I am having my sleeve done by Drake Bellanger at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge. I will be sleeved on March 25, and will update this thread with new information afterwards, but want to share the pre-surgery experience while it is fresh in my mind.

Katherine is the patient coordinator, and only works with bariatric patients at Woman's. she is fantastic: responds to emails at all hours, coordinates everything around my schedule, answers questions thoroughly, and is a very pleasant person.

The hospital itself is new, state-of-the-art, and immaculate.

The hospital hosts support groups weekly and boasts an affiliated fitness center that has programs specifically designed for bariatric patients.

Dr. Bellanger is a member of BLIS insurance. This means, for self-pay patients, any later complications are completely covered. Wow. He frequently gives talks for other surgeons and has surgeons from around the world come to see his technique.

Dr. Bellanger's office staff is wonderful and considerate, especially Pam, who is like the awesome aunt everyone loves.

I will update post-surgery for that experience.

I can only imagine how hard the liquid diet is.. But stay strong, it will be worth it! Keep us updated!

Hang in there you are in the home stretch now....

thanks...feeling a little better today...only 3 more days on liquid diet...I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to get in the fluids and protein--even though it feels like I am always drinking something

What are u using to drink out of, ive seen some use sippy cups is Why im asking...

Aline, I just sip from the cup or water bottle--no straws...and I know I wouldn't be comfortable using a sippy cup, even though my dietitian had suggested it

LoL...i got à sippy cup just to try it cause i eat and drink so fast, but it is sooooo slow it mâkes your mouth tiréd thats Why i asked...lol

I haven't even made an appointment anywhere yet! Lol

My original choice was Dr. Bisland in Thibodaux' date=' LA (that's my town). But after talking to a few ppl on here, he seemed too expensive. I've been getting as many opinions and stories as I can about surgeons in the BR/NOLA area. After reading posts on here I found out about Dr. Borland in New Iberia, La -- now I'm leaning more towards him bc the price seems awesome, and I've heard some really great things about him. He advertises a price of 9800 (I'll be a self pay).... I'm actually calling his office tomorrow! Eeeekk![/quote']

Dr Borland was great and definitely the cheapest around.

I had my surgery done at womans hospital in BR on May 15th.

My doctor was Jonathon Taylor and you cant get no better.

Staff at Womens was great

I have heard that Dr. Taylor is a good surgeon...and I definitely think the best after-care is at Woman's Hospital

I know this is a pretty old thread but I wanted to see if anyone who had their surgery at Woman's and/or with Dr Bellanger could me update on how they're doing. I plan on having mines at Woman's with him, I'm waiting on insurance approval but once I get approved I'm looking at a date in April. So excited and nervous at the same time!