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Lisa Hilton, MD

Affiliate

Specialties

General Surgery
Bariatric Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Lisa Hilton, MD

Surgeon affiliated with Wellstar since 2017.

Affiliate

Specialties

General Surgery
Bariatric Surgery

Education & Training

Doctor of Medicine

Surgeon affiliated with Wellstar since 2017
  • A friendly image of Lisa Lisa Hilton, MD
  • Office Locations
  • Expertise
  • Patient Reviews
  • Publications & Articles

Office Locations


Expertise

About Lisa Hilton, MD

Dr. L. Renee Hilton-Rowe is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Medical Center. She is the Section Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery and the Director of the Center of Obesity and Metabolism at Augusta University. She is the past ASMBS State Access to Care Representative for the state of Georgia and is currently serving as the immediate past president of the Georgia ASMBS state chapter. She is the Access to Care Committee Chair for ASMBS. She is also a board member for the ASMBSPAC Board of Directors. She is the current Women Surgeons Chair, Georgia Society American College of Surgeons. She serves on numerous other committees within ASMBS as well as SAGES. She was recently named Surgical Quality Officer for Wellstar Medical College of Georgia.

She completed her general surgery residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital at the University of Miami and then fellowship in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery at Yale University. She serves in multiple leadership roles within the surgery department at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in addition to being section chief of MIS. She is also a Longitudinal Career Advisor for the Medical College of Georgia and currently advises over 150 medical students.

Her main professional and scientific interests focus on access to care, advocacy, minimally invasive surgery of the foregut, bariatric surgery, complex reoperative bariatric surgery, adolescent bariatric surgery, women’s health and obesity, racial disparities in bariatric and minimally invasive surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and achalasia.

She currently resides and practices in Augusta, Georgia. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, boating, traveling and pretty much any activity that involves the outdoors.

Specialties

  • General Surgery
  • Bariatric Surgery

Education & Training

  • Medical College of Georgia-Augusta University

Degree

  • Doctor of Medicine

Residency

  • University of Miami/Jackson Health System

Fellowship

  • Yale-New Haven Medical Center Program

Certifications

  • American Board of Surgery

Hospital Affiliations

  • Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center

Languages spoken

  • English

Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures

  • Adrenal Surgery
  • Complex Gastrointestinal Surgery
  • Gallbladder Surgery
  • Robotic Surgery

Patient Reviews

Overall patient rating

4.6

Based on 30 patient ratings

I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust

All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.

Patient Reviews

5

Dr. Hilton has done surgery on me twice and I trust her without reservation. She is upfront and honest which I totally respect. An excellent surgeon that I trusty completely.

September 27, 2025

5

From the intake to the interview to the discussion everything was handled very cordially and professional. Looking forward to follow-up after tests reviewed.

September 27, 2025

5

My first visit was very informative and I felt comfortable discussing my condition.

September 20, 2025

5

Dr Hilton is amazing. One of the best physicians we have at Wellstar!

September 19, 2025

5

Very fast and professional service.

September 12, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has outstanding patient care. She one of those rare doctors who cares. I have meet alot of doctors in my life and she is one of those who give the honest truth.

September 12, 2025

5

The Doctors, Nurses and the Staff was absolutely great.

September 12, 2025

5

I really enjoyed my experience ience they gave me some videos

September 6, 2025

5

The staff is always kind and helpful. They take the time to answer all of my questions.

August 30, 2025

5

Friendly knowledgeable just a pleasure to talk with

August 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her team were professional, thorough, and patient in explaining and answering all of my questions. From check-in and vitals to the provider visit, nurse navigator, and lab technicians, the entire experience was excellent. I felt very comfortable and confident in the care I received.

August 22, 2025

5

My experience with Dr. Hilton was EXCELLENT!!! However, my experience with my insurance coverage is HORRIBLE!!!

July 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her staff are the absolute best!!!

July 20, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has done surgery on me twice and I trust her without reservation. She is upfront and honest which I totally respect. An excellent surgeon that I trusty completely.

September 27, 2025

5

From the intake to the interview to the discussion everything was handled very cordially and professional. Looking forward to follow-up after tests reviewed.

September 27, 2025

5

My first visit was very informative and I felt comfortable discussing my condition.

September 20, 2025

5

Dr Hilton is amazing. One of the best physicians we have at Wellstar!

September 19, 2025

5

Very fast and professional service.

September 12, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has outstanding patient care. She one of those rare doctors who cares. I have meet alot of doctors in my life and she is one of those who give the honest truth.

September 12, 2025

5

The Doctors, Nurses and the Staff was absolutely great.

