WhyWeight.com Bariatric Center

I COULDN'T BE MORE PLEASE WITH DR. WARDEN. HE TAKES ALL THE TIME YOU NEED TO ASK QUESTIONS AND HE DOESN'T MAKE YOU FEEL RUSHED. HE SAVED MY LIFE, WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO SAY.

Dr. Lavin is a great surgeon. I would recommend him to everyone. His staff is great, especially Chris. He has a great aftercare program and support group meetings. I would rate Dr. Lavin a 10 out of 10.

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.

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.

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.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Tom Lavin, MD. He performed my "lap band" procedure 2 years ago and on May 20, 2004, I had my band converted to a bypass. Both surgeries were incredibly smooth without any complications.
Dr. Lavin is very concerned about the welfare of his patients. He is readily available with a terrific bedside manner. I find him knowledgeable, experienced and easy to talk to. He worked with my insurer MANY times to get the paperwork needed to approve my bypass. He must have dictated a handful of letters to the insurer to meet their insatiable appetite for "more documentation"!
I would have no problems recommending Dr. Lavin for any type of bariatric surgery. He is an excellent surgeon.
Dr. Lavin's staff is well organized and they work hard on your behalf, especially where insurance is concerned. There is an excellent, pre-operative class and follow-up care is very structured with nothing left to puzzle out. At your pre-op class, you are presented with the information you will need before, during and after your surgery. You keep this packet. I have referred to it many times since my surgery and my husband has too. This class also gives you the oppotunity to ask questions.