Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jorge?

No. Most patients can call us directly at (803) 220-1716 to schedule a consultation. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician — our team will tell you when you call and help you sort it out.

How quickly can I be seen?

Quickly. We strive for same-week visits whenever a patient needs one, and same-day or next-business-day appointments are often available. We deliberately hold consultation slots open so that patients with painful, worsening, or urgent problems are not waiting weeks to be evaluated. If your situation is urgent, tell us when you call and we will work you in.

What insurance do you accept?

We work with all insurance plans. Call (803) 220-1716 and our team will verify your specific plan and benefits before your visit, including whether bariatric surgery is a covered benefit under your policy, so there are no surprises.

Is bariatric surgery covered by insurance?

Many plans cover it, but requirements vary widely — typically a documented BMI threshold, supervised weight-management visits, and a psychological evaluation. We handle the authorization process for you and tell you upfront what your plan requires.

I had bariatric surgery years ago and regained weight. Can you help?

Yes. Revisional bariatric surgery is a core focus of this practice — sleeve-to-bypass conversion, band removal, and repair of complications after prior operations. Weight recurrence is common and it is not a personal failure.

What is robotic surgery, and is it better?

Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that gives the surgeon better visualization and finer instrument control, which matters most in complex hernia and foregut cases. It is not automatically better for every operation. Dr. Jorge selects the approach — robotic, laparoscopic, or open — that fits your anatomy and prior surgical history.

Do you offer non-surgical weight loss?

Yes. Dr. Jorge is board-certified in obesity medicine, and our practice runs LeanDreams , a medical weight-management program built around a multidisciplinary team — physicians, a registered dietitian, behavioral and nutrition coaches, and certified personal trainers — working together on one plan. It covers medical weight management including GLP-1 medications for patients who are not surgical candidates, who prefer to start without an operation, or who need long-term support after surgery.

Where will my surgery be performed?

Dr. Jorge holds surgical privileges at Piedmont Augusta, Augusta Surgical Center, and Aiken Regional Medical Center. Your operative location depends on your procedure and your insurance, and we confirm it with you well before your surgery date.

Do you see patients from South Carolina?

Yes. We regularly care for patients from Aiken, North Augusta, and the surrounding South Carolina communities.

Gallbladder Surgery in Augusta, GA

Pain under your right ribs after a meal. Nausea that comes in waves. An ultrasound that says "gallstones." Gallbladder problems are common, and they are very treatable.

Dr. Jorge is a double board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in advanced foregut and bariatric surgery. He removes gallbladders using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques for patients in Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

Conditions we evaluate

Gallstones that cause pain (biliary colic)
Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
A gallbladder that does not empty well (biliary dyskinesia)
Gallbladder polyps
Gallstone-related pancreatitis, once the acute episode is treated

Signs it is time for a visit

Pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, often after a fatty or large meal
Pain that spreads to your right shoulder or back
Nausea or vomiting with these attacks
Attacks that are coming more often or lasting longer

Fever with abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe pain that does not go away can be an emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room.

How we decide

A visit to hear your story and examine you.
A review of your ultrasound and lab work, or tests ordered if you do not have them yet.
A clear recommendation. Gallstones that cause no symptoms often do not need surgery, and we will tell you if that is you.

The operation

Gallbladder removal is called cholecystectomy. Dr. Jorge performs it through small incisions using laparoscopic or robotic techniques. In some cases, switching to an open operation is the safer choice, and that decision is made for your safety. We talk through the approach that fits you before surgery.

What to expect

Many gallbladder operations are outpatient surgery. Some patients stay overnight, especially after a severe attack or infection. We explain activity limits, diet and follow-up before surgery, so there are no surprises. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

Gallstones and weight loss

Rapid weight loss, including after bariatric surgery, raises the risk of gallstones. Gallbladder problems are also a listed side effect of some GLP-1 weight-loss medications. If you are losing weight and start having these symptoms, tell your doctor. Dr. Jorge cares for both weight-loss and gallbladder patients, so he can look at the whole picture. See which path is right for me.

Coming from out of state

Dr. Jorge is licensed in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and holds a license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which streamlines licensure in 44 participating states. We regularly care for patients from out of state. Your evaluation and follow-up can happen by telehealth where licensure allows, with surgery in person here in Georgia when you need it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need surgery if I have gallstones?

Not always. Many people have gallstones that never cause symptoms, and those are usually watched. Gallstones that cause pain attacks or complications usually call for surgery. Dr. Jorge will tell you honestly which situation you are in.

Can I live normally without a gallbladder?

Yes. Your liver still makes bile, and most people digest food normally after the gallbladder is removed. Some notice changes in bowel habits for a while, and we talk about what to watch for.

Is gallbladder surgery done with small incisions?

In most cases, yes. Dr. Jorge uses laparoscopic or robotic techniques through small incisions. Occasionally an open operation is safer, and he explains that possibility before surgery.

How long is recovery?

It varies with the operation and your health. Before surgery we give you a specific plan for activity, work and follow-up. Individual results vary.

Will I need a special diet after surgery?

Most people return to a normal diet. Some find that smaller, lower-fat meals feel better at first. We go over what to expect.

Will insurance cover it?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary gallbladder surgery. Our team verifies your benefits before your visit.

Is Dr. Jorge employed by a hospital?

No. He runs an independent practice, Savannah River Advanced Surgery, and operates at facilities where he holds privileges, including Piedmont Augusta, Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Augusta Surgical Center.