Surgery is only one part of your health journey. Whether you have undergone bariatric surgery or a general surgery procedure, physical therapy can play an important role in helping you regain strength, mobility, and confidence as you recover. At Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center, we are committed to supporting our patients well beyond the operating room. As part of that commitment, we refer our patients to Northside Hospital Rehabilitation Services, a trusted network of highly trained therapists serving the greater Atlanta area.
If you have questions about whether physical therapy is appropriate for your recovery, speak with your surgeon at your next follow-up appointment.
Northside Hospital Rehabilitation Services(opens in a new tab) is dedicated to improving the quality of life and abilities of patients in need of rehabilitation care. Their talented, highly trained therapists use innovative, evidence-based practices to provide exceptional individualized attention, with a goal of getting patients back to an active lifestyle where they can do the things that matter most to them. Northside offers physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, audiology, and specialized rehabilitation programs, as well as virtual visit options for patients who prefer telehealth.
Northside Rehabilitation Services has multiple locations throughout the greater Atlanta area, including locations convenient to our Johns Creek surgery center:
Alpharetta Rehab 3400 Old Milton Parkway, Building C, Suite 345, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Phone: 770-667-4231 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Get Directions
Forsyth Rehab 2000 Howard Farm Drive, Suite 120, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 770-844-3650 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Get Directions
Gwinnett Outpatient Center 665 Duluth Highway, Suite 600, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 Phone: 678-312-2803 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Get Directions
For a full list of Northside Rehabilitation locations across the Atlanta area, visit northsiderehabilitation.com/locations.
Not every bariatric surgery patient will require formal physical therapy, but many benefit from it — particularly those who were sedentary before surgery, those managing joint pain or mobility limitations related to excess weight, or those who want structured guidance as they begin to incorporate exercise into their post-operative routine. Physical therapy can help you build strength safely, improve flexibility and balance, and establish healthy movement habits that support long-term weight loss success. If you are unsure whether physical therapy is right for your recovery, ask your surgeon at your next follow-up and we will help point you in the right direction.
The timing depends on the type of procedure you had and your individual recovery progress. In general, light walking is encouraged starting the day of surgery, but more structured physical therapy is typically introduced once your surgeon clears you for increased activity, usually within a few weeks after your procedure. Starting too early or pushing too hard before the body has had time to heal can slow your recovery, so it is important to follow your surgeon's specific guidance before beginning a formal therapy program. Northside Rehabilitation Services will coordinate with your care team to ensure your program is appropriate for your stage of recovery.
After a general surgery procedure such as hernia repair, gallbladder removal, or colon surgery, physical therapy may focus on restoring core strength and abdominal function, improving mobility and flexibility, managing scar tissue, and returning safely to daily activities or work. The approach varies depending on the procedure and your individual needs. Northside Rehabilitation's therapists use evidence-based techniques and individualized programming to help each patient achieve the best possible outcome. Virtual visit options are also available for patients who prefer to work with a therapist from home.
If you are an AGBASC patient and believe physical therapy would benefit your recovery, speak with your surgeon at your next post-operative appointment. Our team can provide a referral to Northside Hospital Rehabilitation Services and help coordinate your care. You can also contact Northside Rehabilitation directly at 404-236-8030 or visit northsiderehabilitation.com to learn more about their services and locations.
In most cases, physical therapy is covered by insurance when it is medically necessary and ordered by a physician. Coverage varies by plan, so it is a good idea to verify your benefits with your insurance provider before your first appointment. Northside Hospital Rehabilitation Services accepts most major insurance plans. Contact your insurer or Northside directly to confirm coverage and understand any out-of-pocket costs before beginning treatment.