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.

Acid Reflux and Anti-Reflux Surgery in Augusta, GA

If heartburn runs your evenings, wakes you up at night, or only stays quiet when you take a pill, you are not being dramatic. Reflux is a medical problem, and it has more than one solution.

Dr. Jorge is a double board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in foregut and bariatric surgery. He sees patients from Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

When reflux needs a surgeon

Reflux happens when stomach contents wash back up into the esophagus. Medication, diet and sleep changes help many people. Surgery becomes worth discussing when symptoms continue despite treatment, when you do not want to rely on medication long term, or when there are complications such as a hiatal hernia or Barrett's esophagus. Often a hiatal hernia is part of the picture.

Instagram reelConstant heartburn and extra weight: how the two are connected.

Symptoms that are worth a visit

Heartburn that continues despite medication
Regurgitation or a sour taste, especially lying down
Trouble swallowing or food sticking
Chronic cough, hoarseness or throat clearing
Waking at night with burning or choking
Needing daily medication to stay comfortable

Sudden severe chest pain, black or bloody vomit, or being unable to swallow is an emergency. Call 911.

How we evaluate it

A visit to hear your story, your medications and what you have already tried.
Testing as needed, which may include an upper endoscopy, a swallow study, reflux monitoring or esophageal pressure testing.
A clear recommendation. Surgery is not the answer for everyone. Sometimes the right answer is medication, diet changes or watchful waiting, and we will tell you that.

Surgical options

Anti-reflux surgery rebuilds the barrier between the stomach and the esophagus, often by repairing a hiatal hernia and wrapping the top of the stomach around the lower esophagus. Dr. Jorge performs minimally invasive repair, including robotic approaches, and also evaluates people whose reflux returned after a prior operation.

If you also live with obesity, the best operation may be different. Weight and reflux are closely connected, and bariatric surgery can be part of the plan when appropriate. Dr. Jorge walks you through both sides.

Instagram reelWhy would a surgeon recommend gastric bypass for a hernia?

What to expect

Most patients go home within a day or two, though this depends on the operation and your health. We explain the diet progression, activity limits and follow-up before surgery, so there are no surprises. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

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 for acid reflux?

Many people do not. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms are not controlled with medication, when you do not want to stay on medication long term, or when reflux causes complications. Dr. Jorge will tell you honestly whether surgery makes sense.

Is it reflux, or something else?

Chest pain, trouble swallowing and a chronic cough can have several causes, including heart problems. That is why we review your history and testing before recommending anything. Chest pain that is sudden or severe is an emergency. Call 911.

What testing do I need first?

It depends on your story. Testing may include an upper endoscopy, a swallow study, reflux monitoring or esophageal pressure testing. We use what you already have where we can.

Does weight matter for reflux surgery?

It can. If you also live with obesity, the best reflux operation may be different, and bariatric surgery may be part of the answer. Dr. Jorge walks you through the options.

Can reflux come back after surgery?

It can. Recurrence is a known risk of any anti-reflux operation. Dr. Jorge also evaluates people whose reflux returned after a prior operation.

Will insurance cover it?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary anti-reflux 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.