Memphis bariatric surgeon with over 11,000 procedures performed and 23+ years in practice.
Dr. George Woodman is the founder of Midsouth Bariatrics and one of the most experienced bariatric surgeons in the United States. He has performed over 11,000 bariatric procedures, holds Center of Excellence directorships at two major Memphis hospitals, and has helped lead clinical research that contributed to FDA approval of multiple weight loss devices.
For patients researching surgeons in Memphis or the Mid-South, surgical experience is one of the few things that consistently correlates with better outcomes. Dr. Woodman’s case volume puts him in a small group of bariatric surgeons nationwide.
Schedule a consultation: Call (901) 869-2000
If you’d rather start by learning more, watch the free online seminar from home.
Who is Dr. Woodman?
Dr. George Woodman, MD, FACS, is a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon practicing in Memphis, Tennessee. He founded Midsouth Bariatrics and has dedicated his career exclusively to weight loss surgery and the long-term care of bariatric patients.
He completed his undergraduate training at Emory University and his surgical training at the University of Tennessee. He has been in private practice for 23 years, with advanced expertise in laparoscopic and robotic bariatric surgery.
Dr. Woodman is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a full member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
How many bariatric procedures has Dr. Woodman performed?
Over 11,000 bariatric surgical procedures, including sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap-band), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
This case volume matters. Outcomes data consistently shows that surgeons who perform high volumes of bariatric procedures have lower complication rates, shorter operating times, and better long-term results than lower-volume surgeons. The threshold for “high-volume” in published bariatric outcomes research is typically 50 to 100 cases per year. Dr. Woodman’s lifetime case count places him well above that threshold across more than two decades of practice.
His current focus is the sleeve gastrectomy, which research and clinical experience have established as the procedure of choice for most bariatric patients due to its strong safety profile, durable weight loss, and lower risk of long-term complications compared to gastric bypass.
What credentials and accreditations does Dr. Woodman hold?
MBSAQIP Diamond-Level Metabolic and Bariatric Center of Excellence
The MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) is a joint program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The Diamond-Level designation is the highest tier of accreditation in the field, awarded to programs demonstrating favorable outcomes, specific performance standards, and significant case volume.
SRC-Accredited Master Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
The Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) Master Surgeon designation recognizes individual surgeons who meet rigorous standards for case volume, outcomes, and continuing education in bariatric surgery. The Master Surgeon designation is held by a relatively small number of bariatric surgeons in the United States.
Director of the Bariatric Centers of Excellence at:
- Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis (Weight Loss Center)
- Methodist Hospital Germantown (Weight Loss Center)
Both programs have been recognized as Centers of Excellence based on demonstrated outcomes, performance standards, and significant case volume.
Professional Memberships:
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
What is Dr. Woodman’s research and clinical trial experience?
Dr. Woodman has participated in multiple clinical trials evaluating surgical and endoscopic devices for weight loss. This research has contributed to:
- FDA approval of intragastric balloons for non-surgical weight loss
- Application of bariatric surgical techniques to lower-BMI patients
- Continuing development of less invasive weight loss interventions
He has the most intragastric balloon clinical experience of any surgeon in the United States, based on cumulative case volume during the FDA approval trials.
Active participation in clinical research is one of the markers of a surgeon engaged with the leading edge of the field rather than relying on technique learned years or decades ago.
What procedures does Dr. Woodman perform?
The current practice at Midsouth Bariatrics focuses on:
Sleeve Gastrectomy
The primary surgical procedure of choice for most patients. Sleeve gastrectomy removes approximately 80% of the stomach, producing significant weight loss through both restriction and reduction of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
Robotic Bariatric Surgery
Many sleeve gastrectomy procedures are performed using the da Vinci robotic surgical system, which provides enhanced visualization and precision compared to standard laparoscopy.
Medically Assisted Weight Loss (Club New You)
For patients who are not surgical candidates or who want to start with a non-surgical approach, the practice offers medically supervised weight loss using semaglutide and tirzepatide injections through the Club New You program.
Revision Bariatric Surgery
For patients who have had previous bariatric surgery (lap-band, gastric bypass, or sleeve) and need revision due to complications, weight regain, or anatomical issues, Dr. Woodman evaluates each case individually.
What hospitals does Dr. Woodman operate at?
Dr. Woodman performs bariatric surgery at:
- Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis – 6019 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN
- Methodist Hospital Germantown – 7691 Poplar Ave, Germantown, TN
Both hospitals meet the safety and equipment requirements for bariatric surgery on patients with elevated BMI and comorbid conditions, including specialized surgical equipment, appropriately sized recovery rooms, and trained nursing and anesthesia staff.
Where does Dr. Woodman see patients?
The Midsouth Bariatrics practice has two consultation locations to serve patients across the Mid-South region:
Memphis Office (primary location): 6029 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38120 Phone: (901) 869-2000 Fax: (901) 869-2009
The Memphis office is located on the Baptist Memorial Hospital Memphis campus, which simplifies coordination of pre-op evaluation, surgery, and post-op follow-up.
Jackson Office: Jackson Clinic North 2863 US-45 Bypass Jackson, TN 38305 Phone: (731) 935-7466
The Jackson office serves patients in West Tennessee who would otherwise face a long drive to Memphis for consultation visits. Surgery is still performed in Memphis.
Patients regularly travel to Midsouth Bariatrics from Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Cordova, Jackson, Tupelo, Oxford, Southaven, and across Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky.
