"I first met Dr. Lavin at a seminar that his office hosted. I had not made the decision to have surgery at the time, I was just interested in getting as much information as I could. Well the seminar was very informative and they opened up the floor to answer questions afterwards. Dr. Lavin went around and personally spoke to everyone there and answered any questions that they had.
I researched the surgery, facilities, and local surgeons that performed the surgery for a few more months before making my final decision. I was hesitant of having the surgery at Lakeview Hospital because I know a few people that had bad experiences there, but after meeting with Dr. Lavin and his nurse, Marie.........my mind was put to ease and I decided to have the surgery at Lakeview.
Dr. Lavin's office handled everything!! They told me what my next steps would have to be and they wrote the letter to my insurance with my medically necessary reasons for surgery. My insurance (Seafarer's Health & Benefits Plan), approved my surgery based on that first letter (it must have been a great letter :)
As a surgeon.........you can not ask for anyone better than Dr. Lavin........he explained in great detail all about the procedure and was very patient with both my husband and myself!
If there is one thing I could say that is somewhat negative about my experience (sorry Dr. Lavin), it would have to be regarding the contact after surgery......there is very little, I sort felt like I was my own. Of course they tell you to call if you have any questions or concerns, but I really was disappointed that I was not contacted by anyone in the office after surgery to check on how I was dealing with all the changes. I sincerely hope this was just my experience and not anyone else's. I adjusted well because I diligently researched what to expect, found this website (Thank God), and made sure to contact as many past gastric bypass recipients as I could. It also helped that I had a wonderful support system in my husband, my two daughters, all my friends, and the rest of my family.
I do have to recognize one particular person that works in Dr. Lavin's office, of all the people he has working for him, my favorite is another nurse in his office....her name is Carrie........she is so sweet and has helped me with any questions I have had since surgery. She also had the gastric bypass surgery (and she looks terrific)!!
In regards to Dr. Lavin's surgical performance............my surgery went great, my scars are minimal, no complications from surgery at all, Dr. Lavin is awesome. I would highly recommend him to anyone that is considering the laporscopic gastric bypass surgery! If anyone in my family were considering the surgery I would demand that they go to Dr. Lavin!!
Thank you Dr. Lavin for not only saving my life, but for making my life full and worth living again!!! <tear...sniffle...sniffle..>
Good Luck to all! Hope this has been helpful.
Debbie Long"
"I was using this product post op. What I didnt realize was it was extremely high in sugar and carbs. I also didn't realize that the amount of protein it advertises is mostly a type of protein that is not able to absorb into the body. A total waste for a gastric-bypass patient. Thought I was doing the right thing with my protein intake only to find out from a nutritionist that I definently was not gettin much (if any) protein from these bars!"
"I still prefer St. Tammany Hospital staff to Lakeview's. St. Tammay Hospital is supposed to be gettin set up to have the surgery performed there. I suggest looking into that hospital for a first choice, if this is the general location that you will be having your surgery."
