Hugh Houston Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

I first became involved with Dr. Houston and his fabulous staff in July 2011. My gastric bypass surgery was in September 2011 and I have nothing but praise for Dr. Houston, the then-Centennial Medical Center (now TriStar), the dietitions, the exercise physiologist, the lab staff, and Elizabeth and Holly. The full support and completeness of the program has made this journey a joy. Dr. Houston has a compassionate heart, with a dry sense of humor. He is direct, with the best outcome for his patient at the forefront of his practice. While he was fully supportive of my decision for the surgical option I chose, I know he would discourage choices which he deemed unwise for a patient. With some doctors performing weight loss surgeries after "rubber-stamped" psych evaluations, I felt very confident with both Dr. Houston and the Athena Counseling Center where I received a thorough psychological consultation. I have been stable with my weight for almost a year, more physically active since childhood, and happier than ever. My family and friends are both supportive and thrilled with my result. Anyone choosing weight loss surgery must realize that any issues with food, emotions, and life still exist. This is not a miracle, but a tool which gives the opportunity for success where so many things may have failed. Realistic expectations, full commitment to following all the program components, and a competent medical staff help with this success. This is a LIFE Change.
When I first met Dr. Houston, I thought him a bit cool and all-business. I was not interested in finding a new friend, but a competent surgeon. As I have come to know him, I find I like hime more and more. The structured program after surgery and ongoing option of having the exercise physiologist and dietician available has been very helpful. While I live some distance from Nashville, the support groups are very active with a variety of programs. The annual Christmas event looks interesting, although I have yet to attend one.
A really nice aspect of Dr. Houston's practice is that after-surgery visits are generally quick and thorough, with little waiting. If I arrive early, I usually see him and the other staff early. The weigh-in area is private.

Dr. Houston and his staff are great. The helped me fast and with dignaty and respect. I appriciate everything they did for me. There aren't enough words to show my gratitude.

I had my first meeting with Dr. Houston 17 September 2012. I too was considering the DS. Dr. Houston took into account my previous mental issues and my sugar addition and suggest a different surgery. I am very easily overwhelmed in stressfull situation, but he was explained his reasons slowing and completely so could grasp his reasoning. I also had the issue of one of my insurances ending the end of October and needing to be able to schedule my surgery before that date. He was able to work this out for me. His staff is amazing. Very helpful, outgoing, and friendly. Leslie Summers

After meeting with Dr. Houston today I hit a wall in my quest to have weight loss surgery. I have never felt more discouraged and more disappointed in my chosen surgeon. I have already been approved for ds and I was steered toward a procedure that is not covered by my insurance.

My impression of Dr. Houston is he lacks the empathy required to be an effective surgeon. Furthermore, some of the personal questions he asked me including how did you catch hiv and what do you do all day made me want to walk out of the room.


Dr. Houston said that certain weight loss surgeries could send me into a spiral the only thing that put me in spiral is Dr Houston.

