I have struggled with obesity for most of my adult life. I tried several times and methods to lose weight and nothing worked long term. I would lose 25 pounds and gain back 30. I had various weight related issues such as hypertension, sleep apnea, and was well on my way to becoming a diabetic.
A friend of mine had Bariatric Surgery a few years before me and despite his success, I was still skeptical. It wasn't until I met with Dr. Hart in late 2020, that I could see that Bariatric Surgery could help shape my environment to make lifelong changes. So on 2/5/2021, I underwent Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery and thus my journey to better health began. The process before and after my surgery has helped me form a better relationship with food choices and practice portion control. One of the most exciting aspects is I have been sober since my surgery. In August of 2020, my weight was over 360 pounds.
Today, I maintain a weight of around 200 pounds. Losing the weight has helped my confidence, and given me a more optimistic view of the future. In fact, getting healthy has revived my love of running to where as I have run several races since and completed my first Ironman in September of 2023. It wasn't until October 29, 2023 that I truly understood the impact of getting healthy. That day, I suffered from an Ischemic Stroke and firmly believe I am still here today and functioning as well as I am because I got healthy. I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Hart and Atlanta General & Bariatric Surgery for their partnership in building a better me.
I’ve always been a “chunky” girl and have tried every diet out there, without much success. As I’ve gotten older, my weight started causing some health problems. The two that worried me the most were a heart condition and sleep apnea. I had to start medication for my heart and wear a CPAP, and I HATED the CPAP! I was a long-time acid reflux sufferer and took prescription medication daily for most of my adult life.
In February 2022, I decided to take back control and started researching bariatric doctors. Atlanta Bariatrics stood out as one of the best! From the minute I walked into the office, I knew I had made the right decision. Dr. Hart and his team made me feel right at home and helped me through every step of the process. I worked closely with my team, especially my nutritionist. I took to heart everything we talked about and started incorporating some of the strategies well before my surgery – the biggest one for me was giving up Diet Coke!
October 7, 2022, was the big day, and while I was nervous, I was at peace at the same time. My weight on surgery day was 220 lbs. Since surgery, I’ve come off my acid reflux and heart medication and no longer have sleep apnea! I’ve maintained my weight between 130 and 133 lbs easily. I still follow the “rules” and don’t drink for 30 minutes after eating. I still eat on a smaller plate, and I take my vitamins as directed.
Some of the things I’ve been able to do since surgery are JUMP ROPE with my grandkids, walk 45 minutes several times per week without getting out of breath,I have much more confidence in my appearance, and love my new lifestyle. Yes, I do have loose skin…I knew I would and I’m embracing it! My only regret…NOT DOING IT SOONER!”
My starting weight 2/2022 was 238
Surgery weight 220
Current weight 132
I had the gastric sleeve procedure in July 2025. Preparation for the surgery was a lot of Information but easy to follow. The nurses and sta ff went over everything with me. They answered all of my questions and were very helpful. Dr. Williams is the best! He is very nice and knows what he is doing. The surgery went extremely well, it was a quick procedure. I experienced a little pain and vomiting after the surgery but after day 1, I was fine. It was almost like I never had surgery. It's been 2 months since the surgery and I am seeing major results. I have lost 30 lbs in two months and eat in very small portions. I've also been able to exercise. I feel great. More energy and more motivated. I have gained control of my life again. Thanks Dr. Williams and staff!
Dr. Hart and his staff are the absolute best. He had to perform two separate procedures on me three weeks apart. He is one of the best surgeons I know. He is caring and compassionate. He truly is a gifted surgeon. The staff at the surgery center are top notch. They are knowledgeable and kind. They care about each patient and help you get back up on your feet quickly. I adore Dr. Hart and his entire team!!!!
Nothing but positive things to say.
Nothing 100% would do it again! This place and its staff is amazing! I loved my nurse she was great and my doctor is the best.
The entire staff was great. From Erin at check in, to my nurses that helped me both before and after surgery. Sam and Terry were both great and helped ease my mind before surgery
The staff did an outstanding job getting me in quickly for pre/ op and surgery 48 hours after my first office visit with Dr Johnson.
All good, I'm very satisfied
It was an awesome experience, very professional very thorough and very concerned about your questions that you have as a patient treat you with courtesy and respect.
The staff and doctor were amazing across the entire organization. Thank you for taking excellent care of me .
The doctor and staff was very good!
Everyone was great.
Best experience ever in a medical facility. The staff was friendly, caring and compassionate. Will recommend to all my family and friends. They have their act together!
Everything went smoothly from start to finish. The environment was very calm and the staff was very caring. I had no issues when waking from anesthesia and have healed very well.
My procedure went very well with no complications during of after the surgery. Doctor Johnson and the entire staff were excellent and exceptionally professional. The pre-op and post-op nurses were a pleasure to work with. The OR nurse and anesthesiologist were very informative about my procedure and their specific responsibilities. Doctor Johnson was great in setting expectations for me as the patient. I had total confidence in the entire team and they delivered with flying colors!
I can't thank everyone enough from Dr. Hart, his staff, and the staff at the clinic. This was my first experience with a surgery, and I was very anxious going in. They went above and beyond to make me feel at ease, and my recovery has been ahead of schedule.
Above expectations! Thank you!
I want to thank the whole staff with my procedure. I felt very comfortable and they treated me sooo well THANK YOU!
Great experience and standard of care.
Dr Johnson along with all Team took great care of me. I could not imagine anything better! Thank you
Every staff member was wonderful. They was polite, kind, and willing to answer. Any question that I had each facility was nice and clean doing my visit. I did not meet any staff member that was out of order out of line.
Surgery went so well. I asked Dr. Williams did he even do the Procedure because I felt so good only how I really know it got done is because of my incisions and I can't eat other than that. He did a Wonderful job.. He was polite, understanding and explained everything very well. Nice soft spoken man. The nurses at the center was funny. They kept me calm until the doctor came in. The ladies in the operating room has some nice old school music on. I was singing until the anesthesiologist put me to sleep. I woke up in recovery feeling good. I wish I could remember their names because they was wonderful as I was leaving the Atlanta area on Wednesday. One of the nurses called to check up on me and we was laughing great place and yes, I would recommend it to a friend. Thank you
Loved all the nurses and staff!!!
Everyone from scheduling, admitting, nursing and physicians were a ten out of ten. Not only did they exhibit competence in their jobs but also showed concern and compassion for me as an individual. They communicated well with me and with my family as well. Thank you!