Has anyone used a surgeon in Lafayette or Lake Charles?

I am in the researching stage. I thought I wanted a lap band, but am being steered away from it. I tend to graze, and I understand that it is easier to defeat a lap band than a bypass. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has used the surgeons in Lafayette or Lake Charles. peggyt

Hi Peggy, If you want to hear about some lap band experiences, I would be glad to correspond with you. Grazing isn't a big problem if you can graze on healthy choices. In my opinion, the lap band only starts much harder, but in the long run (18 months plus) you will have some of the same issues as your RNY pouch starts to adjust. I've had a very painless transition to a normal lifestyle where me and my family can eat the same things. Grazing isn't as much as a problem as binging or being an emotional eater. If you have those issues, they have to be address no matter which method you choose. Latest reports say only 30 percent of RNY patients have the dumping syndrome keeping them off sweets and sugar. OK, commercial off. Andrew Hardgroder does some surgeries in Lafayette and Dr. Chung performs at Woman's and Childrens in Lake Charles. I have a good friend on this board, Ella Nchanted, who used Dr. Chung. Most Louisiana doctors do more RNY than lap band if they do both types. That is the case with both of these doctors. I wish you well in your journey! Frances

Thanks Frances, I enjoyed reading your blog. I know that some of my eating is emotional - happy, sad, stressed you name it. I have spoken with Dr. Chung. I just wanted to hear from someone who used him. I would like to hear what your friend thought of him and his program. Peggy

I will have SueElla email you. I have a great deal of respect for Dr. Chung, but it comes from word of mouth, research and the level of compassion demonstrated in his office. All my best to you, Frances

HEY PEGGY, I ALSO WAS THINKING THE LAP BAND AT FIRST AND DECIDED AGAINST IT ,JUST B/C I WAS TOLD ITS EASIER TO "CHEAT" ON.. JUST IT WASNT FOR ME , I AM A ALL OR NONE PERSON AND THATS WHAT IT IS , WELL FOR ME , SO IT WAS PERFECT,, THERE'S ALOT OF DIFFERENT REASONS TO GET EACH ONE AND WHATEVER ONE A PERSON DECIDES IS FOR THEM IS AWESOME!! I DON'T KNOW ANY IN LAKE CHARLES OTHER THAN DR. CHUNG AND I ONLY KNOW HIM B/C HE USED TO TAKE MEDICAID AND I WAS GOING TO GO WITH HIM, HIS OFFICE SEEMED TO BE VERY VERY NICE AND COMPASIONATE, AS FAR AS HIM, I NEVER MET HIM BUT ASK SUELLA SHE USED HIM AND HE ENDED UP BEING A ANGEL TO HER,, BEST OF LUCK

I went to Dr. Stevens @ Hamilton Medical Group in Lafayette. Dr. Chu is also in the office with him. I love them both and all the office staff were wonderful. Their phone number is 337-988-8880. They have nutrition classes and support groups they teach you so much. I had RNY on 11-17-05 so next week will be three months and I've lost 55.5 pounds. I feel so much better since I've had my surgery. I have to make myself eat most of the time. I never really get hungry, and like you, I used to graze alot. Good luck with your decision and surgery. Tina P