Business Details
Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Solutions in Knoxville
Foothills Weight Loss Surgeons is a nationally recognized bariatric surgery center dedicated to transforming lives through advanced weight loss solutions. With board-certified surgeons and a multidisciplinary team, we have specialized in metabolic and bariatric procedures since 2002, performing thousands of surgeries with a focus on robotic-assisted techniques. Our program, accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, combines personalized care, comprehensive patient education, and long-term support to address obesity and related health conditions. We prioritize patient safety, evidence-based practices, and sustainable health outcomes, offering both surgical and medically supervised non-surgical weight management options. Our team includes certified bariatric coordinators, nurse practitioners, and support staff committed to guiding patients through every step of their journey.Recognized as Newsweek's 2024 Best Weight Loss Clinic, we serve Knoxville, Tennessee, and surrounding regions with in-person and virtual consultations. Our success stories highlight significant weight loss achievements, improved quality of life, and resolution of comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. We maintain partnerships with Covenant Health Bariatric Services and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center to provide integrated care. Through free educational seminars, personalized nutrition counseling, and ongoing support groups, we empower patients to make informed decisions about their health. Our approach emphasizes transparency, patient accountability, and access to cutting-edge surgical technologies to deliver lasting results.
Services
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Bypass
Duodenal Switch
Revision Surgery
Robotic Surgery
Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Highlights and features
- We offer board-certified bariatric surgeons with over 20 years of specialized experience
- Our program is accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program
- We provide robotic-assisted surgical techniques unavailable elsewhere in Tennessee
- Our comprehensive approach includes free educational seminars and lifelong patient support
- Recognized as Newsweek's 2024 Best Weight Loss Clinic for clinical excellence
Associations and certifications
- Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP)
What people say
Life-changing results
Excellent surgeon expertise
Improved health markers
Comprehensive support
Lasting weight loss
Services
Gastric Sleeve
This permanent weight loss surgery removes 80% of the stomach, creating a banana-shaped sleeve. It reduces hunger hormones while limiting food intake. Patients typically lose 60-70% of excess weight within 12-18 months through this minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure.
Gastric Bypass
This dual-approach surgery creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine. It restricts food intake while reducing calorie absorption. Effective for severe obesity and diabetes, with average excess weight loss of 70-80% in first year.
Duodenal Switch
This two-stage procedure combines stomach reduction with extensive intestinal rerouting. It provides highest weight loss (70-90% excess) and metabolic improvement, ideal for BMI >50 or diabetes patients requiring maximum results.
Revision Surgery
Corrective surgeries address inadequate weight loss or complications from prior bariatric procedures. Options include converting sleeve to duodenal switch or revising gastric bypass anatomy to restore effectiveness and resolve medical issues.
Non-Surgical Program
A physician-supervised regimen combining nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, and FDA-approved medications. Designed for pre-surgical preparation or standalone treatment, achieving 15-25% total body weight loss through monthly accountability visits.
People
Dr. Mark A. Colquitt
Medical Director
Board-certified general surgeon with 20+ years specializing in bariatric procedures. Leads Knoxville's most experienced robotic-assisted surgery program. Medical Director at Fort Sanders Regional Bariatric Center since 2002.
Wendy Heidel
Certified Bariatric Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner directing the non-surgical weight loss program. Provides personalized nutrition plans, medication management, and behavioral counseling for surgical candidates and non-surgical patients.
Questions
What bariatric surgery options are available?
We offer gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and revision surgeries using robotic-assisted techniques.
How do I determine if I qualify for weight loss surgery?
Candidates typically have BMI ≥40 or BMI ≥35 with comorbidities. Our team evaluates medical history and health goals.
Is the program covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans cover bariatric surgery. Our office assists with verification and pre-authorization processes.
What non-surgical weight loss options exist?
Our medically supervised program includes nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, and appetite-suppressing medications.
What post-operative support is provided?
We offer lifelong follow-up care, support groups, nutritional guidance, and access to our clinical team for complications.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Lakrista Wayman
Dec 13, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
I'm still in process of getting everything ready for my surgery but Trista and Ashley are the best. They go out of their way to help me as much as possible. They are both so friendly and knowledgeable. I'm so thankful for these two women, they make this process so much easier.
I'm still in process of getting everything ready for my surgery but Trista and Ashley are the best. They go out of their way to help me as much as possible. They are both so friendly and knowledgeable. I'm so thankful for these two women, they make this process so much easier.
Maryanne Starr
Dec 31, 2020
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Highly recommend Dr. Ray and his team. I am completely satisfied and very happy. Been working with this whole team for a few years now. The final outcome is sovery exciting. Every team memeber needs recognition. Thank you all for your help.
Kathren Wasson
Nov 23, 2020
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I cannot say enough good stuff about FOOTHILLS WEIGHT LOSS CENTER and the people who work there! Dr. Ray and the staff are so personable, considerate and caring! Love them all!
Patricia Waite
Nov 07, 2020
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Dr Ray, Mary and the rest of his team members are extremely caring. They showed me they could be professional, yet be warm and caring at the same time. I love receiving good quality care in a facility that treats you like an individual, and not just a patient.
Maria Gee
Jun 12, 2020
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So professional and timely! The nurse was so informative and knowledgeable! Dr. Ray was very encouraging and asked me several times if I had any questions. So happy with my choice!