What is Dr. Woodman’s approach to patient care?
Three principles guide the practice:
Honest expectations
Dr. Woodman is known for being direct about what bariatric surgery can and cannot do. Surgery is a tool that creates the conditions for weight loss. Patients still have to do the work of changing eating patterns, activity, and long-term habits. Patients who want a surgeon who tells them what they want to hear are not the right fit. Patients who want a surgeon who tells them the truth and helps them succeed are.
Long-term partnership
Bariatric surgery is the beginning of a multi-year process, not a one-time event. The practice provides ongoing nutritional counseling, support groups, and follow-up care that continues indefinitely. Patients who maintain consistent follow-up have meaningfully better long-term outcomes.
Multi-disciplinary support
Successful weight loss surgery requires more than a surgeon. The practice coordinates with bariatric-focused nutritionists, psychologists, and exercise physiologists. Office staff, including bariatric nurse Dory Sims and office manager Kelley Hawkins, specialize in insurance approval and post-operative care. Surgical tech Deborah Cronan has decades of bariatric OR experience.
What do patients say about Dr. Woodman?
Patient feedback is the most direct way to understand what working with a surgeon and a practice is actually like. Reviews from current and former patients of Dr. Woodman are available on Google, Healthgrades, Yelp, and the dedicated reviews page on this site.
Common themes in patient reviews include:
- Direct, honest communication style
- Strong emphasis on patient accountability and lifestyle change
- Surgical expertise and confidence in the operating room
- Long-tenured, knowledgeable office staff
- Effective coordination through the insurance and pre-op process
Why choose a high-volume bariatric surgeon?
Surgical experience matters more in bariatric procedures than most patients realize. Published outcomes research consistently demonstrates:
- Higher-volume bariatric surgeons have lower 30-day complication rates than lower-volume surgeons
- Higher-volume surgeons have shorter operative times, which reduces anesthesia exposure and surgical risk
- Higher-volume programs have better long-term outcomes, including durable weight loss and resolution of comorbid conditions
- Higher-volume centers have lower mortality rates for bariatric procedures
Dr. Woodman’s lifetime volume of over 11,000 procedures, combined with the Center of Excellence accreditation status of his hospitals, places his program in the top tier of bariatric surgery in the Mid-South.
Individual results vary, and any surgical decision should be made in consultation with a qualified bariatric surgeon who can review your specific medical history.
How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Woodman?
The intake process is designed to give you a clear understanding of bariatric surgery before you commit to a consultation:
Step 1: Watch the free online seminar
The seminar covers all bariatric surgery options, qualifying criteria, and what to expect from the Midsouth Bariatrics program. It can be watched online from home at any time.
Step 2: Call to schedule a consultation
Call (901) 869-2000 for the Memphis office, or (731) 935-7466 for the Jackson office. The intake team will verify your insurance benefits and schedule your initial visit.
Step 3: Initial consultation with Dr. Woodman
The first office visit covers your medical history, weight loss history, current health conditions, and surgical options. Dr. Woodman will give you his honest assessment of whether surgery is appropriate and which procedure is the best fit.
Step 4: Pre-operative workup
If surgery is the right path, the office coordinates required pre-op testing, nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, and insurance approval.
Step 5: Surgery and recovery
Surgery is typically scheduled within a few weeks of insurance approval. Recovery and follow-up continue indefinitely.
Frequently asked questions about Dr. Woodman
How long has Dr. Woodman been practicing?
Dr. Woodman has been in private practice for 23 years and has been performing bariatric surgery for the entirety of that time. His total case volume of over 11,000 bariatric procedures spans his full career.
Does Dr. Woodman perform gastric bypass?
Dr. Woodman has extensive experience with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and has performed thousands of these procedures over his career. The current practice focuses on sleeve gastrectomy as the primary procedure of choice for most patients due to its strong safety profile and outcomes. Gastric bypass may still considered for specific patients during consultation.
Does Dr. Woodman accept insurance?
Yes. Most major insurance plans that include bariatric surgery benefits are accepted. The office team verifies benefits and handles the pre-authorization process. Self-pay options are also available for patients without coverage or whose plans exclude bariatric surgery.
Does Dr. Woodman see patients outside of Memphis?
Yes. The Jackson, TN consultation office serves patients in West Tennessee. Patients also travel from Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and across Tennessee for surgery. Surgery is performed in Memphis at Baptist Memphis or Methodist Germantown.
Is Dr. Woodman accepting new patients?
Yes. The practice is currently accepting new patients for both surgical and non-surgical weight loss programs.
What is the youngest age Dr. Woodman will operate on?
Adolescent bariatric surgery is offered in select cases for patients with severe obesity and significant comorbid conditions. Each case is evaluated individually, and adolescent patients require additional psychological evaluation and family support beyond what is required for adult patients.
Take the next step
Dr. Woodman has helped thousands of Mid-South patients achieve durable weight loss and meaningful improvement in obesity-related conditions. The next step is straightforward.
Call (901) 869-2000 to schedule a consultation.
Memphis Office: 6029 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38120 Jackson Office: Jackson Clinic North, 2863 US-45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 38305
If you’d rather start by learning more, watch the free online seminar before booking.
Individual results vary. Bariatric surgery is a major procedure requiring lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes. Consult with Dr. Woodman or another qualified bariatric professional to determine whether surgical or non-surgical weight loss is right for your specific medical situation.