Get a new body-and a new life–just one hour from Charleston.

Charleston patients seriously concerned about weight-loss are coming to the Videoscopic Institute in Atlanta for bariatric surgery. Charleston is a one-hour flight to the best bariatric care in the South and the beginning of a life-changing experience. The Videoscopic Institute is a Center of Excellence dedicated exclusively to weight loss surgery. Charleston patients receive:

  • Thirteen years of bariatric experience from Dr. J.K. Champion, Medical Director for the Videoscopic Institute, who has performed 2600 laparoscopic weight-loss procedures.
  • Multiple minimally-invasive bariatric options, including LapBand®and gastric bypass surgery.
  • Exceptional patient care experience at the Videoscopic Institute, designated a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).
  • Outstanding care at Northside Hospital, voted for ten consecutive years as Atlanta’s Most Preferred Hospital for Overall Healthcare Services.

A professional team devoted to your weight–loss surgery needs
Recognizing the absence of standards in the bariatric field, Dr. Champion worked with the ASBS to establish the designation, Center of Excellence. This is pledge to the public that weight-loss practitioners with this designation have passed the ASBS criteria for staff, equipment and education support program.

Dr. Champion’s personal commitment to patient care and outstanding bariatric care reflects throughout the Videoscopic Institute. We provide leading-edge bariatric options, free lifetime aftercare, dietary counseling , support groups, educational materials and programs, lab monitoring for vitamin and nutritional deficiencies and routine in-office bone scans to minimize the risk of osteoporosis.

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

Dr. Champion performs:

Insurance and financing
We accept cash and insurance; can arrange financing or assistance in obtaining authorization or out-of-network insurance benefits. You are responsible for deductibles and co-payments as well as personal travel and lodging costs. Please pay all fees before the date of surgery. We will be glad to answer questions about financing, insurance or the cost of weight-loss surgery. Contact us online or at (770) 425-5525.

Planning for your surgery
AirTran and Delta have several nonstop flights from Charleston International Airport to Hartsville-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. You can reach our office in northwest Atlanta (140 Vann Street, Suite 350, Marietta, Georgia 30060, Phone: 770-574-4868) via rental car or taxi. Atlanta is about a 5 ½ hour drive from Charleston. Due west, you will pass Georgia International Horse Park, site of the 1996 Olympics equestrian venue-and near Stone Mountain Park, theme park and host to the longest running laser show in America.

The Videscopic Institute is in Marietta, a city in northwest Atlanta. We will be happy to make travel arrangements or recommend lodging and restaurants. We are within a short drive from charming Vinings, exciting Buckhead and historic Marietta Square.

When preparing for your bariatric surgery, Charleston patients plan to stay in Atlanta for about one week. On Monday, you will meet at our office with our bariatric nurse for a review of the pre-operative process. Next, Dr. Champion will conduct a pre-op examination and answer any remaining questions that you have. Finally, you will go to Northside Hospital for your pre-op testing. Surgeries typically occur on Tuesday or Wednesday. Although actual hospitalization time varies, LapBand® patients generally remain for 23 hours while gastric bypass patients stay 48 hours. After gastric bypass or LapBand® surgery, Charleston patients should rest and avoid travel for 72 hours.

For more information or to arrange a consultation or travel arrangements, contact us at (770) 425-5525 or online.