The Midsouth Bariatrics Surgery Program
A comprehensive approach to the management and care of the bariatric patient led by bariatric surgeon, George Woodman, MD, FACS.

George Woodman, MD, FACS General and Bariatric Surgery Director of Midsouth Bariatrics Member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery BARIATRIC CENTER OF EXELLENCE Director of the Baptist Weight Loss

Laura Beard, RN
Bariatric Surgery Nurse Coordinator
Member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Kelley Hawkins
Bariatric Patient Advocate
Bariatric Surgery Program Director

Deborah Hampton, ORT
Bariatric Surgical Nurse Technician

Michelle Wright
Bariatric Patient Advocate
Patient Services Specialist

Midsouth Bariatrics
6029 Walnut Grove Road
Suite 100
Memphis, TN 38120
Phone: (901) 869-2000
Fax: (910) 869-2009

Mission Statement

Midsouth Bariatrics is dedicated to providing our patients with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to long-term weight loss. We provide nutritional, behavioral, exercise, medical, surgical and group support to patients on an individualized basis. Through the use of the newest technology and information, we strive to be leaders in the education of the community and healthcare providers in the field of weight loss surgery.

Midsouth Bariatrics was formed in 2002 as a corporation designed for focused care of the obese patient. Midsouth Bariatrics follows the guidelines set forth by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

The founder of Midsouth Bariatrics, Dr George Woodman, is a bariatric surgeon dedicated to helping bariatric patients reach their goal of a healthier life. Dr Woodman graduated from Emory University and completed his surgical training at the University of Tennessee. He has been in private practice for nine years and has developed advanced skills in laparoscopic surgery. Dr Woodman is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and a full member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS). To date (February 2007) Dr Woodman has performed over 1200 bariatric surgical procedures. These cases include the gastric band (Lap Band) and the roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures which are generally accepted to be the standard of care for surgical weight loss. Dr Woodman is married and has two children, Jacob and Rachel.

Dr Woodman and Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis have developed and been recognized as a CENTER OF EXCELLENCE by the Surgical Review Corporation and the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).  The designation of a Center of Excellence is earned by bariatric programs that demonstrate favorable outcomes, meet specific performance standards, and have significant caseloads. 

Midsouth Bariatrics takes a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of the obese patient. We utilize specific care pathways to expedite patient care. We encourage multiple avenues, surgical and nonsurgical, for our patients to help achieve their desired weight loss goals. Midsouth Bariatrics is affiliated with nutritionists, psychologists, and exercise physiologists who specialize in the care of bariatric patients. We are also affiliated with hospitals which meet all of the criteria to safely care for overweight individuals. All patients who ultimately qualify for bariatric surgery are required to attend an educational seminar and have at least two thorough office visits for education and preoperative instruction. We guide you through the qualification process and subsequent insurance approval process with a specialized team of experienced medical personnel.

Laura Beard, our dedicated bariatric nurse specializes in preoperative care and the approval process. She has many years of nursing experience and came to us from the ICU Baptist Hospital Memphis. She is a caring individual who sincerely wants to help you through the process. Our entire office focuses on the bariatric patient and through compassionate care, guidance, personal experience, and determination we will help overweight individuals achieve their goals.

Midsouth Bariatrics currently has one office location, 6029 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 100. This is connected to the Baptist Memphis Hospital. We currently utilize the Baptist and Methodist Healthcare systems for our patients. We are pleased to routinely give service to patients in and around the Memphis area, including Missouri, Mississippi, Kentucky, and eastern Tennessee.