Find the body of your dreams less than three hours from Augusta.

Considering bariatric surgery? Augusta patients are planning one-week, medical vacations in Atlanta with renown weight-loss surgeon, Dr. J.K. Champion, Director of the Videoscopic Institute. Located near I-75 in northwest Atlanta, the Videoscopic Institute is a Center of Excellence solely dedicated to weight loss surgery. Augusta patients benefit from:

  • Thirteen years of experience from Dr. J.K. Champion, board certified bariatric surgeon who has completed over 2600 laparoscopic weight loss surgeries.
  • Leading-edge bariatric options, including LAP band and gastric bypass surgery.
  • Outstanding patient care from the dedicated staff of the Videoscopic Institute, named a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).
  • First-class inpatient care at Northside Hospital, named as Atlanta’s Most Preferred Hospital for Overall Healthcare Services for ten years.

A professional team devoted to your weight–loss surgery needs
The Videoscopic Institute is an exceptional bariatric center with a committed patient-care team. Dr. Champion , spurred by the absence of standards in the bariatric industry, was integral in establishing Centers of Excellence in the U.S. This ASBS designation assures those seeking healthcare that an establishment performing weight loss operations has experienced and trained staff, appropriate equipment and an education program for severely overweight patients.

Dr. Champion’s rigorous standards are reflected in the Videoscopic Institute’s daily operations and commitment to patient care. The Videoscopic Institute offers support groups, educational materials and programs, routine in-office bone scans, dietary counseling, lab monitoring for vitamin and nutritional deficiencies and free lifetime aftercare.

Dr. Champion is board certified by The American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, an active member of several professional associations and a nationally-recognized expert in videoscopic general and thoracic surgery. Dr. Champion is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Mercer University and former Director of Endosurgical Education at Emory University School of Medicine.

Weight-loss surgical options
If you are 100 pounds or more overweight, have a body mass index (BMI) that is 40 or above or have a 35-39 BMI with an established related health problem, you are a potential candidate for bariatric surgery.

We the most up-to-date procedures, including: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band), Vertical Banded Gastroplasty, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, REALIZE band and Gastric Sleeve. Dr. Champion will discuss the best procedure for you during your consultation.

Insurance and financing
We accept insurance and cash and will arrange financing or help in acquiring out-of-network insurance benefits. You are responsible for co-payments, deductibles, and all travel and lodging expenses. All fees must be paid before the day of surgery.

We can assist you in obtaining authorization or provide more information about insurance, financing or the cost of weight-loss surgery. Contact us at (770) 425-5525.

Planning for your surgery
When scheduling your bariatric surgery, Augusta patients should estimate a one-week stay in Atlanta. The Monday prior to your surgery, our bariatric nurse will go over the pre-operative process with you. Next, you will consult with Dr. Champion. Then, you will drive to Northside Hospital for pre-op testing (i.e., anesthesiology, lab work, radiology and EKG).

Most surgeries are scheduled for Tuesday or Wednesday, however, this is subject to change. Gastric bypass patients are generally hospitalized for 48 hours while LAP band patients typically stay 23 hours. However, exact hospitalization time may vary.

After surgery, patients should move about slowly but frequently to encourage sufficient blood circulation and stay well-hydrated. Following gastric bypass or LAP band surgery, Augusta patients should wait 72 hours before traveling, then take hourly breaks for short walks and hydration.

Our staff will gladly make travel arrangements and answer questions about your procedure. Contact us at (770) 425-5525.