Piedmont Walton Surgeon Leads Weight-Management Lunch and Learn

Bariatric specialist shares guidance on lifestyle strategies and medical options at Walton County YMCA event.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Piedmont Walton bariatric surgeon Dr. Donald Maynard recently led a weight-management focused lunch and learn at the Walton County YMCA, sharing practical advice on lifestyle changes and medical treatment options to support healthier living. The event is part of a growing partnership between Piedmont Walton and the YMCA to expand community-focused health education.

Why it matters

The lunch and learn aims to make important health information more accessible to the local community, empowering people to take steps towards better wellness. Partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations like the YMCA help break down barriers to accessing quality health education.

The details

Dr. Maynard's presentation covered weight management strategies, including dietary changes, exercise, and available medical interventions such as bariatric surgery. The event is one of many community health education sessions organized by Piedmont Walton Community Education Nurse Susie Payne, which are open to the public regardless of YMCA membership.

  • The lunch and learn took place on February 25, 2026.
  • The next session on understanding radon poisoning will be held on March 5, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The players

Donald Maynard, M.D.

A bariatric surgeon at Piedmont Walton who led the weight-management focused lunch and learn.

Susie Payne

The Piedmont Walton Community Education Nurse who organizes the community health education sessions.

Walton County YMCA

The community organization hosting the lunch and learn events in partnership with Piedmont Walton.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to make health information as accessible as possible. Good health shouldn't come with barriers, and partnerships like this help us empower more people in our community.”

— Susie Payne, Piedmont Walton Community Education Nurse (monroelocal.org)

What’s next

The next lunch and learn will focus on understanding radon poisoning, including what it is, why it matters, and how families can protect themselves. The session will be facilitated by the UGA Extension Office and take place on March 5, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Walton County YMCA boardroom.

The takeaway

By partnering with community organizations like the YMCA, healthcare providers like Piedmont Walton are able to expand access to important health education and empower more people to take proactive steps towards better wellness. These types of collaborative efforts help break down barriers and make quality health information available to a wider audience.