David Bruce

I can’t say enough nice things about the Centennial Center for the Treatment of Obesity and Dr. Hugh Houston. The program there has guided me through this process step by step. I am not sure how anyone can complete all of the requirements without someone helping guide them.
My primary care physician, Dr. David Edwards a very caringly, referred me. Shortly after my referral and attended an informational session. The session was very informative, covered all of the WLS options offered, described the procedures and the pros and cons of each. This session was lead by one of the surgeons who was able to answer everyone’s questions. There was also office staff on hand to answer questions about insurance and payment options and to describe the overall process not just the surgical procedures. It was extra nice that some of the staff had also had WLS so they provided a personal insight.
So I began my research and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Houston. I selected Dr. Houston because of the particular surgery I was interested in and many good things I had heard about him from others. I was very impressed from the first minute I met Dr. Houston. He stopped by the room I was waiting and introduced himself then let me know that he needed to run across the street to the hospital to check on a patient and would be back in about 20 minutes. He said if I didn’t have time to wait I could reschedule (I had time and a book so I didn’t mind waiting). I was very impressed the he took the top to stop in personally rather than sending in a member of the office staff or worse yet just leaving me sitting there. He returned in about 30 minutes and apologized for the delay. I thought he might be in a hurry so he could get back on track, but I didn’t feel rushed at all. He proceeded to discuss each of the surgery options the pros and cons and possible complications. Once he was finished he asked which surgery I was interested in. I had the list narrowed down to two procedures and he thought one of my choices was probably a good option but thought the other one might not be such a good option and he proceeded to explain why. We finally settled on a procedure and he asked me to try to lose 40lbs before my surgery.
So in made my way through the 3 month program required by my insurance. Again I can’t say enough about this program. It was very helpful. Especially the psychologist led support group sessions and just the general support to make sure that I was on track to meet all of my insurance requirements. After three months I went back to meet with Dr. Houston. I have lost about 32 of the 40 pounds he had requested I lose. I was afraid he might be disappointed because I didn’t lose the entire 40 and certainly didn’t expect a complement because several people have told me he rarely gives complements. I was surprised when he looked at my chart and was very complementary of my weight loss. He tone then became more serious. He told me that he had some concerns about the procedure I had selected and proceeded to explain why. He was recommending a less aggressive approach based on some over all concerns he had about the procedure and based on my weight loss during the past 3 months. He thought I might not need the more aggressive surgery. It was my understanding that this was supposed to be a 15 appointment, but it was more than double that as we discussed his recommendation and my feelings about that. He said he would do the procedure we originally planned on if I wanted but he strongly advised me to have a different procedure. During this exchange it was very clear how much he cares about his patients and wants to make sure they do well and receive the procedure that is best suited to their needs. I am 100% comfortable with Dr. Houston performing my procedure and I was touched by his support and concern.
My surgery has been scheduled!

He is a great Doctor with a wonderful staff. I meet with several doctors and a few different hospitals and Dr. Housaton and his staff are by far the best. My surgery was a success andhe and his staff have continued to be supportive and helpful every step of the way.

I had been contemplating weight loss surgery for a little over a year before I made the decision to go forward with it. With my insurance I had to choose a Centers of Excellence Center in order for the surgery to be covered. A good friend of mine had told me about her experience with Centennial and how pleased she was. I thought I would go check it out and see what I thought. It was nothing short of amazing! From my first interaction with the insurance advisors to the bariatric staff and to the doctor everyone was so supportive. When you talk to them you get the feeling they care (and believe me, they do) about their patients! The process can be intimidating and Centennial does a great job at helping you through all of the red tape. I was impressed with how quickly things moved through and how the staff kept me up-to-date with any changes or additional information that was needed.

I started my journey a little different than most as I had already been thinking about the surgery I already had done the 6 month diet with my doctor and only liked doing a psyc eval and the seminar. When I went to the seminar I took my wife with me (I knew I would need my supporter in hand by my side to have an understanding of what was going to happen). Walking into the Seminar we were warmly greeted. The seminar was very informative and gave a lot of great information. They did a fantastic job at covering the risk of weight loss surgery and even the risk of not having the surgery. They also took time to go over each surgery individually as to the pros/cons. There was time for Q&A so that if you had questions they could be answered. You could tell the staff was very prepared and knew what they were talking about.

After the seminar I set up my consult date with Dr. Houston at Centennial. I had heard great things about him and was interested in meeting him and using him for my weight loss surgery. After my meeting and deciding that I was going to have the vertical sleeve (VSG) we set up the time and date. He did a great job during my consult to answer any questions or concerns that I may have had. After this then the typical hospital procedures took place (pre op class, blood work, etc). I reported to the hospital the morning of my surgery and got ready. Before hand he came by to ask if I had any other questions or concerns and that we would get underway soon. The surgery went well and I remember waking up and talking to him in my room. I think the first thing I told him was I didn’t really feel any different but I wasn’t hungry at all. For once my brain wasn’t saying “eat, eat, eat”…Dr. Houston checked on my each of the three days I was in the hospital and was very pleased with the progress.

