I am in the pre op stage with the sleeve. So far Dr. Lavin is my surgeon. I got to meet with him once as I asked to meet with him instead of NP for second diet appointment. Very nice and answered my questions. He is obviously busy as it was a 2 hour wait. Anyone have experience with him? Recommend him? How was his presence day of surgery? Did you see him before or after the surgery? Anyone have any thoughts on Southern Surgical Hospital in Slidell?

Funny you should ask!!! Tom Lavin is my surgeon. In fact, he's sleeving me in the next couple of weeks. Just waiting for scheduling to call me with the date. He also did my lap-band in 2002. I did very well with the band and kept the weight off for 8 years, until the band itself started giving me problems (not a surgery problem, but an equipment problem). Four surgeries later and we had to stop using it. As a result, I've put on about 40 pounds since 2011.

Dr. Lavin is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery. He would be my ONLY choice!

I hope this has helped you with your decision.

Good luck in your journey!

I'm from Slidell but have lived in Mississippi since Katrina. I've had 2 surgeries in their Slidell location. I'm not a fan, only because my husband couldn't come back and wait with me. I've also had surgery at the Mandeville facility, which I was happy with. This time I'm going to the Metairie facility. I've never, personally, had surgery there, but Dr. Lavin did my son's sleeve there. His wife & I were both allowed to be with him prior to and after surgery.

As many times that I surgery, Dr. Lavin visited with me before and after, answering any questions I had.

I hope I answered all your questions. Hopefully others will chime in with their experiences. It will be much easier to make an informed decision.

Thanks for the info. What hospital are you having the sleeve at? I am waiting for approval so I should be about a month away. I'm waiting for his office to get back to me on Dr Lavin's complication rates. I am pretty thorough in my decision making so I like to know as much as I can.

What is the name of the Metairie location? Do you know if he will do surgeries at any full size hospitals?

I am having my surgery in the Metairie surgery center. I can't remember the name of it, but it's next to the Galleria. You can ask at his office on your next visit...sorry! I don't believe he does surgery at regular hospitals anymore but don't quote me on that; I might be wrong. Let me know if you have more questions!

What is your pre op diet? Do you have to do 2 weeks of liquids? I wonder if this varies based on patient size.

I pre-oped on Thursday. My surgery is scheduled for Tuesday the 3rd...Just 2 more days. My surgeon only requires Clear Liquids the day before surgery and NPO after midnight the night before, for everyone being sleeved. I'm so happy he's my doc!!!

Hope everything is going well with you!!!

Yea Dr. Lavin told me just 1 day of liquids. I signed the consent last week so now just waiting for the scheduler to contact me.

Dr Redmann did my surgery in the Southern Surgical Hospital in Slidel. I have nothing but good things to say about them. I was treated excellent, the nursing staff was second to none! I actually wrote a letter to the hospital and let them know how well the nuring staff treated me, and that both nurse's deserved a raise. I wouldn't think twice about recommending them to anyone.

Crescent City Surgical Center in Metairie by the Galleria. My surgery was Tuesday & I'm doing great! I go back Monday to meet with the NUT and the Nurse Practitioner. I can't wait to weigh! Bbinder, keep us informed on your progress!

I will be sleeved on March 11 in Slidell. Dr. Lavin was great at the consent appointment. Really calmed me and the wife's fears. Now I gotta stop gaining weight from eating all the junk in my food funerals. Glad your surgery went well!

Never fear!!! I, actually, ate everything I wanted last week, except crawfish, before surgery, and only gained 2 lbs. It was sooo worth it, but I sure wish I had thought about crawfish!! My mouth is watering at the thought of it! Good thing I don't get hungry or I'd be tempted to go grab some junk!!! Crawfish is my all-time favorite food! Damnit!!!!!!! Can't believe I missed it!!!