Outlook shutters - transmission or torque converter

[Household6]

I know I’ve seen comment before specifically addressing this, but I can’t seem to locate it.

2007 Saturn Outlook AWD, 180k miles. Bought used a couple years ago. Good service records that car was cared for by previous one owner. Records don’t specifically state, but do suggest transmission was replaced, though I don’t recall when.

Vehicle shutters when accelerating. It always happens around 1900 RPM, and that’s the only place it happens. It’s almost like I got some bad gas, but time has proven this theory wrong.

I can power-through it by backing out of the gas when it starts, then do a quick acceleration through this RPM range (1800 - 2100 RPM). This started a long time ago - several months.

Mechanic’s diagnosis is it needs a new transmission, but I’m wondering if this is the “default” answer. (He describes it as “slipping”, but I’d say more like “skipping.” Very well may be I’m just in denial.)

The words “torque converter” come to mind when recalling my previous search for a solution.

Any experience with this or thoughts on what I may want to try before going through with a full-fledged tranny replacement?