University Weight Management/Bariatric Surgery

Weight Loss Clinic in Augusta, Georgia

Call (706) 774-89311350 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901

About University Weight Management/Bariatric Surgery

Treatment at University Weight Management/Bariatric Surgery

University Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery is part of Augusta's academic medical system, offering a full spectrum of weight management services from medically supervised lifestyle programs to surgical intervention. The program's academic affiliation means patients have access to a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, dietitians, psychologists, and surgeons. For patients with significant weight-related health conditions, having that range of expertise under one roof makes a meaningful difference.

The clinic serves patients across a wide spectrum of needs. Some arrive looking for medical weight loss support without surgery. Others come specifically for bariatric surgery evaluation and follow-up. The program is structured to match patients to the level of intervention that fits their medical situation rather than defaulting to the most aggressive option. That measured, evidence-based approach reflects the academic medical culture behind the program.

Services Offered

The University Weight Management program offers a comprehensive range of services spanning non-surgical medical weight loss and bariatric surgery. On the non-surgical side, patients access medically supervised diet programs, behavioral counseling, and medication management for weight loss. Lab work and medical monitoring are integrated throughout to track health markers alongside weight changes. For patients who qualify and choose surgery, the bariatric program offers procedures including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, supported by thorough pre-operative preparation and post-operative follow-up. Psychological evaluation is part of the surgical pathway to ensure patients are well-prepared for the lifestyle changes that follow. Registered dietitians work with both surgical and non-surgical patients on long-term nutritional strategies. The program also supports patients who had previous bariatric surgery elsewhere and need ongoing care or help with complications. Support groups connect patients with others going through similar experiences. The full continuum of care from initial evaluation through long-term follow-up is a defining feature of this program.

Weight Loss Centers

Family Practice

Treatment Options

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program

A structured non-surgical program including dietary guidance, behavioral counseling, and medical monitoring. Often required as a precursor to bariatric surgery and valuable as a standalone treatment for patients who don't need or want surgical intervention.

3-6 months$200-$600 per month

Sleeve Gastrectomy

A surgical procedure that reduces stomach size significantly, limiting food intake and influencing hunger hormones. One of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures with strong long-term outcome data for patients with obesity.

Surgery: 1-2 hours; Recovery: 4-6 weeks$15,000-$25,000 before insurance

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

A more involved surgical procedure that both reduces stomach size and reroutes the digestive tract, producing strong weight loss outcomes for patients with significant obesity or complex metabolic conditions that haven't responded to other interventions.

Surgery: 2-4 hours; Recovery: 4-8 weeks$20,000-$30,000 before insurance

Bariatric Surgery Follow-Up Care

Ongoing post-operative care including nutritional monitoring, lab work, and support group access. Critical for maintaining results and identifying complications early in the months and years following any bariatric surgical procedure.

Ongoing; typically yearsVaries; often covered by insurance

What to Expect

New patients typically start with an initial consultation where a weight management provider reviews their medical history, current health status, and goals. Lab work and diagnostic assessments are ordered based on that initial evaluation. A multidisciplinary team then reviews the case and develops a recommendation, which might be a medical weight loss program, surgical evaluation, or a combination approach.

Patients pursuing bariatric surgery go through a more extensive pre-operative process that includes nutritional counseling, psychological evaluation, and insurance pre-authorization if applicable. Non-surgical patients enter a structured program with regular monitoring appointments. Throughout, the team coordinates care so that all providers involved in your case are working from the same plan.

Why Choose University Weight Management/Bariatric Surgery

The academic medical affiliation is the strongest argument for choosing this program. You get a multidisciplinary team, evidence-based protocols, fellowship-trained surgeons, and the institutional resources that come with a university medical system. For patients considering bariatric surgery, having surgery performed by academic surgeons with established volume and peer oversight carries real clinical advantages.

The program also doesn't push surgery on patients who don't need it; the non-surgical pathway is equally robust. If you want comprehensive care backed by genuine medical expertise, this program delivers that in a way that standalone weight loss clinics simply can't match.

