The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana Bariatric Center

Dr. Michael J Thomas is with the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. He performed a Lap-Band Revision and Gall Bladder removal in 8/05, and he removed the Lap-Band and performed a Sleeve Gastrectomy in 3/08. He is an excellent surgeon, both technically proficient and possessing of a very caring bedside manner. While maybe not at first, now that I have gotten to know him I would rate him a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. (I was used to the Queen of bedside manner, Dr. Rachel Moore, who performed my Lap-Band in 12/03, and ANYONE would have a hard time following her). What constitutes a 10 for me? Technical proficiency first and foremost - he is a national proctor, and is accredited by the ASMBS. His team has a really low complication rate. Second, I hire a medical consultant for medical advice & to answer my questions (of which there are many) and he is very professional and straight-forward with his advice. He does not coddle, but he genuinely cares about the success of his patients. Third, I think he is funny, which is not a solid criteria to be met, but it does help with the meshing of personalities! He is the Director of Bariatric Surgery at Southern Surgical Hospital in Slidell, which is my first choice in local area hospitals. I also liked Omega Hospital in Metairie more than Touro in New Orleans and Lakeview in Covington, as I prefer the atmosphere (and specifically the ratio of nurses to patients) of a smaller hospital.

I liked him.

My first impression of her was that she was about my age (mid 30's); very professional; very precise; very knowledgable. put me and my DH totally at ease; I have all the faith in the world in her; feel completely comfortable putting my life in her hands. She took a lot of time talking with me & DH. She has preformed by pass & lap band surgery on a couple of my friends. Have nothing negative to say at this point. will be meeting her again for pre op. will post more soon.

I met Dr. Lavin after my slip. He was my sister's surgeon with her lap band. I like his bed side manner. He's been consistant with his patient rapport with me. The office staff is wonderful. They are very friendly and make you very comfortable and encourage you on your visits. There is a structured after care program that is very important considering that i'm an old band patient and I know there will be plateaus I'll hit. Overall, Dr. Lavin's surgical competence and bedside manner together are superior I would highly recommend him to any one in the area seeking to find a bariatric surgeon.

My first impression of him at the seminar was \"this man knows his stuff\". He was very informative. I had no doubt in my mind that I wanted him to perform my surgery.rnI met him at my pre-op appointment, he was very professional and answered my questions.rnHe encourages you to have your fills once a month. This is included in the fee. I barely remember seeing him after the surgery. I wish I would have been more awake when he came to see me.

Dr. Moore was wonderful. She explained things so completely (the good the bad and the ugly!) I never even had a question or a worry about the surgery. She personally came out to the waiting room after my surgery to talk to my husband. I felt very comfortable with her, and most importantly I felt safe. I would recommend Dr. Moore and any of her associates to anyone!!

Dr. French was very great. My first impression of him was that he was very knowledgeable and friendly. I am an ER nurse so it takes a lot to impress me. His staff and Chris Nelson CFNP are so nice, concerned, and helpful. They are so supportive and have up to date technology. I would recommend (and have several times) the whole staff (Dr. French, Chris, etc) to everyone!!! There program is so structured and they make sure that teaching you is the most important. The education given by the staff is the best! I would give the whole staff a 10!!!!!!! This is because of his surgical competence, bedside manner, and efficient staff!

I really LOVED Dr. Moore from the first time I saw her at the WLS seminar. I previously had chosen a different doctor but Im so glad I changed. She really makes you feel special and important. She had no complications during my surgery and was very caring when dealing with my very worried husband. She didnt make us feel rushed on our appts. I HIGHLY recommend her if you are in this area. I live an hour and a half away and would have drove 4 hours to get to her if I had to.

She is AWESOME. She's very thorough and empathetic.

Dr Lavin and his staff were wonderful. He has a very calming, nonjudgemental personality. rnHis staff is very knowlegable and dependable.rnI have not been good at post op follow up, so I can't comment alot on their follow up, but everything else was great.