Minimally Invasive Surgery Center of Louisiana Bariatric Center

I had my surgery on March 30,2004. I am 12 weeks post-op today and have lost 47 pounds. I feel good about my decision and have had wonderful support from my family and friends. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Barnes outside of the medical field, this allowed me to talk with her as a friend before I chose to use her as a doctor. We were actually pregnant at the same time. Following the birth of my 3rd child in October, I realized my weight was out of control and decided I would \"do something about it.\" I called the office Dr. Barnes had been in and was told \"SHE DOESN'T WORK HERE!\" They offered no information concerning her move. So I hunted her down, because I wanted to use her--she was a wonderful person and I was sure an excellent surgeon. I found she and her husband had openned their own practice and were happy to see me. They refered me to LivLite--whose services I could have done with out! Just so you know, you don't have to call them--they are helpful, but if you know who you want to use--call that doc for an appointment. I was lucky, my insurance approval and pre-op testing were all done in 3 weeks and I was off to surgery. The first 2 weeks following surgery were hellish--but it was worth it. Now things are pretty simple--think before you eat and the weight comes off. My main reason for posting is I think it is important for people in the Shreveport Area to research the docs who are doing this surgery--In my opinion NO ONE in town is as qualified, kind, caring or careful as the Barnes are. Also, LivLite is supposed to represent all the area doctors (they aren't) and I think the Barnes are the ONLY docs in town who are doing a Laproscopic RNY--which is considered the most effective and lasting surgery for weight loss. This isn't an advertisement--it just seems that like in all things, you can't always believe what you hear. If you are deciding to have surgery and make a positive change in your life you should get your facts straight and make your own decisions. I feel great and am sorry I weighted (spelled wrong on purpose) so long to make this change. Thanks He & She Barnes for everything you've done. rn

'Dr. James & Stephanie Barnes and thier ENTIRE staff are awesome! My pre-op appointments

From the first time I met her, I could say, I love Dr Barnes!!! Every new meeting with her and her staff just reassured me that this was the right person to take care of me. I think that this is definately her calling. She is so patient and understanding. She takes the time to explain so many things to you and never makes you feel rushed. Her staff always made me feel like they had known me for such a long time. Whenever I'd call, they would act like they were so happy to hear from me. What impressed me the most is how she treated me like a friend. I remember during one of the follow ups, she saw me from her office and said, "Hi Maribel, I'll be with you in just a minute. How have you been?" I felt like a celebrity had just singled me out from the croud. The after care is very strict and slow, but I have total cofidence that she knows what is absolutely best for me. To me, surgical competence and bedside manners are equally important. I don't like it when doctors have that Godlike complex. I think Dr Barnes and her husband are doing a world of good for people that have lost much hope in their situation and I know God will bless them abundantly.

I have met with Dr. Barnes once so far. He was very attentive. Very thorough. It took a while for me to get my ducks all in a row for the surgery. Rather than just schedule the surgery, he wanted to see me again because of the time between visits and my many health problems. That shows me that he is concerned about me as a patient... not just a dollar sign. I'm nervous about the surgery, but feel that Drs. Barnes will be GREAT!

I love Dr. Barnes. I was so impressed with him right from the start. I would recommend him to everyone. I know that I am in good care with him and his staff. He has changed my life.

my first impression of dr. barnes was impressive. he had a personable yet professional approach to me. he listened well and did not seem judgemental in the least bit...and as we all know after years of being criticized by anyone in a white lab coat, NOT feeling judged is incredibly rare! every meeting i have had with dr. barnes only further enhances my first impression of dr. barnes. his office staff is very friendly! i loved his main nurse, a woman who herself had gone through surgery with dr. barnes. i cannot think of anything i didn't like about dr. barnes. he strongly emphasizes aftercare. he has a structured aftercare program with regular, routine visits. he was very upfront about the risks of surgery and did not hesitate to emphasize that there is a risk of dying from surgery complications! his record, though, was soothing! overall, i would not change a single thing about my weight loss journey, least of all my surgeon! he was wonderful and competent in both his bedside manner and his ability to perform the surgery. i know everyone thinks their surgeon is the greatest...however, mine really is!

From the very first moment I meet Dr Barnes I knew that she was the one I trusted my life to--I had seen another dr before for a consult and he was very nice but I did not get the same confident feeling that I did when I met Dr Barnes--

I recently went to see Dr. Jim and Stephanie Barnes of Shreveport recently for my 1st visit.
I was real impressed by them. They came out into the waiting area and talked to the patients about the surgery, the advantages and disadvantages, the risks, the kinds of surgeries they do and other things. I have never been to a Dr.'s office and have one come out into the waiting area. Dr. Jim told us about the gastric bypass and I decided that it is the one I want to have. The office staff was really friendly. One of the girls that works there has had the surgery done and she was telling me about it and showed a before picture. Dr. Jim discussed what kind of a diet he would put you on and all. I would definitely
recommend Dr. Jim and Stephanie Barnes to anyone who want to have the surgery. I would give Dr.'s Jim and Stephanie Barnes a score of 20 out of a score of 1 to 10. I haven't had surgery yet, but I am hoping to have it in the near future. And I want Dr. Jim and Stephanie to be the ones to do my surgery.

The first impression I got out of Dr. Barnes was excellent. I have been reseaching this surgery for many years & he just made everything more understandable! His office staff was great & made me feel right at home! From the receptionist to the nurse, they were all very helpful & friendly. He emphasized all the risks & complications, but almost explained all the benefits out of this surgery! Out of all the surgeons I have researched, I believe I finally found the right one! I give him & his office staff a 11 out of 10!

My 1st impression of Dr Stephanie was she was really knowledgable and let me know up front what she believed would be the best options for me. She informed me of what complications and expectations she had for me with surgery. The staff in their office is GREAT they are all friendly and helpfull and answer all your questions. Both Dr. Stephane and her husband Jim are a great team. They really care about their patients and really emphasize on aftercare. I was worried at 1st but after surgery I called it was after hours and Dr Barnes called me right back and addressed my concerns. Even if you call after hours they call you back and answer any questions or concerns you have. I have been to my 1st support meeting they one every month and it was fantastic I met several people who have had the surgery and even a few that were newbys like me. overall I would recommend DR Stephanie and Dr Jim Barnes to anyone thinking about having the R-N-Y surgery. They rate 110% in my book. And they also have a wonderfull bedside manner and surgical competence. Both are great.