In search of a wls(urgeon)

Hi friends! Here's my dilemna - my surgeon and his team evacuated to Baton Rouge for Katrina and show no signs of returning to New Orleans. Seems they have totally forgotten about their patients here. I've called their new office every day for the last week and have not received a return call. I am in no position to drive to Baton Rouge for follow up visits - I don't drive long distances due to three major auto accidents. I'm looking for a wls group in the immediate New Orleans area or preferably on the West Bank that would take over my care. I'm pretty much low maintenance, no real issues or problems since surgery, but need the usual blood work, etc. Any help/recommendations would be appreciated. thanks, Debbie

Hello Debbie..I am using a Surgical Specialist group out of Covington/Metairie..they have a website as well..whyweight. com Although I am pre-op, I find these physicians and office staff to be very efficient and knowledgable..Dr. Lavin and Dr. Thomas are both national proctors for laproscopic bariatric surgeries..I believe that speaks for itself..They have done hundreds of surgeries if not thousands.. Try this group..I am on a countdown to my surgery date..approx. 2 weeks away!!! Let me know...Deb

Debbie, I had my WLS 8/16/05 Dr Lavin did mine. I have had no problems at all with mine. Cajun Angel I would recommed Dr Lavin to anyone. They have an office in Metairie and one here on the Northsore in Covington. The # to Covington is 985-234-3000 I think the # in Metaire is 504-835-3000 if that # is wrong then just call the Covington office and the girls can give you the Metairie #. take care, Chrissy 226/158/125

Chrissy...I am happy to see that you have had no complications with your surgery...I will have Dr. Michael Thomas do my surgery..I originally wanted Dr. Lavin, but it really didn't matter which one after meeting Dr. Thomas .. The reputation of the Surgical Specialist office speaks for itself..I have heard no negative feedback about any of them..Do you attend any support groups? You haven't updated your profile lately..new pictures?? I notice not writing update since the first of the year.. I am new at this and am anxious to get my surgery..I go to my regular GP's office tomorrow for the medical clearance.. and then I will be going back to covington to do the day of:/nutritionist, surgeon visit, consent, hospital work and pre- op blood..and then................................ a couple of days later hopefully I will be on the schedule for surgery.. Do you still feel well..any foods that you have found that you cannot tolerate? Any concerns with the doctor? fill me in on any info you want to share...Thanks for response...Deb

Hi Debbie, Dr. Ruary O'Connell is reopening his office in New Orleans on Feb. 6th. It's located at 3600 Prytania Ste. 30 and the phone is 504-897-8576. Don't know about the West Bank though (my old stomping grounds!) but Dr. O is a very good surgeon. Katrina messed everyone up in LA but I think things will be getting back to normal now. Hope you get the help you need, Anne

Debbie, I know how you feel but I had the opposite problem--I relocated to AZ and luckily found a doctor here that was willing to take me as a patient. This was especially difficult considering I had the DS and so few dr's are qualified to perform it. I would HIGHLY recommend any of the doctors at Surgical Specialists. You may have met their NP, Chris, at the first NOLA meeting at Kat's (the crawfish boil). I have seen almost every dr at SS (except Dr. Moore) and think they are all great. Good luck, Rhonda