Bariatric Center of Excellence / About Us

Our Program

Welcome to Cullman Regional’s Bariatric Center of Excellence. We’re thrilled that you have taken the first step in your journey to a new you and are excited about supporting you every step of the way. Our team of professionals is committed to your success and will teach you new ways to eat, cope and exercise to help you accomplish your weight-loss goals.

Mission Statement

While we care for the body, our hearts and minds are in it from the start. We’re dedicated to improving the overall quality of life of our patients by improving their health and reducing weight-related conditions; educating our patients, their loved ones and the community about weight-related conditions; and achieving superior patient results using a multidisciplinary team approach.

Our Team

K. Mac Cottingham, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

Venkat Kanthimathinathan, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

Greg Thompson, MD

Bariatric Surgeon

Lakshmi Kannan, MD

Non-Surgical Weight Loss Physician

Natalie Livingston

Registered Dietitian

  • Natalie Livingston helps patients re-shape their nutritional habits and behaviors by providing recipes, educational materials and one-on-one consultations to help them prepare for and be successful on their weight-loss journey. Aside from work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and visiting the lake.
  • BS in Nutrition – Alabama A&M University, 2016
  • Diabetic internship – Oakwood University, 2017

Meg Morrow

Bariatric Coordinator

  • Meg Morrow works behind the scenes, overseeing a variety of administrative operations to ensure the Center of Excellence is providing quality care to their patients. Meg’s hobbies include spending time with family, watching her kids play sports and traveling to Braves baseball games.
  • BS in Nursing – University of Alabama at Huntsville, 2003

Elizabeth Blubaugh

Patient Navigator

  • Elizabeth Blubaugh acts as a support for patients, helping them navigate through their weight-loss journey. Elizabeth’s hobbies include spending time with her kids and hiking.
  • AD in Nursing – Wallace State Community College, 2018
  • BS in Nursing – University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2019

"My bariatric journey can be summed up in two words: life-changing. Dr. Venkat has been a guiding beacon in a vast darkness of failed weight loss and downward spiraling of health issues."

Dennis Grove

starting weight 347 lbs | current weight 301 lbs
6 weeks post op

"Since having surgery I have stopped most medications, and no longer have blood pressure issues or high blood sugar. I have begun actually enjoying life and not just watching it pass by. I feel so amazing and never thought I would have such great results."

Brittany Wilcutt

starting weight 323 lbs | current weight 243 lbs
5 months post op
Explore Our Testimonials