Is there anyone in Bossier City/Shreveport who can help me

Shreveport is my old stomping grounds. My parents and sister still live there. Actually, my sis is an OR nurse who has attended many GB operations.

Well if you are ever in this neck of the woods let me know.  Maybe we can meet for coffee.   What hospital does your sister work at?  I am assuming either Doctors or Schumpert since those are the two that do the most WLS.  I know Willis Knighton has started doing WLS.

Actually, she did work at Willis Knighton. But, her last job was some hospital (Line Ave)? that closed last year and made it into a psych ward. She thinks it will close too. Next time I'm up thata way I'll give you a buzz. I'd love to have coffee with ya J

Hi my name is Keisha . I live in Shreveport , La and I am having gastric bypass on June 27. The doctor that is doing my procedure is Dr. Jones. The reason why I am choosing him is because he has done over 3,000 surgeries. So my biggest concern is finding someone who has had a lot of experience with this type of surgery. Now the idea he only does it open makes me real nervous. But somebody who has been doing this since the 70's has to know a lot. But I understand if you want the lapband. He does not like the lapband so he stopped doing them. I wanted to do the lapband but by me being a Type 1 diabetic my endocrinologist suggested gastric.  I am very nervous to but if you ever need anybody to talk to you can ask me. I will let you know how everything goes after my surgery if you wanna know anything.

Keisha, I believe you have made an excellent choice in a surgeon.  He is a Pioneer in weight loss surgery.  There are so many surgeons doing it now and some are even going city to city doing seminars for business.  If Dr. Jones says the lap band is not a good procedure it comes with years of knowledge and credibility.  There are a lot of people out there that have had lap gastric bypass who are now gaining weight because their pouch was not made small enough.  I understand his open procedure makes a smaller slanted scar than was used at first. I would trust the opinion of Dr. Jones over any of the newer surgeons.  Weight loss surgery is his baby.  He started doing it to help people like us not just for the big money.  Once other surgeons saw the $$ potential they all hopped on board. 

Thank you for the insight. I have many friends that have had WLS. Some used Jones and had bypass, some used the Barnes' and had lap band. I am really leaning towards lap band. I have been reading up on all of the options since starting my journey last year. I am most comfortable with the lapband.  Anytime you want to get coffee or you need someone to talk to I am here! Since we are in the same city basically! Where do you work? I work at AT&T on Dee st. ....and found out my insurance pays 90%! I was ecstatic! I also found out my insurance is one of the easiest to get approved because they see the bottom line in the future....less money for health problems after a little investment now for the surgery! I go on July 14 for the "seminar" at Dr. Barnes office to learn more. If I am not comfortable then I may go to Dr Jones and have a consultation. I just want to make the best choice that I am happy with in the long run.

Hey Amanda,  I live here in Bossier City and am just starting on this whole journey like you.  I too am leaning towards the lap band.  My best friend had RNY about 4 years ago and has kept off pretty much all her weight but is really having problems with absorbing what she needs from her food and that whole thing scares me.  I like the less invasive aspect of the band.  and that it is reversible if something were to go really wrong.  I have already had a total hip replacement ( I am only 36 - had it 4 yrs ago) and was totally freaked out by doing something so permanent even thought i badly needed it.  So I know myself enought to know that removing part of my stomach is not for me.   Anyway, I actually just got my PCM to put in the referral for me to Dr Barnes.  We are military so he seemed to be the one that had the most Tricare patients according to this board....and my PCM, although she asked me who i wanted to see, said that she herself would go to Barnes if she were to need any laproscopic belly surgery....like gallbladder etc.  So, I am currently waiting to see if Tricare approves me....and then I all I have to do is make an appt with Barnes.  So far easier than I was expecting....but I am ready for a fight with Tricare if needed.  I am only a 41 BMI but have high blood pressure plus the hip issues....  Scared, apprehensive and excited too!  Have not really heard anything on Dr Jones.....Merriman was/is my second choice. Karla S

Dr Jones did many of my friends......but so did the Barnes.  I go july 14th for my seminar/consultation. I am excited.   I am having major glucophage issues right now. Lots of problems and I am not even at my full dose. Gettin ready for work.....i actually woke up and thought it was saturday.....lol......

Amanda and Karla,  I too am just starting my WLS journey.  I chose Dr.Merriman and had my initial consultation almost 2 weeks ago.  Dr. Merriman does Lap Band and RNY (gastric bypass).  With the RNY, you normally lose weight faster than with the band.  With the RNY, you have malabsorption issues.    I cannot have the RNY because of my Parkinson's disease and the way my meds are broken down and absorbed in my body.  Dr. Merriman came highly recommended by many people.  He also has an evening talk/senminar  My middle daughter has lost 90 lbs. with her band. I also live in  Bossier City, moved here in March.  I don't know many people.  Hollar at me anytime, love to visit.