool that helps people lose weight when other methods haven’t worked. At Parkwest, patients have access to several surgical options, each designed to meet different needs and goals. Our team helps patients understand their choices so they can make the decision that’s right for them.

Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Simple, Effective Option

One of the most common procedures Dr. Williams performs is sleeve gastrectomy. During this surgery, the stomach is made smaller, so patients feel full sooner. The procedure does not change how food moves through the body, which makes recovery easier for many people.

“This option works well for patients who want steady, reliable weight loss,” Dr. Williams explains. “It’s a strong choice for people who want a simpler procedure with proven results.”

Patients often choose sleeve gastrectomy because it supports long-term weight loss and can help improve conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

Gastric Bypass: A Powerful Tool for Weight Loss

Another option is the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a procedure that changes the size of the stomach and reroutes part of the digestive system. This helps patients feel full faster and absorb fewer calories.

“Gastric bypass can be a great option for patients who need more help managing their weight or certain health conditions,” Dr. Williams says. “It’s a strong tool for people who have struggled for many years.”

Gastric bypass has been used for decades and is known for helping patients lose weight quickly and safely. Many people also see improvements in diabetes and other obesity-related conditions soon after surgery. While Dr. Williams evaluates each individual patient’s history and needs to determine which procedure is best for them, individuals with diabetes, chronic acid reflux and a higher BMI often benefit most from this procedure.

Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Less Invasive Choice

Dr. Williams also offers adjustable gastric banding, a procedure that places a soft, flexible band around the upper part of the stomach. The band can be tightened or loosened over time, allowing for personalized adjustments based on a patient’s progress.

This option is less invasive and does not involve removing part of the stomach or rerouting the intestines. For some patients, the ability to adjust the band makes it a helpful tool for long-term weight management This procedure leads to gradual, sustainable weight loss. 

Duodenal Switch: A More Complex but Highly Effective Option

For patients who need significant weight loss or have severe obesity related health conditions, Dr. Williams offers the duodenal switch. This procedure combines a sleeve gastrectomy with a rerouting of the intestines to reduce calorie absorption.

While more complex, the duodenal switch can lead to some of the greatest weight loss outcomes. It is typically recommended for patients who need a more aggressive approach and are committed to long-term follow-up care.

Revisional Surgery: A Second Chance at Success

Some patients come to Parkwest after having bariatric surgery somewhere else. They may not have reached their goals, or they may be experiencing new challenges. Dr. Williams offers revisional surgery to help these patients get back on track.

“Revisional surgery is about giving people another chance,” he says. “We look at what’s going on, talk through the options, and find a safe path forward.”

Revisional surgery can adjust or repair a previous procedure. It can also help patients who need a different type of surgery to meet their health goals.

A Team That Walks with You

At Parkwest, patients are never alone on their journey. Our bariatric program includes a comprehensive team of nurses, dietitians, an exercise specialist, and a bariatric coordinator. Together, this team of specialists guide patients before and after surgery.

“We offer all kinds of support,” Dr. Williams says. “Some centers limit their procedures, but we provide everything, including medical weight loss management. We have a dietitian and exercise physiologist right in the office.”

This team approach helps patients build healthy habits, stay motivated, and feel confident in their progress. It also helps ensure long-term success.

Covenant Health Expertise Across the Region

As part of Covenant Health, Parkwest patients benefit from a system known for advanced bariatric care. At Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, bariatric surgeons also perform a full range of procedures using minimally invasive and robotic assisted techniques.

Across Covenant Health, bariatric teams focus on education, long-term support, and compassionate care. Whether a patient begins their journey at Parkwest or Fort Sanders Regional, they receive the same commitment to safety, quality, and personalized treatment.

Your Next Step

If you’re thinking about weight loss surgery, you don’t have to make the decision alone. Dr. Williams and the bariatric team at Parkwest are here to help you understand your options and choose the path that fits your life.

“Once I’ve operated on someone, they’re always my patient,” Dr. Williams says. “We don’t just operate and move on. We’re there through the thick and thin.”

To learn more about bariatric surgery at Parkwest, visit our Bariatrics Services page. A healthier future can start today.