Dr. Don Gates received his Medical Doctorate (MD) from the prestigious Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA, graduating in the top of his class. He became interested in nutrition in high school and college when he competed as a championship bodybuilder. Some of his credits include Mr. Tennessee and Mr. Southeast as well as being a nationally qualified competitor. Dr. Gates is a board certified Emergency Room Physician, formerly on teaching staff at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA. He has been working in the field of weight loss/Bariatrics since 1999.

Dr. Gates was born in Bolivia, the son of missionaries. Spanish is his first language; he learned to speak English at the age of 3. Dr. Gates along with his parents lived in several countries in South America. He also served as a healthcare provider in Guyana for a year during medical school.

Dr. Gates feels privileged to be able to focus on his passion, which is giving people practical nutritional and lifestyle guidance. He feels blessed to have witnessed the positive changes this has made in thousands of patients' lives.

Dr. Gates experienced a 40 pound weight gain after the birth of his first son in 2001. He later realized that his blood sugars were significantly elevated. Dr. Gates immediately went on a strict diet and exercise regimen and lost the weight, greatly improving his symptoms. Dr. Gates continues to manage his Diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise program. Because of his significant medical experience as well as his own medical struggles, Dr. Gates is very familiar with the management of obesity related disorders along with a healthy weight loss regimen. He prides himself on the amount of time and effort he puts into each patient. Through Scale Solutions, Dr. Gates works to help others avoid and manage the consequences that weight gain has on each individual.