September 12, 2025

5

I really enjoyed my experience ience they gave me some videos

September 6, 2025

5

The staff is always kind and helpful. They take the time to answer all of my questions.

August 30, 2025

5

Friendly knowledgeable just a pleasure to talk with

August 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her team were professional, thorough, and patient in explaining and answering all of my questions. From check-in and vitals to the provider visit, nurse navigator, and lab technicians, the entire experience was excellent. I felt very comfortable and confident in the care I received.

August 22, 2025

5

My experience with Dr. Hilton was EXCELLENT!!! However, my experience with my insurance coverage is HORRIBLE!!!

July 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her staff are the absolute best!!!

July 20, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has done surgery on me twice and I trust her without reservation. She is upfront and honest which I totally respect. An excellent surgeon that I trusty completely.

September 27, 2025

5

From the intake to the interview to the discussion everything was handled very cordially and professional. Looking forward to follow-up after tests reviewed.

September 27, 2025

5

My first visit was very informative and I felt comfortable discussing my condition.

September 20, 2025

5

Dr Hilton is amazing. One of the best physicians we have at Wellstar!

September 19, 2025

5

Very fast and professional service.

September 12, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has outstanding patient care. She one of those rare doctors who cares. I have meet alot of doctors in my life and she is one of those who give the honest truth.

September 12, 2025

5

The Doctors, Nurses and the Staff was absolutely great.

September 12, 2025

5

I really enjoyed my experience ience they gave me some videos

September 6, 2025

5

The staff is always kind and helpful. They take the time to answer all of my questions.

August 30, 2025

5

Friendly knowledgeable just a pleasure to talk with

August 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her team were professional, thorough, and patient in explaining and answering all of my questions. From check-in and vitals to the provider visit, nurse navigator, and lab technicians, the entire experience was excellent. I felt very comfortable and confident in the care I received.

August 22, 2025

5

My experience with Dr. Hilton was EXCELLENT!!! However, my experience with my insurance coverage is HORRIBLE!!!

July 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her staff are the absolute best!!!

July 20, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has done surgery on me twice and I trust her without reservation. She is upfront and honest which I totally respect. An excellent surgeon that I trusty completely.

September 27, 2025

5

From the intake to the interview to the discussion everything was handled very cordially and professional. Looking forward to follow-up after tests reviewed.

September 27, 2025

5

My first visit was very informative and I felt comfortable discussing my condition.

September 20, 2025

5

Dr Hilton is amazing. One of the best physicians we have at Wellstar!

September 19, 2025

5

Very fast and professional service.

September 12, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has outstanding patient care. She one of those rare doctors who cares. I have meet alot of doctors in my life and she is one of those who give the honest truth.

September 12, 2025

5

The Doctors, Nurses and the Staff was absolutely great.

September 12, 2025

5

I really enjoyed my experience ience they gave me some videos

September 6, 2025

5

The staff is always kind and helpful. They take the time to answer all of my questions.

August 30, 2025

5

Friendly knowledgeable just a pleasure to talk with

August 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her team were professional, thorough, and patient in explaining and answering all of my questions. From check-in and vitals to the provider visit, nurse navigator, and lab technicians, the entire experience was excellent. I felt very comfortable and confident in the care I received.

August 22, 2025

5

My experience with Dr. Hilton was EXCELLENT!!! However, my experience with my insurance coverage is HORRIBLE!!!

July 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her staff are the absolute best!!!

July 20, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her staff are the absolute best!!!

July 20, 2025

5

My experience with Dr. Hilton was EXCELLENT!!! However, my experience with my insurance coverage is HORRIBLE!!!

July 24, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton and her team were professional, thorough, and patient in explaining and answering all of my questions. From check-in and vitals to the provider visit, nurse navigator, and lab technicians, the entire experience was excellent. I felt very comfortable and confident in the care I received.

August 22, 2025

5

Friendly knowledgeable just a pleasure to talk with

August 24, 2025

5

The staff is always kind and helpful. They take the time to answer all of my questions.

August 30, 2025

5

I really enjoyed my experience ience they gave me some videos

September 6, 2025

5

The Doctors, Nurses and the Staff was absolutely great.

September 12, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has outstanding patient care. She one of those rare doctors who cares. I have meet alot of doctors in my life and she is one of those who give the honest truth.

September 12, 2025

5

Very fast and professional service.

September 12, 2025

5

Dr Hilton is amazing. One of the best physicians we have at Wellstar!

September 19, 2025

5

My first visit was very informative and I felt comfortable discussing my condition.

September 20, 2025

5

From the intake to the interview to the discussion everything was handled very cordially and professional. Looking forward to follow-up after tests reviewed.

