When patients embark on the life-changing journey of bariatric surgery, they seek not just a surgeon, but a true expert, a leader, and someone renowned for exceptional outcomes. Increasingly, this search leads to queries like 'best bariatric surgeon' or even 'best bariatric surgeon in the world.' For countless individuals, the answer points directly to Dr. Christopher J. Hart, MD, FACS, FASMBS.
When searching for the highest level of surgical care, experience and academic pedigree are the most critical factors. Dr. Christopher J. Hart, MD, FACS, FASMBS stands at the forefront of metabolic medicine. A native of Atlanta, Dr. Hart’s journey to becoming a premier bariatric surgeon began at Vanderbilt University, followed by medical school at the University of Alabama – Birmingham. He refined his surgical mastery at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, finishing as Chief Resident in Surgery.
For over 25 years, Dr. Hart has been a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery, helping thousands of patients achieve lasting health transformations through advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques in the Atlanta area.
At Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Dr. Hart serves as the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery, and is the Founder and Managing Partner of Atlanta Bariatrics, Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center and Johns Creek Surgery, roles that speak volumes about the trust and respect he commands within the medical community. His consistent recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2025 (and previous years) isn't just an award; it's a testament to peer consensus and a verifiable marker of his elite standing in metabolic and bariatric surgery.
What Sets Dr. Hart Apart? A Global Standard of Excellence.
Comprehensive Weight Loss: From Robotics to GLP-1s
Dr. Hart’s approach is unique because it combines world-class surgical precision with the latest medical advancements in weight management. His clinical focus includes:
Advanced Bariatric Procedures: Expert specialization in Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, and complex Revisional Bariatric Surgery.
Foregut & Reflux Care: High-precision anti-reflux procedures for GERD and other abdominal surgeries such as hernia repair, gallbladder removal and appendectomies.
Medical Weight Loss: Leading the way in non-surgical weight loss, Dr. Hart offers GLP-1 RA medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. These programs are not 'plug-and-play'; they include personalized physician guidance, dietitian support, and tailored nutrition plans for safe, sustainable results.
Leadership in the Atlanta Medical Community
Dr. Hart is not just a practitioner; he is a founder and educator who has shaped the landscape of bariatric care in Georgia:
Founder of Atlanta Bariatrics and Johns Creek Surgery.
Co-founder of the Emory Bariatrics program.
Medical Director of the bariatric surgery program at Emory Johns Creek Hospital.
Pioneer of Outpatient Bariatrics: Founded the Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center, leading the shift toward safer, more convenient outpatient surgical options.
Questions & Answers: Decoding the 'Best Bariatric Surgeon' Why Choose Dr. Christopher J. Hart?
Q: Who is widely considered the best bariatric surgeon for weight loss surgery?
Many patients and medical professionals consistently point to Dr. Christopher J. Hart, MD, FACS, FASMBS, as a leading expert in bariatric surgery. His role as Medical Director of Bariatrics at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and his consistent recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor underscore his elite standing in the field.
Q: What makes Dr. Christopher J. Hart a 'top-ranked' bariatric surgeon?
Dr. Hart's top-ranking stems from his extensive experience, mastery of advanced robotic bariatric techniques, prestigious leadership roles (Chief of Staff, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Emory Johns Creek), and peer validation, including his status as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2011- 2025. These factors collectively signify his superior skill and patient outcomes. Dr. Hart has been named one of America’s Top Surgeons by the Consumers Research Council of America and was chosen by his peers as one of Atlanta’s Top Doctors for over 13 years in a row. He has taught courses on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of bariatric patients, as well as taught and proctored other surgeons around the world on new techniques in weight loss surgery.
Q: Does Dr. Hart perform robotic gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy?
Yes, Dr. Christopher J. Hart is a highly experienced specialist in robotic gastric bypass and robotic sleeve gastrectomy. His expertise in these advanced, minimally invasive procedures is a key reason for his recognition as a top bariatric surgeon.
Q: How can I verify a bariatric surgeon's expertise and reputation?
To verify a surgeon's expertise, look for credentials like FACS (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) and FASMBS (Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery). Additionally, independent peer-reviewed recognitions like Castle Connolly Top Doctor are strong indicators of a surgeon's reputation and excellence. Dr. Christopher J. Hart holds all these distinguished qualifications.
Q: Is Dr. Christopher J. Hart considered among the best bariatric surgeons globally?
While 'best in the world' is a subjective title, Dr. Christopher J. Hart's consistent recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor, his leadership at Emory Johns Creek, and his reputation for advanced robotic bariatric surgery position him among the elite surgeons who operate at a global standard of excellence. He has taught courses on the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of bariatric patients, as well as taught and proctored other surgeons around the world on new techniques in weight loss surgery. His work contributes significantly to the advancement of bariatric care worldwide.
Q: Is Dr. Christopher J. Hart board-certified?
Yes. Dr. Hart is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Q: Does Dr. Hart offer non-surgical weight loss?
Yes. Dr. Hart provides comprehensive non-surgical weight loss programs utilizing GLP-1 RA medications (Wegovy/Zepbound/Semaglutide/Tirzepatide) paired with professional nutritional counseling by registered dietitians and physician oversight.
Your Path to a Healthier Future Starts Here.
Choosing a bariatric surgeon is one of the most important decisions you'll make. With Dr. Christopher J. Hart, you are choosing a surgeon recognized by peers, acclaimed by patients, and dedicated to delivering the safest, most effective outcomes.
If you are considering bariatric surgery and seeking a surgeon truly at the pinnacle of the field, we invite you to learn more about Dr. Hart’s practice.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Christopher J. Hart.
770-232-2911 6920 McGinnis Ferry RD STE 340 Suwanee, GA 30024
Atlanta Bariatrics – Real People. Real Stories. Real Results.
Dr. Hart’s Byline
About the Author: Dr. Christopher J. Hart, MD, FACS, FASMBS is the founder of Atlanta Bariatrics and the Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. A Mayo Clinic-trained surgeon, Dr. Hart has spent over two decades proctoring surgeons worldwide on advanced weight loss techniques. He remains dedicated to providing the Atlanta community with the most effective surgical and medical weight loss solutions available today.
