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.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Augusta, GA

You have done the diets. Maybe a medication too. The weight comes off, then it comes back, and now you are wondering whether surgery is the next step. That is a fair question, and it deserves a straight answer.

Dr. Jorge is double board-certified in general surgery and obesity medicine and fellowship-trained in bariatric surgery. He performs sleeve gastrectomy with minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques for patients in Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region. Because the practice also offers medical weight management, the recommendation you get is not tied to one option.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

What a gastric sleeve is

A sleeve gastrectomy removes the larger, outer part of the stomach and leaves a narrow tube, or sleeve. Nothing is rerouted. The smaller stomach holds less food, and the operation can also change hunger and fullness signals. It is one of the two most common bariatric operations, along with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Who it may fit

A BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or high blood pressure
You have lost weight and regained it more than once
Medication has helped but has not been enough, or you cannot tolerate it
You want a durable option and are ready for permanent changes in how you eat

Insurance criteria vary by plan. Which operation fits you depends on your anatomy, your reflux history, your diabetes and your prior surgeries, not on a preference.

Sleeve or bypass

Both are established bariatric operations. The sleeve does not reroute the intestine. It can also make reflux worse in some people, so if you already have significant heartburn or a hiatal hernia, a gastric bypass may be the better fit. Dr. Jorge will explain both and recommend one for your situation. Read about gastric bypass surgery. Not sure surgery is right at all? Read which path is right for me.

Getting ready for surgery

A consultation with Dr. Jorge to review your history, weight and goals.
Medical, nutrition and psychological evaluations, plus any testing you need.
Supervised visits if your insurance requires them. We manage that process for you.
A clear plan and a surgery date when you are ready.

How it is done

The operation is done through several small incisions with laparoscopic or robotic technique. If a hiatal hernia is found, it can often be repaired during the same operation. The approach is chosen for your safety and your anatomy, and we explain it before surgery. Individual results vary.

Life after a sleeve

A staged diet that moves from liquids to soft foods to regular textures over several weeks
Daily vitamins and lifelong nutritional follow-up
Smaller portions, with protein first
Regular follow-up visits with our team

After surgery, fever, a racing heartbeat, worsening abdominal pain, vomiting that will not stop or trouble breathing can be an emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room.

If a sleeve has not worked for you

Weight regain or new reflux after a sleeve is common, and it is not a personal failure. Revisional surgery, including conversion to gastric bypass, is a core focus of this practice. It starts with a careful workup before any decision about another operation.

Where Dr. Jorge operates

Savannah River Advanced Surgery is an independent practice. Dr. Jorge operates at facilities where he holds privileges, including Piedmont Augusta, Aiken Regional Medical Centers and Augusta Surgical Center. Our office is at 1109 Medical Center Dr., Suite 3, Augusta, GA 30909.

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

Should I get a sleeve or a bypass?

It depends on your reflux, diabetes, anatomy and prior surgeries. Dr. Jorge reviews these with you and recommends the operation that fits, and he will tell you why.

Do I have to try medication first?

No. Some patients start with medication and some go straight to a surgical evaluation. A consultation is not a commitment to an operation.

Will insurance cover it?

Many plans cover bariatric surgery when you meet their criteria, and some exclude it. Our team verifies your benefits and walks you through what your plan requires.

How long is recovery?

It depends on your health and the details of your operation. Before surgery we give you a specific plan for diet, activity, work and follow-up. Individual results vary.

Can the weight come back?

It can. The sleeve is a tool, and long-term results depend on nutrition, follow-up and support. If weight returns, there are real treatment options.

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.