Dr. Chu/ Dr. Stevens in Lafayette, LA

I am looking into have WLS after being obese for the past 10 years. My insurance is Cigna PPO for HCA employees and the only in-network physician / hospital combo. is Dr. Chu or Dr. Stevens at SW med center in Lafayette. I had hoped to use Dr. Jones in Shreveport or Dr. Martin in New Orleans but can not afford to pay out of pocket for all of this. Any information about these doctors would be appreciated. I am very afraid to have surgery by someone I do not know anything about. Thank you for your time and support. Charlotte

6 months Post Op 2/11/03 -90 pounds/Lap RNY Dr Chu was my Dr and she is the "Greatest" I love her. When I went to her on Feb.6th, I knew she was the Dr for me. I had several e-mails from patients that came from Texas just to have her as their Dr. Now, I can see why! I came from Lake Charles to use her and wasn't dissapointed in the least. She spends as much time with you as needed going over the pros and cons. You see a video and, of course there is Kelly, Dr Chu's right arm! They are all wonderful, including the hospital. A great dietician to boot! My 1st consult was 2/06/03 and I had surgery 2/11/03. Wow......... Was that fast or what! I had been approved by Aetna when I went, so all there was to do was pick a date. If, I could have had it that same day I would have. Dr Stevens is also very good. He does assist with Dr Chu and visa versa. I was in the hospital 2 days, but not full days. I was released on the 2 day early in the morning. I have lost 90 pounds as of my 6 months checkup last week. It has been such an incrediable easy procedure, that it seems unreal to me. I'm healthier now, than I was when I was in my 20/30's. I've gone from 24/26's in 5 months to 10/12's and am toning up quite nicely, besides. This surgery has changed my life, just like so many others. Please feel free to e-mail any time you wish. I care and would love to be of help and support! God Bless! Hazel Sonnier