I have been back so far for my 1 week, 6 week, & 3 month follow ups. I will be going for my 6 month follow up in a couple of weeks. At each visit all has gone well and Dr. Houston takes time to answer any questions/concerns. He really does have a vested interest in your health and in you succeeding. Certainly this is a tool that must be used correctly but at the same time it’s great knowing that they want to make SURE you are doing what you’re suppose to.

Another thing that is great about Centennial is that you have COMPLETE access to after care support! You can call up the dietitian or the exercise physiologist any time and ask questions. You can also see them when you go back for your follow up visits. Also, there are so many support groups across the Tennessee area that it’s very easy to find one to join. Centennial encourages attending these and I can speak from firsthand experience – I agree with them!!

I’m truly blessed to be part of the Centennial family and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in joining our family either!!

I have to say this was the best experience I have ever had. Dr Houston took me on as a patient after a surgeon in Clarksville TN was just going to let me die AND TOTAL MESS ME UP. I spent months in and out the hospital in clarksville. I had 3 abdominal surgeries there and still was sick. The doctor made me feel as if I were crazy, but one thing that worked for me was that I am a RN and I am not a big dumb A**. So that brings us to Dr Houston that took me and helped save my life. I had another surgery to redue the mess that was inside me. I did have internal bleeding 2 days after surgery, but was rushed to ICU with Dr Houston pushing my bed with the nurses. Dr Houston never left my side durning this scary moment for me. Dr Houston had to perform an emergency surgery due to the feeding tube and my body rejecting it. He is who you want to do your surgery to begin with. I then had a bowel obstruction and a swollen stomach. Dr Houston had a tube placed in my old stomach so it could deflat it so to speak. I spent 4 weeks total in the hospital. Tis hospital was wonderful. The nurse at his office came daily or called to check on me. I think her for her support. Please listen and check who your surgeon is. If he makes you feel crazy...RUN.. Tell your insurance company and let them know how the doctor is treating you. Have the surgery done right to begin with go with Dr Houston and you will be in a wonderful mans hands. He is so great. Any problems after I returned home his office made sure I was okay and knew to call day or night to ask questions and speak to the doctor not an answering service! GO WITH DR HOUSTON! HE IS GREAT!
Thanks to his office staff also.. You will never regret this experience with this doctor or his exprienced staff.

My first impression of him was he was not really friendly. I heard reviews that he was a good surgeon- which he was (RNY was done 10/11/2011). If you are looking for a doctor that knows his stuff--he is the one. But if you want the whole package (compassion,good listener and someone that does not talk down to you)...he is not the one. His staff is great. No problems at all with them. Also noticed the staff and the hospital staff tend to walk on eggshells around him. That felt really awkward.

I just had my 2 year Surgiversary yesterday, Dec 1, 2011. I am proud to say that I have lost 115 pounds and feel wonderful! Many thanks to Dr. Houston and staff and all my friends and family for their support. I hope to stay on track for the rest of my life! Mr Houston is a wonderful surgeon!

UPDATE: On Dec 15, 2011 I started feeling very sick to my stomach. I thought I had a stomach bug or the flu. By Saturday the 17th, I was bent over with pain, vomiting and went to St Thomas Hospital. There they done a CT and found out I had a hernia in my intestines. I was sent immediately to Centennial Women's Hospital by ambulance and wheeled into emergency surger almost immediately. Dr Houston told me that they stitches that he put in connecting my intestines to my "pouch" hadn't healed properly and it had tears that needed repairing and also I had hernias in my intestines. I was also told my a nurse at St Thomas when I was getting into the ambulance that I was lucky that I came in because I probably wouldn't have made it another day.

I had no idea I was in that bad of shape, like I said, I thought I had a stomach bug or something. So, if anyone out there starts having those feelings, don't hesitate to call your bariatric surgeon.