Insurance & Pricing

Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery and medically supervised weight loss when specific criteria are met. This typically includes documentation of a BMI above a certain threshold, evidence of weight-related comorbidities, and completion of a supervised weight loss program prior to surgery. The clinic's billing staff can assist with insurance verification and pre-authorization. For uninsured patients or those with limited coverage, self-pay options and financing may be available. It's important to verify your specific benefits and any requirements your insurer has before starting the program.

First-Time Patient Tips

Before your first appointment, compile a thorough health history including all current medications, previous weight loss attempts, and any diagnosed conditions related to your weight. For surgical patients, understanding that bariatric surgery is a tool and not a cure is essential. Successful outcomes depend heavily on making lasting dietary and lifestyle changes after surgery.

For non-surgical patients, the program works best when you treat appointments as commitments rather than optional check-ins. Engage with the psychological support resources available, even if you don't think you need them. Behavioral and emotional factors play a bigger role in weight management than most people expect, and addressing them proactively leads to better long-term outcomes.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Academic medical affiliation brings fellowship-trained surgeons, evidence-based protocols, and institutional oversight that independent clinics can't replicate.
Multidisciplinary team including dietitians, psychologists, and surgeons provides a depth of coordinated care that standalone clinics can't match.
The full continuum from non-surgical weight loss to bariatric surgery means patients can be matched to the right level of intervention for their situation.

Things to Consider

Academic medical programs can have longer wait times for initial consultations and surgical scheduling compared to private practices.
Insurance pre-authorization for bariatric surgery can be a lengthy process requiring documentation that takes months to compile and submit.

Service Area

University Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery serves patients across the Augusta area and draws patients from throughout the CSRA and surrounding regions. Because it's affiliated with an academic medical center, some patients travel significant distances specifically for the bariatric surgery program. The clinic regularly sees patients from Aiken and Edgefield counties in South Carolina, as well as from rural Georgia communities where access to specialty bariatric care is limited. It's one of the more comprehensive weight management programs available in the region.

Interior of University Weight Management/Bariatric Surgery

Local Insight

Augusta is home to one of the Southeast's established academic medical centers, which shapes the type and quality of specialty care available in the city. Bariatric surgery programs tied to academic medical institutions have access to resources, research, and oversight that independent surgical centers typically don't. For residents of eastern Georgia and western South Carolina, this program represents a high-quality option for bariatric care without needing to travel to Atlanta, Columbia, or Charlotte.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I'm a candidate for bariatric surgery?

Candidacy is generally based on BMI, the presence of weight-related health conditions, and a history of failed non-surgical weight loss attempts. The program's evaluation process assesses all these factors to determine whether surgery is appropriate for your situation.

What's the difference between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass?

Sleeve gastrectomy reduces stomach size without rerouting the digestive tract, while gastric bypass does both. Bypass tends to produce stronger weight loss outcomes but is a more complex procedure with a longer recovery. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your health profile.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover bariatric surgery, but coverage is conditional on meeting specific criteria including BMI thresholds, documented comorbidities, and completion of a supervised weight loss program. The clinic's team can help you navigate the insurance process.

What does the psychological evaluation involve?

The psychological evaluation assesses your readiness for the lifestyle changes that follow bariatric surgery. It looks at mental health history, eating behaviors, motivation, and support systems. It's not designed to screen people out, but to ensure everyone starts surgery with realistic expectations and preparation.

How much weight can I expect to lose after surgery?

Most patients lose 60 to 80 percent of their excess body weight within the first two years after surgery. Individual results vary significantly based on which procedure is performed, how closely dietary guidelines are followed, and whether behavioral changes are maintained long-term.

Is there support after surgery?

Yes, the program includes structured post-operative follow-up visits, nutritional counseling, lab monitoring, and access to support groups. The follow-up care is considered an essential part of the program, not optional extras.

Can I come to this program if I had bariatric surgery elsewhere?

Yes, the program accepts patients who need ongoing care, revision surgery, or help managing complications from bariatric procedures performed at other facilities. Bring all records from your previous surgery and any follow-up care you've received.

How long does the pre-surgery process take?

The timeline varies but typically ranges from 3 to 6 months, covering the medically supervised weight loss requirement, psychological evaluation, nutritional counseling, and insurance pre-authorization. Your care coordinator can give you a more specific estimate early in the process.