surgeon in louisiana still wanted

thanks to all who gave me leads on surgeons...sadly...none of those were in network with united health care insurance the only surgeons i could find that was in network was at oschner in new orleans...anybody else go to new orleans for their surgery? if so i would love to chat with you...please let me know!!!

Bobby, FYI: I'm a registered nurse... I have worked with that physician (Dr Richardson) at Ochsner... and he's fantastic I have even chosen him to do MY RNY there it's a GOOD choice, and I know it's a bit of a drive for you... but VERY worth it... I'm coming from Texas (transplanted after Katrina) for mine

I take it you're having your surgery at Ochsner. The last I heard was you weren't having it due to having to self-pay. I guess things have changed for you. I'm very happy for you. I wrote you a while back to tell you that Dr. Richardson did my surgery in December 2005 and I agree with you - he's excellent. When are you having your surgery? I was self-pay and don't regret it. I wish, of course, that United had paid for it. United does pay for it, but my employer's specific policy has a written exclusion. But, I would still do it again. Good luck.

I finally got approved through Humana and Dr Richardson's office (so the humana website says) soooo I am hoping to have a date soon!!

Bobby....did you check Dr Stevens and Chu and now a new partner...in Lafayette? dr Stevens number is 337-988-8880. My husband used Dr Stevens in Oct and United Heath Care approved. Let me know!

I had my surgery in New Orleans with Dr. Martin. I have a 6 hr drive each time I go for a check up, but I do not regret ONE minute of it. My insurance did a "pilot program" and paid for 100% of my surgery, but I did have to go to New Orleans to have it done. A friend paid for the hotel the 10 days I stay there pre-op and post-op, and I have only had to pay for a motel once or twice when I have traveled there. My doctor's moved to Baton Rouge for a year after Katrina, but have recently moved back to N.O. I have an appointment Monday Feb.5 and will go down early Sunday and spend the night in a motel and come back Monday. A friend is going with me and paying for the motel. It is a "mini-vacation" for us!!!! Hope all goes well with your plan. Hugs, Pam

Bobby--I just got home from Ochsner yesterday after having Lap RNY with Dr. Kennedy on Monday. Although they were a bit short-handed and I had to stay in Recovery for 28 hours while waiting for a room, everyone was very nice. The staff was very professional and I never felt like I was ignored. I have UHC (PPO) and so far, I've only had to pay less than $40 for a few of my pre-op tests and $130 for a prescription for prevacid (which isn't the preferred treatment or something). Of course, I haven't gotten the bill yet for my part of the surgery, but what I'm saying is that I didn't have to pay anything at the hospital at all. I'm not sure how far you'd have to drive, but I rode home to Covington (about 1 hour) two days after surgery without any problem. Good luck on your decision and let me know if you have any more questions about Ochsner or Dr. Kennedy. Jen

Hi Jen, I am in Covington too. Dr. Kennedy performed my surgery on December 4th, 2006. Obviously, I am 8 weeks out and eating only softs foods. I would love to chat with you. It would be grand to have someone from my area as new at this as I. In fact, I would love to invite you be my YMCA partner..... when I start going!!!! Holly

Dr. Martin in New Orleans does take UHC because he is my doctor and that is who did my surgery and my follow up care. He works at Touro Medical Center. Here is some info Touro Weight Management Center 1401 Foucher Street Building R. 6th Floor New Orleans, La 70115 (504)897-7546

Hey if you want to travel to Marrero Dr. Charles Thomas is Great. I have an appt. on Feb. 13 to get an OR date