J.K. Champion Bariatric Surgeon

My first impression of Dr.Champion was that of a man who deeply cared for his patients. He spent so much time with me and my husband answering the hundreds of questions with asked and never thought any of them to be unreasonable questions. He spent an hour with us telling us about all the surgeries he does and which one he thought would be best for me. I never felt pushed to do the surgery. He just gave me the facts and answered all our questions and let me make up my own mind.
My impression of Dr. Champion only got better the longer I deal with him. He was always there for me. He wouldn't take any guff off me. He won't let you poor me it. He will lay it out straight for you after surgery the things that you will have to do and he is like a father in that he expects you to do it and you feel better knowing that he cares.
His office staff is the absolute best. Michelle his nurse has had the surgery and has lost nearly 200 lbs. She helped me after surgery being able to answer my questions and fears with honest first hand answers and that is really a great help. Especially while you are in mourning for food and you will do that.
That he will save your life and he will change your life. He will always be there for you even years post op.
After care with him never stops. He wants to see you 3 times after surgery the first year and then once a year after that. He will expect you to get bloodwork 2 twice the first year and then yearly thereafter unless you are experiencing any problems. I don't know how many times I called him my first 6 months after surgery and he would always return my calls and walk me through my concerns.
I have heard that he gets upset with you if you don't do what he tells you and sometimes his bedside manner could be better. I never experienced any problems with him. I may be wearing rose colored glasses, but to me he made me a whole healthy person and for that I am very thankful.
He has a great structured aftercare program that his given to you on your pre-op visit. It is filled with great information about what to expect and eat after surgery
He addressed the risks of surgery with the fact that all surgery is a risk, but that being several hundred pounds weight is an even greater risk.
On a scale from 1 to 10 I would rate him a 8 because I don't think anyone is perfect.
Surgical competence in a number one priority with me. I can live without someone holding my hand.

Dr. Champion is everything his name exclaims!!! He is a true "champion" for our cause. My impression of Dr. Champion has only increased over the last couple of years. His staff is great. Especially Michelle. She will spend a great deal of time with you, answering all your questions. She has also had the surgery. She was a patient of Dr. Champions and later went on to work in his office.

Dr. Champion performs the surgery using the latest Laproscopic procedures. I really have no scarring to speak of. If you closely checked out my tummy you would find 3 hairline scars about 1/2 an inch long.
Dr. Champion is a big supporter of aftercare. He requires all his patients to attend a minimum of 5 of his support group meetings. He likes to see his locally patients yearly after the first year. For out of staters, he has them forward copies of bloodwork and their doctors report for his review (at no extra cost!)
He funds an aerobic exercise group for his patients. He has 2 support groups that he attends. I can't say enough about him. He is the kindest man. Each year he has a formal Christmas party for his patients. I can only imagine what costs he must incur. He rents out one of the nicest Marriot's in Atlanta. He provides a meal that is unbelievable. There is music, dancing, even an open bar. Last year he had door prizes. The grand prize was a drawing of all former patients...for the cost of their surgery..paid back to them!!! Can you believe that!
I would encourage anyone considering this surgery to go to Dr. Champion. Even if you live out of state.

On April 11th I met with Dr. Duncan for the first and only time (supposedly) prior to my surgery date of April 15th. If you've read my notes, you know that my surgery was postponed because of issues Dr. Duncan has with equipment at Crawford Long Hospital where I must have my surgery due to insurance requirements. Dr. Duncan was very nice and answered my questions. I will say that Joyce was very nice but seemed so busy it was difficult for her to keep track of what she had told me. When I found out I was approved by my insurance for the surgery, it was because I had called her for something else. I found out about my original surgery date, which was April 29th, because I called her for something else. I believe her comment was "Did I call you and give you your surgery date?" My reply: Uh, NO. Now, I work in the health field and I know it can be busy and hectic but I have noticed a pattern here. Last Thursday when I went for my pre-op visit and prep for surgery on Monday, I spent 2 hours at the office, left and went to the hospital to get my labs done. It was only after I was at the hospital for 2 hours that Joyce spoke with the nurse and told them my surgery was postponed. She did not see me at all while I was in Dr. Duncan's office--and she was there and knew about my appointment--she gave it to me. I'm a little bummed out about all this as you can probably see. I'm trying to keep in mind that with the increase in the number of people wanting bariatric surgery, the duties of the office staff have mushroomed. In spite of all this, I still feel that Dr. Duncan is the best surgeon for my LAP RNY. I will persevere until I get my surgery rescheduled. These are problems that cause me stress but not nearly so much stress as a botched RNY by an inexperienced surgeon.
July 26, 2002--Haven't met with Dr. Champion yet. Pre-op appointment is August 16th. Have heard good things about him.

Dr. Champion is very kind to the needs of his overweight patients. He is a professional and very forthright in speaking about the surgery and is always happy to answer any question. His office staff is TERRIFIC!! I'm lucky to have the BEST surgeon in the country to perform my bypass surgery.

I have never been to a more friendly office his staff was wonderful. After watching a video about the procedures I was able to have an indepth discussion with Dr. Champion.
He was open to all my questions and very nice.

Dr. Champion is my hero and I haven't even had surgery yet! My mother and I went for a joint consulation. Dr. Champion must have the patience of Job to handle all of our questions although most he answered without us asking. The office staff was friendly and I'm looking forward to hearing from them soon with a surgery date!

Now that I've had the surgery, my opinion has changed. Dr. Champion is far better than I could have ever imagined! I hate to sound so biased but I can't help it. He's so down to earth and really wants us post-ops to succeed. To be honest, after comparing him to other physicians, there weren't nearly the number of hoops to jump through and his pre- and post-op routines were very easy to follow. Move over jello and broth... hello mashed potatoes and grits! Now that was a liquid diet I could live with :)

The surgeon was recommended to me by my friend Melissa Sievers, after which, I did extensive research. Dr. Champion is a nationally recognized expert in videoscopic lap surgery. He IS THE BEST! NO ONE IS BETTER! You owe it to yourself to research Dr. Champion. His website is: http://www.drchampion.com Also, the hospital staff was incredible. Absolutely 100% caring!

I have not met Dr. C yet but his reputation is good enough for me and let's go it's SHOWTIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

very to the point. No. I trust him. the staff has been great to call and find out info. I have not found anything not to like about him. he is direct and to the point of weight loss. After care is addressed very detailed. They want it to last. Yes. everything in line of things.They addressed the risks very carefully. I admire his skill to talk to you. Both will be great.

Dr. Champion was an excellent surgeon in the technical proficiency of performing a lap RNY.