For individuals in Georgia struggling with obesity, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option. This article explores various weight loss surgery options available in Georgia, providing information on procedures, leading providers, and factors to consider.
Is Weight Loss Surgery Right for You?
Bariatric surgery is a significant decision. It's essential to determine if you're a suitable candidate. Factors to consider include:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40, or above 35 with obesity-related conditions.
- Age 18 or older.
- Previous unsuccessful attempts to lose weight through diet and exercise.
- Commitment to a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.
- Absence of medical conditions that could cause serious complications.
- Understanding the risks and benefits of surgery.
Many providers offer assessments to help you determine your eligibility.
Bariatric Surgery Procedures Offered in Georgia
Several types of weight loss surgeries are performed in Georgia, each with its own advantages and considerations:
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
RYGB is a combined restrictive and malabsorptive procedure. During RYGB surgery, the surgeon uses a stapling device to create a small pouch at the top of your stomach. The remainder of the stomach is completely separated from the new pouch, though it is not removed. Part of your small intestine is then shaped into a "Y" and connected to the new small stomach pouch. The smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food you can eat, leading to an early sense of fullness. The malabsorptive component means the body will not be able to process certain foods. Eating certain foods, like sweets, may result in dumping syndrome. Surgery risks include but are not limited to: staple line bleed or leak, fistula, small bowel obstruction, and ulcers.
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Sleeve Gastrectomy
A sleeve gastrectomy is considered a restrictive procedure, meaning it reduces the amount of food you can consume. During this procedure, your doctor removes about 80 percent of your stomach, leaving a small vertical pouch in the shape of a banana.
Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (Lap Band)
Laparoscopic gastric banding, or the "lap band" procedure, involves the placement of an adjustable gastric band around the top part of the stomach, which divides it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The size of the gastric lap band is adjusted using a port placed under your skin. The ideal candidate for the lap band procedure will have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 40, or approximately 100 pounds overweight for men, and 80 pounds for women. The gastric lap band procedure is fully reversible when medically indicated and does not involve the use of cutting or staples.
Intragastric Balloon
Atlanta Bariatrics surgical program offers several types of weight loss surgery, including Intragastric Balloon.
Bariatric Revision
In certain instances, past surgeries for weight loss need to be changed or redone. As the body adapts to changes made during surgery, many factors could lead to low surgery success rates. In some cases, patients may require revisional surgery to correct this. Whether you experienced less-than-expected weight loss or weight re-gain after surgery, bariatric surgeons at Emory Johns Creek Hospital in Metro Atlanta offer a number of procedures that can help you get back on track. Your surgeon can explain each procedure in more detail during the consultation, and will tell you how the procedure will restore the feeling of being full after a meal.
Leading Bariatric Surgery Providers in Georgia
Georgia is home to several reputable bariatric surgery centers and surgeons. Here are a few examples:
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Atlanta Bariatrics at Johns Creek Surgery, PC
Led by Dr. Christopher J. Hart and Dr. William H. Johnson, Atlanta Bariatrics offers a range of surgical options, tailoring procedures to individual needs based on medical history, co-morbid conditions, BMI, lifestyle, and commitment to weight loss. They are located at Johns Creek Surgery, PC.
Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics
Recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence by ASMBS, Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics is led by Dr. Titus Duncan. They offer both surgical and non-surgical weight loss options at their Buckhead, Atlanta facility, providing comprehensive care from surgery preparation to long-term support. They were named Best Bariatric Surgery Practice in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Dr. Elaine Carelus also works here as a Bariatric Surgery Fellow.
Memorial Health University Medical Center
The only comprehensive bariatric surgery program in Savannah, Memorial Health University Medical Center, offers multiple options for weight loss surgery, including bariatric revision, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy procedures. They are an accredited bariatric surgery center, as recognized by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation & Quality Improvement Program.
Life After Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is not just about the procedure itself; it's about the journey that follows. Here's what you can expect:
Postoperative Care
Following a sleeve gastrectomy, you will remain in the hospital for one to two nights. Once you have recovered from the anesthesia, you will begin a liquid diet that you will follow for several weeks. Also, just hours after surgery, you will begin performing simple exercises from your bed. You will return to the hospital for postoperative follow-up visits after one to two weeks, five weeks, three months, six months, nine months and one year. Following the one-year mark, you will return annually to ensure long-term success. During these visits, a member of our bariatric team will check your strength and weight, measure certain parts of your body and perform additional tests as needed. Check-ups help make certain that you're healthy and following the diet and exercise guidelines.
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At Memorial Health University Medical Center, during your postoperative recovery, you will stay in our dedicated bariatric surgery unit, which is staffed by specialized nurses to meet your unique needs. Following your discharge, you will have 24/7 access to a nurse via telephone. You also need to attend scheduled appointments with your bariatric surgeon, advanced practice professional and dietitian, as well as regular weight loss support group meetings. Research has shown that these appointments are crucial to your success. Lastly, we strongly advise that women of childbearing age use at least two effective forms of birth control during the first 18 to 24 months following a procedure for weight loss. Pregnancy places additional demands on the body that may result in increased complications.
Lifestyle Changes
After weight loss surgery, some permanent changes must be made to your daily eating habits. Our program focuses on lifestyle changes, supported by our team approach.
Potential Benefits
There are many possible benefits associated with significant weight loss. Bariatric surgery is often the most effective weight loss option for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 35. Surgical weight loss options typically result in quick and dramatic weight loss and can significantly reduce obesity-related health issues, such as diabetes. For patients whose weight limits their everyday activity and/or mobility, bariatric weight loss surgery can change lives.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies may possibly cover bariatric surgery such as Aetna, BCBS, United Health Care, Medicare, Medicaid, Amerigroup, Wellcare, Caresource, Tricare, Humana, Champus, Cigna Healthspring, Coresource, Allwell, , Geha, and UMR, however, Oscar and Ambetter don't cover Bariatric Services. Financing is available for those without insurance or who prefer not to use it. We partner with third-party providers like CareCredit to offer flexible payment plans. Cash pay/self-pay allows you to avoid insurance approval delays and financing fees. In some cases, bundled care packages may be available at reduced costs.
Getting Started
The first step involves attending a seminar, schedule an Initial Consultation. This appointment allows us to get to know you, discuss your struggles with weight, and understand your goals. Together, weâll determine the best treatment options for you. During the consultation, youâll meet our staff and be assigned a Patient Advocate, who will support you throughout your journey. Before the appointment, weâll verify your insurance benefits and provide you with a login to our Patient Portal, where you can complete the required medical information for your consultation.