The expert team in the Bariatric Weight Loss Center at Northeast Georgia Medical Center is extensively trained in surgical and nonsurgical weight loss.
Bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective treatment for obesity related health conditions, enabling patients to experience complete resolution or significant improvement after undergoing surgery. Through our comprehensive program, we will work with each patient to develop a customized plan to best fit their lifestyle and health needs. The information outlined on this page can help you determine if your patient may be a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Referring a Patient for Bariatric Surgery
Non-Surgical Candidate
BMI ≥ 30
- Appointment with a Bariatric Registered Dietitian
- Appointment with a Bariatrician to discuss options such as medical weight Loss, appetite suppressants and meal replacements
- Intragastric Balloon for patients with a BMI between 30 and 40
Surgical Candidate
BMI 35-39.9 with at least one obesity related comorbidity or BMI ≥ 40
- Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Roux en Y Gastric Bypass
- Duodenal Switch
- Revisional Surgeries
*Many private insurance companies cover, as well as Medicare and Medicaid
Refer your patient to our program when their BMI becomes ≥ 35 with associated comorbidities and they have not seen significant weight loss results maintained with diet and exercise alone.
- Health-e connections under “Ambulatory referral to Obesity Management”, Dept “GSV OP Bariatrics”, Dept spec “Bariatrics”
- Fax referral to 770-219-0063
About Our Bariatric Weight Loss Program
Attend a FREE in-person or online informational class by visiting www.nghs.com/bariatrics-101.
- Insurance benefits are checked
- Patient consults with a bariatrician or bariatric surgeon for their expert opinion on their individualized situation and treatments options are discussed. The patient has an opportunity to ask questions.
Post Bariatric Surgery
- Marginal ulcers- epigastric pain, nausea or vomiting (increased risk with steroid or NSAID use or smoking or alcohol use)
- Stricture- epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting and progressive intolerance of solid food (usually develops 4-6 weeks postop)
- Internal hernia- intermittent or constant gnawing, nonspecific central abdominal pain above the belly button. Pain can appear to be better with sitting or leaning forward.
Refer them back to NGMC’s Bariatrics Weight Loss Center where they can be evaluated and get reengaged with aftercare support to assist with getting them back on track.
Medications & Weight Loss Surgery
Patient should avoid steroids and all NSAID medications due to an increased risk of marginal ulcers after weight loss surgery.
Extended release medications should be avoided for patients with a history of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass due to the patient’s altered anatomy which will not fully absorb all food, drink and medications taken orally. An alternate route may be preferred for better absorption.
It is recommended to test the following annually or as-needed based on symptoms:
- CBC
- Ferritin
- B12
- Calcium
- Lipid Profile
- Liver Profile
- Bone Alkaline Phosphate (BAP)
- Vitamin D 25-OH
- Hgb A1C
- Folate
- Thiamin
- Iron panel, TIBC
- Vitamin A
- Zinc
- Copper
Our Expertise
Our nationally recognized surgeons offer patients expertise and extensive training in bariatric surgery. Home to where the first Robotic Gastric Bypass procedure was performed, our team is dedicated to delivering advanced treatment options and innovative surgical techniques to Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Refer a Patient
To refer a patient to Northeast Georgia Health System, call 770-219-0446 or use the form on this page to connect with our referral coordinator.