September 27, 2025

5

Dr. Hilton has done surgery on me twice and I trust her without reservation. She is upfront and honest which I totally respect. An excellent surgeon that I trusty completely.

September 27, 2025

Publications and Articles

A young woman lifts weights in the gym

6 Weight Loss Questions Answered by Our Experts

People who want to lose weight have more options than ever before. However, deciding which one to pursue can be a challenge. Should you go for lifestyle changes alone? Consider weight loss surgery? Or look into injectable weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy?

We asked two Wellstar physicians to weigh in on this popular topic—and their answers might surprise you. Dr. Lisa Hilton is director of minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center and director of the Center of Obesity and Metabolism at Augusta University. Dr. Mitzi Rubin is a family medicine physician and director of the Wellstar Center for Best Health. Here’s what these two experts have to say about obesity, treatment options and the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight loss.

Let’s cut to the chase: What is the best way to lose weight?

Dr. Rubin: There is no magic fix that works for everyone. Many people have tried every fad diet out there. They’ve tried being more active. Maybe they’ve even had bariatric surgery or used injectable weight loss drugs—but nothing works. If this sounds like you, schedule an appointment at a comprehensive weight loss center. Find one that offers medical and surgical treatment options and personalized recommendations. And make sure they provide ongoing support to help you meet and maintain your weight loss goals.

Dr. Hilton: Both of our centers take this comprehensive approach. We use every tool available to treat obesity. You may be successful with lifestyle changes alone, or perhaps you need to meet with a behavioral therapist or consider surgery, medicine or a combination of therapies. Everyone is unique, and their treatment plan has to be unique too.

What’s your take on weight loss injectables—are you a fan?

Dr. Rubin: I’m excited about drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, which people sometimes refer to as GLP-1s. They work because they control your appetite and reduce ‘food noise,’ a persistent, unwanted focus on food.

However, not everyone can tolerate the side effects, which include nausea, constipation and diarrhea. If you want to lose more than 20% of your body weight, using one of those drugs alone probably won’t get you there. Another consideration is that many people need to continue taking these drugs for life—even after they reach their weight loss goals.

What are some misconceptions about bariatric surgery?

Dr. Hilton: Two big misconceptions are that bariatric surgery is dangerous and it doesn’t work. Here’s what I’d say: First, bariatric surgery is as safe as a routine procedure like gallbladder removal. Second, bariatric surgery is the most long-lasting and effective treatment for obesity available. Most people who have bariatric surgery maintain their weight loss at the 10-year mark.

With weight loss drugs dominating the headlines, have you noticed a shift away from surgery?

Dr. Hilton: Yes, but I think that’s temporary. The drugs are sparking conversations about obesity and weight loss, which is a good thing. Patients who have never considered bringing up obesity to their primary care provider are asking about the injectables. They’re making appointments at a comprehensive weight loss center, and they are discovering they have a lot of choices. It isn’t ‘medicine or surgery’ or ‘medicine versus surgery.’ Sometimes the best answer is both.

Can you share a weight loss success story with us?

Dr. Rubin: We’ve had so many success stories. One of our rock star patients has lost 250 pounds under our care. Now, she’s living her life again. Her diabetes is in remission, and her cholesterol has improved. She’s no longer depressed and isolated. My whole team is so proud of her—she has completely changed her lifestyle, sees our dietitian regularly and attends our support group. Another patient has lost 135 pounds. He and his wife are losing weight together, and it’s fantastic.

Dr. Hilton: We ask our patients at their first visit, ‘What does success look like to you?’ Most have a number in mind, but non-scale victories are important too. Some want to get off their diabetes medicine or shop in a regular store instead of a big and tall store. Others want to take their kids to Disney World or a water park and have fun on the rides—not just watch.

What is the No. 1 key to weight loss success?

Dr. Rubin: The key is to make lasting lifestyle changes. Medication and bariatric surgery can only get you so far. If you are ready to make these changes, consider finding a team who offers personalized, long-term support. Dr. Hilton, myself and others at Wellstar are here to help!

Ready to take your first step? If you’re considering lifestyle changes, medication or surgery for weight loss, it all starts with a conversation. Schedule a visit with your primary care clinician to discuss your goals, health history and next steps.

Continue reading this article
Lisa Hilton, MD
Surgeon affiliated with Wellstar since 2017
Rating
4.6
Specialties
General Surgery , Bariatric Surgery
Education
Doctor of Medicine
Medical School
Medical College of Georgia-Augusta University
Residency
University of Miami/Jackson Health System
Fellowship
Yale-New Haven Medical Center Program
Certifications
American Board of Surgery
Spoken Languages
English
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center
Office Locations
www.wellstar.org/physicians/lisa-hilton-md
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