Freedom from Obesity - Surgical Specialists of Shreveport Bariatric Center

My first impression was one of professionalism and education. Office staff was friendly and informative. The fact that the Doc limited info given as to not sway your decision to have a bypass or banding. He gave each side equal oportunity. I felt I needed a Doc to tell me what I needed to be successful, or at least reccomend, not just say 'here's the info..good luck to ya'.
Aftercare is HIGHLY emphasized. Diet is HIGHLY emphasized. Very structured aftercare with registered dietician, recreational and physical therapists, psychiatry evals, and extensive counseling. Overall I rate him High on any scale.

My first impression of Dr. Merriman was that he was very personable. I felt comfortable talking to him. During my first appointment he discussed in detail the pros and cons of bariatric surgery. He asked me not to make a decision about the type of surgery I would have until I had learned more about the different types available. He went over my medical history and asked why I was considering the surgery and why I came to him. My PCP, Dr. Michael Angelo, had recommended him to me and spoke very highly of Dr. Merriman, telling me his patients have had very good results with WLS. Dr. Merriman emphasized that he was giving me a tool to lose weight but it is up to me to use it correctly. His office staff is very cordial and helpful and have answered all my questions. Dr. Merriman has an amazing staff and aftercare program at the bariatric center. His informational meeting was great and he answered any and all questions. I cannot comment on the surgical experience because I have not had my surgery yet but my EGD was as pleasant as it could be. I will post more after surgery.

He's handsome. Looks just like Richard Gere
He was patience. Very informative and wanted the best for me. My respect has only grown over the past few months.
Dr. Merriman's office has been the greatest. They have been extremely helpful and has really worked with me to get approval.
I have not found any negative things about him.
He emphasize aftercare to the utmost. His support system is impressive.
His address of risk was with honesty, but was reassuring that fatalities have been low.
I got recommendation from one of his patience. I have adopted the same attitude about Dr. Merriman as he did. I feel like he cares about me and not just the dollar.
Surgical Competence and bedside manners are great. Surgical Competency is a most.

I loved Dr. M the first time I met him. His office staff was wonderful. I have sent several people to Dr. Merriman so he can change their lives too.

He was GREAT!!! I wish I would have met him 18 years ago.

I haven't met with Dr. Barnes yet but I did meet Dr. Merriman at the informational meeting. I was very impression. He explained the disease of morbid obesity very thorough, easy to understand laymans language. He explained why he doesn't believe in doing DS. He said that the extra 10% of weight you could achieve is not worth the physical strain it causes on the body.<p>

3/18/04--I met with Dr. Merrimen today. He is such an upbeat doctor. He is very friendly and know how to explain things in so us non-doctors can understand :~D So far I am recommending him very highly. His office people are great!! They were very helpful to and they all went out of their way to make sure I understood that they are only a phone call away 24/7 including Dr. Merrimen!! My only negative response was that the office in not very obesity friendly. It is some what small. And the chairs in the waiting could have wider or at least armless. I have my chair but if i didn't they would have had to bring a chair from the back--armless.

He was very knowledgable and patient.Never seemed to hurry you.His office staff is the greatest(especially Melissa).Seems to have a great aftercare program which they all stress as being very important.So far I've not had any negative things to say about Dr.Merriman or his staff.They have ben wonderful,going the extra mile to get surgery approved and encouraging me to not give up the fight against the INSURANCE MONSTER.

Dr Merriman is a very nice person. I liked him right off. He is such a friendly person and has the best bedside manners that of any doctor that I have ever known. He is a good listener too, and I like that in a doctor. He seemed to remember me on my 2nd visit to him. He has a great staff and they are very friendly and considerate. I have not had any doubts about having this surgery nor Dr Merriman. He has a very structured aftercare program, and this is to acomplish the best results after WLS. I rate Dr. Merriman at the top of his profession. I also feel that surgical competence and bedside manners go hand in hand. Most doctors do not have both.

I really like Dr. Merriman. I have worked for him for 10 years and would not consider having anyone else operate on me. His staff is also very good at their jobs. He is very knowledgeable when it comes to bariatric surgery. He was the 1st surgeon in the Ark - LA - Tex to perform the Lap- Band Surgery and has been a pioneer in this area in advanced laparoscopic surgery including the Lap-Gastric Bypass. Aftercare is very important to the well being of all baraitric patients. He has a complex aftercare program that includes nutritional support, psychological support and medical management. He is very explanatory about the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery. I think he is the best surgeon I know. This is my personal opinion and some may say it is bias due to the fact I work for my surgeon, but he is good at what he does.

My first impression of Dr. Merriman, was that he was very knowledgable, and understanding. He did not talk down to me, and incouraged me to get as much information as I possibly could about the procedure. His staff was very helpful to me, they were very friendly. He repeats his self over and over again, and stresses the importance of after care and support groups.

My first impression of my surgeon was that he seemed very at ease. I met him at one of his informational meetings. I had never heard a doctor really get into the dynamics of obesity like he did. After I left the meeting I finally had someone that understood what I was going through by not being able to lose weight and keep it off. My first one on one with him in his office we talked and he did not rush me. He was very thorough and answered all my questions and stressed the surgery should not be taken lightly and all the risks associated with the surgery.

He does have a great structured aftercare program with a caring staff that is up on nutrition and exercise. There are monthly support group meetings. You can get just as involved as you want to in all areas of the program.

My overall experience with Dr.Merriman and his staff was enjoyable. They were all courteous and professional. If I ever had a question or problem they were there for me and had an answer.

Dr. Merriman has been doing bariatric surgery for quite a while and has a good reputation in the area. So he came highly regarded to me. Overall I rate him excellent as a surgeon. His bedside manner is pretty good also. He has a sunny disposition and a way that can put you in a better mood.