Samuel Bledsoe Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

Dr. Bledsoe performed the lap band procedure on me in Decemer of 2009 and it's been the greatest thing I've ever done for myself. Rather, had done for me. I have the honor of being the first person to have it done in Alexandria... Dr. Bledsoe was and is a very kind and caring doctor. He and his staff held my hand throughout the entire process pre and post and continue to do so. It's very rare for a physician to take the time to actually get to know their patients but Dr. B does. I've had absolutley no complications from the surgery and have lost almost 100 pounds. I would recommend Dr. Bledsoe to anyone considering weight loss surgery but especially anyone who lives in or near Central Louisiana. I am very grateful to him for being in Alexandria and for being such an excellent surgeon....and just being a real sweetheart of a guy.

I first found out about Dr. Bledsoe during my annual check up July 2010. I was very unhappy with my weight and was starting to experience some of the long term problems associated with age and obesity. When I expressed an interest in bariatric procedures, my family doctor referred me to Dr. Bledsoe. I picked up a packet that day and scheduled my first appointment.

From my first meeting with Dr. Bledsoe, I was very impressed. He explained the bariatric program in great detail and gave me ample opportunity to ask any questions. When I left his office that day, I knew what I needed to do to make this program succeed for me. Part of the process is attending a seminar where both Dr. Bledsoe and his partner, Dr. Parrish, give a presentation about the different procedures they perform. Throughout the presentation, they review the risks of surgery. Other program requirements are meeting with a bariatric coordinator. a dietician, an exercise physiologist, and a counselor. At each step of the process, the risks are outlined.

I had my procedure October 12, 2010. My recovery was very similar to the gallbladder surgery I had 8 years earlier. I returned to work October 25 and was able to resume my normal duties right away. I am currenly 1 year out from surgery and have lost 108 lbs. I feel wonderful, like I have a new lease on life. At my recent annual visit with my family doctor, my lab results were perfect, my blood pressure is great, and the problems I was having with my knees and back have completely disappeared.

After surgery, there are regular check ups that start at the 2 week mark and progress to a 1 month mark, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months and then yearly. I am presently at the 1st 6 month mark. In addition to regular check ups, there is a bariatric support group that meets in our area once per month. This support group is open to anyone who has had a bariatric procedure or is thinking about having a procedure, regardless of the physician they use.

The support staff, Pam, Ms. Doris and Vanessa, has all been wonderful. They have been able to answer all of my questions along the way and have been very supportive. They visited while I was in the hospital and have followed up since my procedure. The support group meetings are handled by Vanessa and she has provided us with really good information about diet, exercise, supplements, etc. She makes sure these meetings are not only fun but informative as well.

My overall impression of Dr. Bledsoe is very positive. The one thing that impressed me the most is that right before surgery, he came to the pre-op area and prayed with me. You can tell in talking to him that he has a genuine concern for his patients and their wellbeing. He doesn't rush through his examinations and he takes time to ask and answer questions. I have recommended two of my friends to him and they have been impressed as well. I think anyone who chooses him would be very pleased with his competence and his bedside manner.

I'm a few weeks post op and my review of Dr. Samuel Bledsoe is this: I found him to be a gentle, compassionate, understanding physician, who has a wonderful gift and skill in performing bariatric surgeries. I sailed through the surgery without a problem or glitch! I did not have pain (beyond the usual kind you'd have in surgery).
Dr. Bledsoe ... if there were more stars to add I'd stick them on! You have given me a new beginning!

Dr. Bledsoe is great and I have been very happy with my experience with him. He and his partner have a very structured program that covers everything (attending a seminar, meeting with a nutritionist, meeting with a psychologist, prep for surgery, surgery, and after-care). His staff, particularly Pam, is fantastic! They attend to any problems or concerns you might have promptly and have always treated me professionally and courteously. Dr. Bledsoe is friendly and outgoing and easy to talk to. Overall, I consider him to be an excellent physician. I would recommend the VSG to anyone considering WLS.

I would note that Mid LA Surgical Consultants works in conjunction with Cabrini hospital. The director who coordinates the WLS surgery program, Doris, is also fantastic in prepping you for surgery and helping you understand exactly what will occur pre-op and post-op. All of the staff at Cabrini were excellent and my hospital stay was pleasant. My only negative to report is that the nutritionist is lacking --you will learn far more from this forum or from one of the often posted WLS guides (such as the Cornell one).

Of course that last caveat does not detract from Dr. Bledsoe's surgical expertise and the nutritional information can be obtained from many other sources such as this one. Again, I would, and have, recommended him to others.