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Healthier futures are possible for obese patients. Working with primary care physicians and specialists, the Atrium Health Floyd Bariatric Surgery team has successfully helped over a thousand people whose health was being severely compromised by excessive weight.

For specific questions or office materials, contact Jennifer Helbing, customer liaison representative at 706-509-3055 or email weightlossfloyd@atriumhealth.org​.

Make the Referral

  1. Educate your patient with an informational referral folder provided to you or by using this website. If you need information referral folders, contact Jennifer Helbing​ at 706-509-3055.
  2. Have the patient contact our ​patient navigator ​at 706-509-5122. She’ll guide your patient through our process.

Forms

Patients should have the following two forms completed by their primary care physician.

Patient Selection Guide

Patients who are 100 pounds or more overweight, or 75 pounds overweight with obesity-related comorbidities could benefit from surgical intervention to help them lose much of their excess weight and maintain that weight loss for the rest of their lives.

Our research-driven guidelines help us to determine which candidates are best suited for bariatric surgery. Following these guidelines helps us to provide the safest, most effective, highest quality experience for our patients.

Candidates for bariatric surgery must meet the following criteria:

  • Body Mass Index > 40 (100 lbs. overweight) 
  • Body Mass Index > 35 (75 lbs. overweight) and have one or more obesity-​related health condition
  • Demonstrate mental preparedness for surgery
  • Willingness to commit to a healthy, active lifestyle and long-term follow-up care
  • Prior non-surgical attempts at weight loss (patients must have attempted other forms of weight loss prior to considering surgery)
  • Supportive family/social environment
  • Non-smoker for at least six weeks before surgery and continue for a lifetime
  • 18 years old or older
  • Able to handle significant lifestyle changes

Accreditation and Quality

Our bariatric surgery center has been accredited as a Comprehensive Center under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP®), a joint program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). 

Financial Options Available

Because of the health benefits, many insurance companies will cover bariatric surgery. However, some do not. Please do not let this discourage your patients from making a decision that ​could drastically improve their health. Our financial counselors can assist patients with the necessary inquiries and forms. Financing is available through several national companies for qualified applicants, and our financial counselors will help guide them​ through the application process and advise them of the many financial options and strategies available.​