Like Father, Like Son: Houston Surgeons Featured in TLC's New Series Big Medicine

HOUSTON - 1/7/2008 -

Airing Wednesdays at 9 p.m. CDT beginning Jan. 9, this 13-part series features local father and son surgical team

In a city notorious for its obesity epidemic, a father and son surgeon duo are leading a crusade to save the lives of morbidly obese patients. In TLC’s second series of “Big Medicine,” the surgeons and staff from Houston's Methodist Weight Management Center continue fighting the obesity epidemic one bariatric surgery at a time.

“Big Medicine” premieres Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 9 p.m. CDT and follows the personal stories of more than 30 severely obese patients who turn to the Methodist Weight Management Center for life-changing surgeries. As one of the most innovative bariatric surgery programs, Methodist adheres to a long-term, multidisciplinary approach that includes a plan for lifelong follow-up. At the heart of the show is passionate father and son surgeon team Drs. Robert and Garth Davis, a pair who have dedicated their professional lives to raising awareness about obesity.

“Big Medicine” offers a behind-the-scenes look into the world of bariatric surgery. More than one million people nationwide tuned in every week to watch the first series, which aired from May to August last year. The series chronicles the emotional journeys and transformations of obese people who have opted to undergo weight-loss surgery in an attempt to regain their lives. Patients are captured at various stages in the process – before and during the surgery, through recovery and post-op care and often through cosmetic procedures designed to remove sagging skin after dramatic weight loss.

One of the extraordinary stories featured in “Big Medicine” includes a 26-year-old morbidly obese man who was a prisoner in his own home and relied on his mother for all of his daily needs.  During the first season, he underwent bariatric surgery and began his weight loss journey.  This season, TLC will follow his continued success and discuss some of his struggles.

Often as gripping as the patient stories is the colorful relationship between this father and son team where old school meets new school head on. Dr. Robert Davis, aka “Big D,” is true to the old ways of medicine and sometimes finds new techniques too flashy or unnecessary, while Dr. Garth Davis, aka “Little D,” is eager to modernize the business. Despite these differences, the pair unites in the operating room to fight a common enemy and change lives forever.

For more than 25 years, The Methodist Hospital in Houston has led the way in helping people achieve weight loss with safe, long-term solutions.
“Big Medicine” is produced by The Idea Factory. Stephen David and Darryl Silver are executive producers for The Idea Factory.

TLC is the only known network dedicated to lifelong learning for viewers who want to grow up, not old. TLC is a property of Discovery Communications, Inc.