Bariatric New Orleans?

A surgeon's perspective: I spoke with a WL surgeon friend a few days ago about this and thought I'd share since it was pretty interesting regarding the state of WLS in New Orleans. 1. New Orleans has no Center of Excellence (COE) for WLS since Katrina. 2. She tells me only 4 WL surgeons are left in New Orleans. MANY are still discussing leaving when they meet... she does not name names. 3. THEN she tells me that the majority of her patients have been REVISIONS (largely from two surgeons that were in New Orleans) and that just makes SO much sense... I didn't realize she rarely did original surgeries... maybe THAT is why her complication rates were higher than her partner... because she took ON patients who had complications already... Turns out when I mentioned my first surgeon's name... she started laughing, and said it was a good thing that I hadn't used him... that most of her revision/complication/2nd opinion/problem patients were his!! 4. To become a National COE (meaning only need to do that once, not for each insurance company like it is presently), the hospital must file an application that requires a $15K fee (Ochsner has applied)... that's not counting the numerous upgrades to rooms to provide appropriate size rooms for the bariatric beds and equipment to fit patients who are 400+ lbs. They have 4 rooms slated to be redone, but IMO they're already great for the bariatric patients, just need a few tweaks (big showers and shower chair, wider doors for bigger wheelchairs and beds to fit, and the rooms we already use seem just right ). THEN they have to do the revisions/inspections/etc... but anyway, they are working on it... She tells me that she told the board to apply for it and they declined. She says that she told them basically 'you're putting my entire specialty into a coffin if you don't do this now, we won't get insurance reimbursement and we rely on it'.... there are FAR fewer people to get WLS in New Orleans now, and business is scarce for them. Anyway, just a few musings from a conversation on the subject. Feel free to comment or question

I wish you would mention names. My surgeon eludes to some surgeons on new Orleans who were doing 4 to 6 oz pouches. That seems large to begin with. The Southern Surgical Hospital in Slidell has been built mainly for WLS. The Levin group are using it almost exclusively now. It is equiped with all the big stuff. Katrina sure has changed thing for so many of us. Good luck in Texas.

Betty, Hey just an fyi it is not Levin. ti is Dr thomas Lavin. I know cuz he the one who did my wls in Aug of last year. Take care, Chrissy 226/152/125

I want to tell you about the wonderful group of surgeons and facicities in Slidell. I had my RNY at Southern Surgical Hosptial on November 28, 2006 by Dr. Clark Warden. All the equiptemt at the hospital was very accomadating for my 324 body. The Surgical Specialist of Louisiana and Southern Bariatric Associates are there available to all of us in the southern states. I am glad I found them and am on my new life journey. You can read more about them at www.whyweight.com. I hope this helps someone. I feel wonderful! Smiles, Jan Brown

Ok, maybe I gave the wrong idea I wasn't trying to solicit reccomendations on who to go to LOL I was trying to discuss New Orleans

Hi Kat - I found out about this the hard way! I am currently waiting for Ochsner to be a COE for United Healthcare. I think they completed paperwork last week and United says that it will be 24-48 hours for them to approve as COE. United also told me they do no expect any problems with Ochsner's application since they know they will meet all the requirements. In fact, they agreed to start my approval process now. Say a prayer for me - I have been waiting for soooooo long!