Question:
Does anyone have any suggestions for a surgeon near Norcross GA?

My son would like to see a doctor in the Atlanta/Norcross Georgia area. I have had RNY surgery in Virginia. My son is in Atlanta area and is interested in doing either lap or rny in the near future. Does anyone have any pro or con recommodations of surgeons in that area?    — Marian H. (posted on December 30, 2001)

December 30, 2001
Dr JK Champion is in Marietta, GA and has performed over 900 LAP RNY. He has his own website www.drchampion.com. He is great!
   — [Anonymous]

December 30, 2001
I had my open RNY in FL on Oct 24th. But, I have heard many good things about Dr Champion in Atlanta and I had even looked into using him as my surgeon--I was not willing to wait the length of time it would have required to see him so I stayed local.Good Luck to you and your son. Diane
   — Diane D.

December 30, 2001
Dr. Sidney Appel in Decatur, GA is rated as one of the top ten surgeons (of all types) in the Atlanta area. He is an excellent surgeon, very skilled and knowledgable. The downside is that he only does the procedure Open and there is a long wait to actually get a surgery date. He is well able to handle complications and I have sent several friends to him. Best wishes on whomever your son chooses.
   — Sharon L.

December 30, 2001
I would highly recommend Dr. JK Champion in Atlanta! He is absolutely the best. He specializes in the LAP His office phone number is: 770-425-5525 He is well worth any wait. Good Luck!
   — janice J.

December 30, 2001
I and three other members of my family had our lap RNY surgeries by Dr. J.K. Champion of Marietta (just north of Atlanta). He is internationally recognized for his expertise and pioneering efforts in the area of laparascopic WLS. He has performed over 900 lap WLS surgeries with only 2 post-op mortalities unrelated to the surgery. His web site is: www.drchampion.com. A pre-op information packet may be requested by calling the office: (770)425-5525. Good luck!
   — Diana T.

December 30, 2001
I think most people recommend their surgeon, as I am doing, but I'd like to offer a little perspective. I considered so many surgeons here in georgia. Honestly, Dr. Champion is the most reknown and well known one. Even my surgeon said so. The only problem is insurance. Alot of people I know had to pay out of the pocket. Dr. Waits is also great, but he only does open. I chose Dr. Titus Duncan. He is not listed on here, but he is a colleague of Dr. Champion, has been doing laps almost as long and can do up to 700 pound lap patients, he is very honest and has a great bed side manner and his office moves fast with approvals and surgery dates. I was approved in less than one day and had a date less than a week later due to cancellation. He is a person and listened when I explained that I needed surgery within the month or would have to wait another year due to time off with my job. I highly recommend him. His number is either 404-881-8020 or 404-880-8121, i forget. Hope this helps...
   — Courtney W.

December 30, 2001
I had my surgery with Dr. Titus Duncan in Atlanta. He was super! He trained under Dr. Champion who is well-known and lots of people use him. He doesn't take insurance though. He requires the money up front and then he will file your insurance--you get what they pay and you pay the rest. I could not afford this, (it costs $22K) so I did my research and found Dr. Duncan. He is a lap specialist--not just in weight loss surgery--for obese people. He takes most all insurance policies too! He is affiliated with Emory Hospital, Piedmont (who is tough on who they affiliate with) and several other hospitals in Atlanta. It's my personal opinion--but you can't go wrong with Dr. Duncan. Oh--he hasn't had ANY fatalities!
   — Susan B.

December 30, 2001
I am currently scheduled for surgery with Dr. Champion on Jan 17th. I called several doctors offices on the list in Atlanta and I was BY FAR...the most impressed with his office, support group, and recomendations from former patients. When I called Dr. Appels office I was told that I would NEVER be approved with my insurance company. Dr. Champion's office indicated that there should be no problem. I was approved within 45 days of the initial letter Dr. Champions office sent (they do ALL THE WORK FOR YOU). So far I am most impressed and will be happy to keep you posted as a journey toward my surgery on the 17th..
   — Pat W.