Would you fly less than an hour from Tallahassee to find your dream body?

Take a medical holiday for your bariatric surgery. Tallahassee patients are scheduling their weight-loss surgeries with Dr. J.K. Champion, director of the Videoscopic Institute. Located in northwest Atlanta-approximately 35 miles from the Hartsville-Jackson Atlanta International Airport-the Videoscopic Institute is a Center of Excellence dedicated exclusively to weight loss surgery. Tallahassee patients will receive:

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

A professional team devoted to your weight–loss surgery needs
The Videoscopic Institute is a cutting-edge weight-loss center with an outstanding patient-care team. Spurred by the lack of standards in the weight-loss industry, Dr. Champion was key in developing Centers of Excellence in the U.S. This ASBS designation is a commitment to the public that a practice conducting weight loss operations has qualified staff, equipment and an education support program for severely obese patients.

Dr. Champion’s extreme standards show in the Videoscopic Institute’s commitment to patient care. We provide educational materials and programs, support groups, routine in-office bone scans, lab monitoring for vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, dietary counseling and free lifetime aftercare.

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. He is nationally recognized in videoscopic general and thoracic surgery and currently serves as Clinical Professor of Surgery at Mercer University. He previously served as Director of Endosurgical Education at Emory University School of Medicine.

Weight-loss surgical options
Bariatric surgery may be an option for you if you weigh 100 pounds or more over your normal weight, have a body mass index (BMI) that is 40 or above, or have an established related health problem and a 35-39 BMI.

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

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

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

Most surgeries occur on Tuesday or Wednesday, however, this is subject to change based on the hospital’s schedule. The stay for gastric bypass patients is typically 48 hours and 23 hours for LAP band patients. Exact hospitalization time may vary.

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

Our staff will be happy to answer questions and make travel arrangements. Contact us at (770) 425-5525.