Your dream body is just 100 miles from Chattanooga.

Come to Atlanta for your bariatric surgery. Chattanooga patients considering weight-loss surgery are planning medical vacations at the Videoscopic Institute, located in northwest Atlanta. Under the leadership of Dr. J.K. Champion, the Videoscopic Institute is a Center of Excellence dedicated exclusively to weight loss surgery. Chattanooga patients, selective about their bariatric treatment, know that they will receive:

  • Expertise of board certified bariatric surgeon Dr. J.K. Champion, who has performed over 2600 laparoscopic weight loss procedures since 1995.
  • Multiple bariatric options, including LapBand®and gastric bypass surgery.
  • Personalized healthcare from the Videoscopic Institute, named a Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS).
  • Excellent inpatient care at Northside Hospital, named for the 10th straight year as Atlanta’s Most Preferred Hospital for Overall Healthcare Services.

A professional team devoted to your weight–loss surgery needs
The Videoscopic Institute is a leading-edge bariatric center with an unparalleled patient-care team. Dr. Champion , motivated by the lack of standards in the bariatric industry, was instrumental in establishing Centers of Excellence in the U.S. This ASBS designation is assurance that a practice conducting weight loss operations has qualified staff, is appropriately equipped and has an education support program for severely obese patients. Dr. Champion’s rigorous standards reflect the Videoscopic Institute’s commitment to patient care.

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

Dr. Champion is experienced in multiple laparoscopic procedures, including:

Insurance and financing
We accept insurance and cash and can arrange financing or assistance in obtaining out-of-network insurance benefits, if available. You are responsible for deductibles, co-payments and all travel and lodging costs. All fees must be paid before surgery.

Acquiring insurance authorization may seem challenging. It may take up to four weeks and include an initial denial. We can assist you in obtaining authorization or provide more information about insurance, financing or the cost of weight-loss surgery.

Planning for your surgery
Chattanooga patients can take a direct flight via Delta Connection from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to Hartsville-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and drive or take a taxi from the airport to our office (140 Vann Street, Suite 350, Marietta, Georgia 30060, Phone:(770) 574-4868). Or, drive directly from Chattanooga to our office.

Videoscopic Institute is located near historic Marietta Square and a short drive to the charming Vinings community and lively Buckhead. There are many wonderful lodging options and enough restaurants to accommodate everyone’s tastes. We will happily assist you in making your travel arrangements and locating comfortable lodging.

When planning for your bariatric surgery, Chattanooga patients should plan a one-week stay in Atlanta. On Monday before your surgery date, our bariatric nurse will review the pre-operative process with you followed by a consultation with Dr. Champion. Next, you will drive to Northside Hospital for any pre-op testing (i.e., anesthesiology, lab work, radiology and EKG).

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

After the surgery, patients should stay well-hydrated and move frequently to encourage sufficient blood circulation. Following gastric bypass or LAP band surgery, Chattanooga patients should restrict travel for 72 hours. When traveling, patients should take hourly breaks for short walks and hydration.

Contact us at (770) 425-5525 or register online to arrange an appointment or get more information.