The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana Bariatric Center

Dr. Warden is very competent and shows great interest in my well being. He is very likeable and this makes it very easy to go into this surgery.His office staff was so nice and helpful. I am so glad that I am with this surgical group.

My first impression of Dr. Thomas was how nice looking he is...lol, and how nice and kind and intelligent. He was very patient with me and explained everything completely. He told me he would go quicker with me than others, because I am a nurse. The Surgical Specialists of Louisana are awesome! They are so helpful, and Danielle, my insurance advocate is so caring and sweet. The only time he was quick with me was when he discharged me, but he knew I already knew what I needed to know. They have an extensive education before surgery. He emphasizes aftercare, as very important to keep me on the right track, and said to call if I had any questions. I did have to call him three times in the same day, and he was so patient and helpful. His aftercare program consists of support group meeting, and set times of follow up for the rest of my life. I rate him overall as a 10 on a 1 to 10 scale. Out of bedside manner or surgical competence, I definitely think he is equal in both areas. As a nurse, I know what is important to tell patients and what is not, and he has it down pat. He definitely is one of the best surgeons I've ever met.

I first met Dr. Thomas about 2 weeks pre-op. He was exactly as I had heard. Informative, patient, and very kind. He and Chris put me at ease immediately. They never made me feel rushed or silly for asking the same questions I'm sure they've heard a million times. The same goes for the entire staff at Surgical Specialists. I cannot say enough about the courtesy and concern and kindness (hmmm, there's that word again. See a pattern here?) they exhibit in each and every contact I have with them. My fondness for this practice grows with each interaction. Post-op, I met with Dr French and then Dr Thomas on my release day. It is a priviledge to be able to have this group care for me. Let me now explain my fascination with the word kind. I feel that in life, daily we meet people who are mean, and people who are nice. This is common. But only once in a while do you meet people who are truly kind. Not just nice or plesant, but kind. I believe you can then know you have met someone who is just out of the ordinary and will take that extra little step or say just the extra something to make you feel special and important, and let you know they care about your feelings too. And most often this person will have the most amazing positive impact on your life in ways that you may never realize. Dr. Thomas and the staff at Surgical Specialists are these people. I cannot thank them enough for bringing me into this new and better life that lies ahead.

Dr. Rachel Moore is my surgeon and after our intial consultation, I knew I had made the right decision! She is wonderful!!! I can not say enough about her! The office staff st Surgical Specialist are awesome also! I have done a lot of research and made my choice based on many things. Itis clear to me that Dr. Moore is surgeon of choice!

Since Dr. Moore is very pregnant - Dr. Thomas will be "pinch hitting" for her and performing my WLS! I have not met him but I was satified with all the comments from past patients!!

Finally I met Dr. Lavin on 6-16-05. He was not what I expected. He was very kind, knowledgable, confident, positive, but I expected him to be really outgoing, from what others have said. I was impressed, and have heard his bed side manner is even better. My oldest daughter was w/ me...and she said he was "HOT"...I have to agree. Maybe he was so quiet due to our goofy smiles at him... His staff is awesome, especially my Patient Advocate, Rachel,and his Nurse Practioner, Chris. They handle everything w/ professionalism, courtesy, care, concern, and truly, I feel love. They will not mislead you, or disappoint you. The office and building is designed for obese people(bigger elevators, bathrooms, close parking, large chairs, sufficient scales, large hallways, and smiling faces) From the beginning you are told of the risks, the pluses, and the consequences to almost any action. They make sure you are fit, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. They use hospitals that are equipped to deal w/ obese patients and are sensitive to our needs.

He has a very good bedside manner. He explains everything, and is very patient. He performed my surgery very well. I had some nausea after surgery upon discharge and was followed closely by phone, and we were able to come up with altenatives that prevented ED readmit. His nurse practioner "Cris" is awesome,nice and informative. His office staff can always give you some information, are pleasant on the phone. The staff promotes aftercare, and keeps up with it, and will see you more often if medically necessary. There aftercare program is structured. The risks are explained fully in a oneon one scheduled office visit. I was very educated by the time I had surgery, moreso than the actual hospital staff.I don't have anything negative to say about Dr. Lavin, his associates on-call or his office staff.

Dr. Lavin is a very gifted surgeon with a superb bedside manner. He is very approachable and thorough. I have friends/family that are also patients of his and feel the same way. I would recommend him 100%

From my first visit, Dr. Lavin was very attentive. I have never had a problem contacting someone in the office when I was having problems. I only grew to respect him more as he worked with me through my band complications and eventual decision to convert to RNY. The office staff is friendly and greets almost every patient by name. I think some people get frustrated because they don't think they see their surgeon enough, but I think nurse practitioners are a great resource and once I don't need to see the surgeon as much, I don't want to waste his time (but he usually pops in and says hi anyway). He was very straight forward about the risks and expectations of the surgery. His surgical competence and bedside manner are superb.

First impression: Dr. Lavin was upbeat and very informative. Never made me feel bad for allowing myself for getting so big. He has a compassion for his work that is not seen in many doctors.

My impression has not changed, just I do not get to see Dr. Lavin very much, I do see his nurse practioner, Chris who is very good. I just love the way they praise your efforts.

Dr. Lavin and staff makes aftercare a number one priority. He says that without it you will not do as well as you should.

Dr. Lavin explains everything post-op and will answer any questions and concerns that you may have.

Both surgical competence and beside manner are great. Dr. Lavin was one of the first doctors in the states to offere Lap Band and he does biatric surgery everyday of the week so he has a lot of experience.

01 DEC 15 - It is now 10 years later. And I want to let everyone know this man *almost* killed me. I had the DS 16 MAY 2005 and by the end of the month I had FOUR leaks and was septic. I spent 5 weeks in a medically-induced coma and 3 months in Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA. My family was told I was going to die, but I am a walking, talking miracle (zero thanks to Dr. Warden). DO NOT have surgery by this man. He is a HACK.