The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana Bariatric Center

Dr. Rachel Moore is a wonderful, kind, compassionate physician. She made me feel totally comfortable and I trust her with all that I am. She is passionate about her work and desires nothing but a better life for her patients. She continues to be my "biggest cheerleader" and her staff is marvelous. They all feel like family to me. Dr. Moore insists that her patients become as fully informed as they possibly can and that follow up visits, lab work and support group are vital to the whole recovery and journey. I truly feel like the whole group of surgeons and staff have been right by my side throughout this whole process. This is an outstanding group of surgeons that continually fine tune their skills to make each surgery better than the last. I can say with all honesty that I have no complaints, I could not have tailor made a better experience. It has far surpassed my expectations. The point I make here is, each person has unique experiences. It is the patient's job to do whatever they must to make the surgeon's job go as smoothly as possible. We, as patients, have to be accountable for what we do and learn before surgey, during our recovery and for the rest of our lives.

Do not know to much yet. Will update later. Scheduled for pre-op visit on January 9th. Surgery is scheduled for January 21, 2004. Heard really good information about Dr Warden. Real positive.

09/09/04 Dr Warden is a very competent and well qualified surgeon. Very caring surgeon. Highly recommended.

I met with Dr. Warden on Aug. 25th. He seemed very knowledgable and his staff is very attentive and sensitive. I was very nervous about my consultation but felt much more at ease when I left. Dr. Warden spent quite a bit of time with me and answered all the questions that I had at the time. I left with my instruction and trying hard to accomplish these tasks so that I can move forward in this process.

To sum up, Dr. Warden is very nice and straight forward.

My first impression of Dr. Lavin was that he was a nice man who wanted to help me. He attitude that being overweight is a medical problem he could help me with. My impression has not changed over time.
His office staff are great, helpful and full of educational infomation to help you after surgery.
Future patients should know is that Dr. Lavin has performed over 1000 gastric by pass procedures and one of only a few surgeons who teaches other surgeons how to do laproscopid lap banding and gastric bypass.
He does offer once a month support group. I do wish it was once a week. I also wish it was at different times.
He does have an office full of nurses who are available by phone or visit to help with any questions or problems I may be having.
I would rate Dr. Lavin excellent both sugically and manner.

8/06/04
Dr. Warden's patient advocate is amazing. She got approved for the DS on the initial request. Danielle is GREAT!

7/23/04
I met with Dr. Warden late on a Friday afternoon. My husband and I waited 2 hours which would normally annoy me, but the wait gave me an opportunity to chat with others in the waiting room. Even though we didn't even get to a room until 4:45 no one seemed rushed. When Dr. Warden arrived he was very soft spoken but kind. I went prepared with a list of questions. He was very clear about the risks of the surgery. Both before and after our meeting I had done alot of research on Dr. Warden specifically. His credentials are excellent and people come from all over the country for his services. I was impressed with his knowledge and his planned after care. I feel fortunate he is in my area.
I guess the only thing I was in the least uncomfortable with was that he seems a bit shy. It was hard to get a real take in only one visit about his personallity. I guess overtime since I'll be seeing him for years to come, we'll get better acquainted.

I was very impressed with Dr Thomas. He spoke to us at the seminar I attended.

After my first visit with him I was very comfortable with him. I haven't seen him since 1/04. I have been trying to get all the other necessary evils done.

Very helpful & understanding.


He addressed all the risks. He let me voice my concerns & let me tell him what procedure I wanted to do before he voiced his opinion. I liked this because then I knew it was my discission & didn't feel like I was being pressured.

I only met with him once. So it's hard to say.

Surgical competence is the very most important thing to me. But the bedside manner is ranked high up there with me. I think having both is what makes you a great doctor.

Dr. Warden was very knowledgable when I visited him at his office in Covington, LA. I came from out of state to him because of his ability to perform the BPD/DS laparascopically. I admittedly was a little nervous and will update this info post op.

His staff, Danielle especially, was so helpful during this process. I arrived in town and got lost trying to find the office - they stayed on the phone to guide me in. Danielle is the patient advocate of sorts - she deals with the insurance companies. There were a few "bumps" in my road - but she helped me to drive right over them and accomplish the end goal of approval for surgery. Danielle - THANK YOU SO MUCH!

I haven't received much information at this point on the immediate directions post-op, however I have the education appointment on August 9, 2004 - 3 days before my surgery. I will be staying in the state of Louisiana for post-op at least 7-10 days before the drive home (14 hours) - I will be able to write more about the surgeon's bedside manners and competence at that time.

I first met him at a seminar, so I decided to have my consult with him. The consult with him was not quite what I was expecting, since he didn't want me to have the surgery and be off to school 800 miles away a month later, but he gave me some options and encouraged me to keep thinking. I kind of felt shot down from my hopes of being able to have this and continue on with my life, but he was right and very nice about how he addressed it. I could tell that he didn't want me to be in a situation where I was with doctors who might not know what to do in case of complications. The staff was very nice and I actually enjoyed my visit to the office in Covington, LA.

Update: 6/4/09

Dr French has been a great surgeon. 4 years after my original surgery, I experienced a lot of weight regain and stomach pain. I went to see him in April regarding this, and Dr. French took me very seriously. I was expecting a doctor to just tell me I was crazy...which I may be, but not about this. On May 28, I was scheduled for a diagnostic laparotomy to determine the source of my abdominal pain and it was determined that I was suffering from Candy Cane Roux Syndrome and part of my original pouch was bulged out. He fixed it up and here I am, starting with a "fresh" pouch and another chance to achieve what I have set out to do.

Dr.Lavin was great from the first time I met him. His office staff is wonderful and very proficient especially his NP Chris.

Dr. Lavin was very knowledgeable and receptive to answer any questions I had. He was personable and considerate of the distance I had to drive.

Dr. Lavin explained in detail the steps he would take during surgery, the approximate length of surgery, and possible risks or complications.

The staff was helpful, friendly, and time conscious.

After care has been great. Maria gave me a weekly schedule that included a list of foods to eat and or avoid.

Overall, the experience was very fulfilling.