Services
Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective medical treatments for obesity and related health conditions. For many people, especially those with type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, losing weight through diet and exercise alone can feel nearly impossible. Bariatric surgery helps overcome those barriers by changing the way your body processes food, making significant, sustained weight loss possible even when medical conditions stand in the way.
At Tennessee Style Weight Loss, all procedures are performed by Dr. Jameil Abou-Hanna, a board-certified bariatric surgeon, with support from our team of specialists. Our goal is not just weight loss, but the management of conditions linked to obesity—helping patients improve their health, confidence, and quality of life.
Amazing results are achieved with the right plan!
Alexander Veach
RNY gastric bypass
Life changing and it's no joke. Words of advice is to do research on food and macros learn to and how to read food labels and get a food scale...
Before
325lbs
After
192lbs
Rebecca Flentge
RNY gastric bypass
I had gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Abou- Hanna in August of 2024. He and his staff are amazing and were super helpful and supportive throughout the process. Would definitely recommend this clinic if you’re looking for weight loss support...
Before
448lbs
After
230lbs
Melissa Hickish
RNY gastric bypass
I was resigned to the fact that I would always be heavy. I was experiencing the consequences of my weight including GERD, knee and hip pain, recurring hernias, high blood pressure and the overall inability to be active in my everyday life...
Before
224lbs
After
128lbs
Sarah Younkin
Revision Sleeve to Bypass
Dr. Abou-Hanna and staff are amazing. I felt like all my questions and concerns were addressed at each visit. If you are on weight loss journey, I would definitely recommend!
Before
330lbs
After
180lbs
Who Qualifies for a Bariatric Surgery?
Surgical Option for Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery is recommended for patients with a BMI over 30, especially when obesity is paired with conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure. It’s designed for those who need medical support to manage weight when other methods haven’t worked.
Choosing the right Surgery: Restriction vs. Malabsorption
Bariatric surgery works in two main ways.
Restriction
Restrictive procedures focus on limiting how much food the stomach can hold. By creating a smaller stomach pouch, patients feel full sooner and are able to manage portion sizes more effectively. This approach is often recommended for people whose main struggle is with controlling hunger or overeating, and who may not have complex medical conditions standing in the way of weight loss.
Malabsorption
Malabsorptive procedures, on the other hand, change how food passes through the digestive system. By rerouting part of the small intestine, the body absorbs fewer calories and nutrients from what is eaten. These procedures are generally more suitable for patients with higher BMIs, those who have obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, or for individuals who have not achieved the desired results from restrictive surgeries or non-surgical methods.
Restriction + Malabsorption
In some cases, a surgery will combine both restriction and malabsorption to maximize results. This combination not only helps reduce food intake but also targets the way the body processes calories, making it a more effective option for patients with complex weight management needs.
Bariatric Surgeries available at Tennessee Style Weight Loss
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Restrictive + Malabsorptive
Creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine. This reduces how much food you can eat and how many calories your body absorbs.
Suitable for
- Patients with type 2 diabetes, higher BMIs, or those needing stronger metabolic support.
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Restrictive
Removes about 75–80% of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch. This limits how much you can eat and lowers hunger hormones, making it easier to stick to healthy portions.
Suitable for
- Patients with GERD
- Those struggling with portion control and constant hunger.
SADI
Primarily Malabsorptive
A newer procedure that combines a sleeve with a bypass of part of the small intestine. It helps reduce food intake and significantly limits calorie absorption, making it one of the most powerful weight loss surgeries available.
Suitable for
- Patients with severe obesity
Revision Surgeries
Restrictive / Malabsorptive (case dependent)
Revision surgery is performed when a previous bariatric procedure no longer provides the expected results or causes complications. It can involve tightening or resizing a sleeve, converting a sleeve to a gastric bypass, correcting issues from an older gastric band, or adapting an RNY to another procedure. Revisions are highly individualized and aim to restore weight loss, improve safety, and better manage obesity-related health conditions.
Suitable for
- Patients experiencing weight regain, complications such as reflux or intolerance, or those who need a different surgery to meet their health goals.
Lap Band Removals & Adjustments
Lap Bands were once a popular choice for weight loss, but many patients eventually experience complications such as slippage, erosion, reflux, or limited results. In these cases, the band can be removed or adjusted to relieve symptoms. Often, patients choose to convert their Lap Band to another bariatric procedure—such as a Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Bypass—for a safer, more effective, and long-term solution.
What does your recovery look like?
Recovery depends on the type of bariatric surgery, but most patients spend 1–2 days in the hospital and return to light activities within 2–4 weeks. Full recovery can take longer, especially with more complex procedures. Our team supports you through every stage with follow-up visits, dietitian guidance, and a structured recovery plan.
What to expect during recovery
- Light walking encouraged within 24 hours to reduce complications
- A gradual diet plan moving from liquids to solid foods over several weeks
- Return to work usually possible within 2–4 weeks, depending on procedure
- Regular check-ins to track healing, weight loss, and nutritional needs
Benefits
The benefits of bariatric surgery go beyond weight loss. By addressing obesity directly, surgery helps patients better manage related conditions and experience meaningful improvements in health and lifestyle.
Key benefits include
- Significant, sustained weight loss when other methods haven’t worked
- Improved management of conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension
- Increased energy levels and mobility for everyday activities
- Lower risk of obesity-related health complications in the long term
- Greater confidence, well-being, and quality of life
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Weight Loss
Let the team of experts drive your Weight Loss
Not every patient qualifies for surgery the same way. Your first step is a medical evaluation to uncover the root cause of weight gain and see if bariatric surgery is the right fit for your body.
Dr. Jameil Abou Hanna
Leading Bariatric Surgeon
Jenna Bishop
Weight Loss Specialist
Kristi Nadler
Weight Loss Specialist