Minimally Invasive Surgery Center of Louisiana Bariatric Center

This past May, while out of state on a work-related trip, I began having severe pain in my abdomen. When I couldn't handle the pain any longer, I had my coworkers take me to the ER. They did an MRI and didn't find anything wrong, although I was very specific about my RNY and possible complications. They gave me some drugs for pain and to relax my stomach and sent me back to the hotel.

When I got back home the next day I called my PCP and made an appointment to see her. She thought I had either appendicitis or gallstones and said she was admitting me to Willis Knighton Hospital, the system with which she was associated, and that they would do an NG tube on me. When I told her I couldn't have a blind NG, she wanted to know why. This surprised me, since (1)she was a doctor and (2) her own husband had had weight loss surgery. I expected her to know this.

I asked her if she would call my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Barnes, and she was very reluctant to do so since he was associated with a different hospital system. I walked outside her office and called Dr. Barnes. He told me to come immediately to Schumpert Hospital, where he does his surgery. He was waiting on me when I got there and I was so relieved and knew that everything was going to be okay.

After an MRI he quickly determined that I had a bowel obstruction. Although there were no operating rooms available, he somehow got me in one and performed surgery. Turned out that scar tissue had grown across my intestine and clamped it shut. Luckily, there was no permanent damage to my intestine. The day of my surgery just happened to be my birthday. Some celebration!

Can't say enough good about Dr. Barnes. I've never felt this degree of trust with any other doctor.

Dr.Barnes is a awesome doctor...My daughters and I wish he was our primary doctor too cause he is the best...He cares so much for his patients before and after their surgeries..I recommend him to everyone if you havent found someone to do your surgery yet, call him...He is in Shreveport,Louisiana..He does his surgeries at the Schumpart Hospital..they have a very nice staff at this hospital..He is the kind of doctor if you have any problems at all, call his office number day or night, even if you get the answering service and you either stay on line and he will answer or he will call you right back right then..He's great..Give him a chance and you will see for yourself..

Besides the fact that he could pass as John Cusack's brother, he is AWESOME! I was and am treated with the utmost respect anytime I go into the office. He, as well as Debbie, Melissa, and Kristen, have forever changed my life and are dedicated to what they do and their patients. My process moved rather swiftly, as I had my consultation on Feb. 2nd and was in the OR on March 3rd. Thankfully, my life will never be the same. Dr. Cusack (as I call him) presented me with several options, but we...that's right... WE decided that, based upon my medical and family history, the RNY Bypass would be optimal for my health. I will never say that my option is for everyone. What I will say is that I wish that anyone who has ever struggled with their weight, as I have my entire adult life, could have been in that room with us the day that he explained to me how he was going to "fix my illness". He never used the words fat, obese, or even overweight. I was able to leave there excited, encouraged, and, most of all, respected as a person, regardless of my size. Thinking of that day literally brings tears to my eyes. Not only was he impeccable, but his staff, all the way down to the very last person affiliated with them at the hospital was super respectful and professional. My stay was pain free and I have NEVER been treated like a number. I have literally blown that office phone with questions on a daily basis, and they haven't blocked my number yet! They also have monthly support meetings that are wonderfully helpful and candid. I am now 4 months post op, 55 pounds lighter, and completely off of all my medication for high blood pressure. I could only be more pleased if he offered a free tummy tuck/boob job package! I truly love this doctor and his superb staff of cheerleaders/ supporters/ wonder women! 2 super skinny thumbs up!

I met Dr. James Barnes and his wife Dr. Stephanie Barnes in December 2007. He was very adamant about the RNY surgery being THE surgery for me since I was a total dessert lover. I have to admit he was right! I was approved for my surgery a month later and had my RNY on January 22, 2008.

From the word go, Dr. Jim was very very informative and answered mine, and my children's concerns about WLS. I have referred four other patients to him and they have all had very successful operations.

I rate him as an overall excellent caregiver. His demeanor, surgical competence and bedside manner are all great. I'm always happy to tell anyone who sees me that Dr. Jim & his wife are the BEST weight loss surgeons in Shreveport.

So FAR, I LOVE Dr. Barnes. She has been so great!!! Very understanding, and explains everything. I saw 2 other local surgeons before I decided on the Barnes' the other 2 surgeons were crap compared to Dr. Barnes. I can't wait to have my RNY surgery!!!rnrnI also owe an extra special thanks to there staff as well. They have all be so great...rnrnAnd I can't forget Ms. AMBER who always answers the phone, and ALWAYS has a positive attitude. I was so sure that she was going to be sooooo tired of talking to me a couple times a week, but she has been great. Making this whole process so smooth and seamless for me!!!rnrnSo THANKS to both doctors (Dr. Jim and Stephanie Barnes) You both have been great! rnrnI have been referring everybody I work with who is considering or interested in the surgery to you! :-) You are the best in my book!!!

There isn't enough room on this page for me to sing the praises of Dr Jim.... From my first meeting he has been nothing but amazing! I don't feel like just another patient with him, even if he is running an hour behind on his appointments, he never rushs the visit and takes time to discuss any concerns or issues that I might have! I would recommend him for ANYONE thinking of having the surgery!

Without coming accross dramatic, this couple is the best surgeons for bariatric procedures in the Ark-La-Tex, and I would guess one of the top in the country. Why they are in practicing at Schumpert is beyond me, but that is where they choose to practice. My first encounter with Dr. Barnes was in March of 2008, and through a bunch of insurance BS, I had to wait for my surgery. I finally had it on November 11, 2009. Mine was very complicated. I had a previous Nissan Fundoplication (for heartburn) that failed, so he had to undo the previous surgery, then do a RNY Gastric bypass. During my surgery, he ran into problems with a previous hernia repair. Additionally, this couple performed all this laproscopicly. The surgery took (my estimate) about seven and a half hours. The practice is very focused on their patients. Debbie, the office manager is great. If it was not for her, I would not have had my surgery on the 11th. The hospital called 16 hours before my surgery wanting an additional $2,000 than what they quoted me the previous week. She helped me work through all the last minute details to get the issue settled. I am looking forward to having a heartburn free life for the first time in 12 years!

I loved my surgeon. Dr. Barnes (Jim) was my primary surgeon, but I did have some interaction with his wife as well. I didn't get enough time with them unfortunately, we are military and moved when I was 6 months post-op. Although I couldn't wait to leave Louisiana, I was sad to move away from them and their office staff.

I was very impressed with Dr. Barnes! He knew is stuff thats for sure. Any questions that was asked he had a question for it. And not to mention his office staff was awesome. Every step they was calling me and keeping me updated on how the insurance approval was going. Within a week and a half I was approved! yayaaaa... I havent had my surgery yet but its scheduled for April 14th!!

I went for a seminar given by Dr. James Barnes on Wednesday, January 26, 2009. I have been to other wls seminars by other doctors that were informative, but this was held in thier office waiting room with less than ten of us which made it more comfortable for me. Dr. Barnes was very informative and covered all risks and benefits of both surgeries they do which are the lapband and the rny. He also answered any questions that were asked during this time. We were then brought to an examination room to await an exam and one on one consult with the physician of our choice. I am self pay and had to pick a surgeon when I filled out my loan application and had picked Dr. Stephanie. I felt very comfortable with her, she is a sweet and compasionate person. She treated me with respect and answered all my questions. I was very comfortable with her and feel that God has brought me to the Barnes.