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.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery in Augusta, GA

You had weight loss surgery, and now the weight is coming back, or you are dealing with reflux, pain or other problems you did not expect. You may feel embarrassed or frustrated. You should not. This is common, and it deserves a careful look.

Dr. Jorge is double board-certified in general surgery and obesity medicine and fellowship-trained in bariatric surgery. Revisional surgery is a core focus of his practice. He evaluates patients from Augusta, Evans, Aiken and the surrounding region who had a sleeve, bypass, gastric band or another operation elsewhere. Individual results vary.

Request a consultation Call (803) 220-1716

What revisional surgery is

Revisional bariatric surgery is an operation to fix, change or convert a previous weight loss operation. It is not the same as a first operation. The anatomy is different, scar tissue may be present, and the plan has to fit what was done before.

Reasons patients are evaluated

Weight regain or weight loss that stalled after sleeve, bypass or band surgery
Reflux or heartburn after a sleeve gastrectomy
A gastric band that needs removal or revision
Pain, ulcers, narrowing (stricture) or other problems after a prior operation
A hiatal hernia or other change in anatomy found after surgery

Not everyone needs another operation. Some patients do better with medical management, nutrition and behavioral support, and Dr. Jorge will tell you honestly which applies to you.

How the evaluation works

A consultation with Dr. Jorge to review your history, your operative records and your goals.
A careful workup, which may include imaging, an upper endoscopy, labs and nutrition and psychological evaluations.
A discussion of every option, including non-surgical ones, with the benefits and risks of each.
A clear plan. If surgery is the right choice, we explain the approach and what to expect before you decide.

Operations that may be considered

Depending on your anatomy and history, options can include converting a sleeve to a bypass, revising a bypass, removing or converting a band, or repairing a hiatal hernia. Dr. Jorge uses minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic techniques when they are appropriate. The choice is made for your safety and your anatomy, not from a menu.

Insurance and records

Coverage for revisional surgery varies by plan, and some plans have separate criteria. Our team verifies your benefits and helps gather your previous operative reports and records so your evaluation can move forward.

After a revisional operation

A staged diet that is individualized to your operation
Vitamins and nutritional follow-up
Regular follow-up visits with our team
Support for the habits and medical issues that affect long-term results

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.

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

Can you operate if my first surgery was done somewhere else?

Yes. Dr. Jorge evaluates patients who had their first operation with another surgeon. Bringing your operative report and records helps, and our team can help you request them.

Is weight regain a failure on my part?

No. Weight regain after bariatric surgery is common and has many causes, including changes in anatomy, hormones, medications and life circumstances. It is a medical problem that can be evaluated.

Will I need another operation?

Not always. After a full evaluation, some patients are best treated with medication, nutrition and behavioral support. If surgery is advised, Dr. Jorge explains why and what the alternatives are.

Will insurance cover revisional surgery?

Some plans cover it when you meet their criteria, and some do not. Our team verifies your benefits and tells you what your plan requires.

How long is recovery?

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

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.