Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Specialists

Weight Loss Surgery in Slidell, Louisiana

Weight loss is about more than a number on the scale. For many people living with obesity, losing weight can mean improving their health, becoming more active, reducing the impact of weight-related conditions and getting back to the things they enjoy.

At Our Lady of the Lake Surgical Hospital in Slidell, our bariatric surgery team provides personalized surgical care for patients considering weight loss surgery. From understanding your options to preparing for surgery and navigating life afterward, our goal is to help you make informed decisions about your health and feel supported throughout the process.

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?

If you have struggled to achieve or maintain significant weight loss through diet, exercise or other approaches, bariatric surgery may be an option.

Weight loss surgery may be considered for individuals with obesity, particularly when excess weight is affecting overall health or contributing to conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Sleep apnea

• Joint pain and limited mobility

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

• Other obesity-related health concerns

Bariatric surgery isn't the right choice for everyone. Your surgeon will evaluate your health, weight history, goals and individual risk factors to help determine which options may be appropriate for you.

Bariatric Surgery Options

There is no single weight loss procedure that is right for every patient. Our bariatric surgeons have experience with multiple approaches to weight loss surgery and can help you understand the potential benefits and considerations of each.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Sleeve gastrectomy, commonly called gastric sleeve surgery, reduces the size of the stomach by removing a portion of it. The remaining stomach is formed into a smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch, limiting the amount of food it can hold.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery creates a smaller stomach pouch and changes the route food takes through a portion of the digestive system. This procedure can help patients lose weight by limiting food intake and changing how the body processes food.

Duodenal Switch

Duodenal switch surgery combines a sleeve gastrectomy with changes to the small intestine. It may be considered for certain patients based on their health, weight and individual needs.

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery may sometimes need additional treatment because of weight regain, complications or changes in their health. Our bariatric surgeons can evaluate previous weight loss procedures and determine whether revisional bariatric surgery may be appropriate.

Support Before and After Weight Loss Surgery

Successful weight loss surgery involves much more than the procedure itself.

Preparing for bariatric surgery includes understanding how your eating habits, nutrition and lifestyle will change. Nutritional guidance can help patients prepare for surgery and learn how to meet their nutritional needs as their bodies and eating habits change afterward.

Follow-up care is also an important part of the process. Your care team will help you understand what to expect during recovery and provide guidance as you adjust to life after bariatric surgery.

Our goal is not simply to get you through surgery. We want to help give you the information, resources and support you need to build healthier habits for the years ahead.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

For appropriate candidates, bariatric surgery can result in significant weight loss and may improve obesity-related medical conditions.

Depending on the individual, weight loss after bariatric surgery may contribute to improvements in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. Losing excess weight may also improve mobility, energy and overall quality of life.

Every patient's results are different. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations, potential benefits and the risks associated with the procedure you are considering.

Meet Our Bariatric Surgeons

Our bariatric surgery program brings together experienced surgeons who specialize in weight loss and minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Matthew French, MD

Dr. Matthew French specializes in advanced laparoscopic weight loss surgery and has performed thousands of weight loss procedures. His experience includes gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and revisional bariatric surgery. Dr. French focuses on providing individualized care based on each patient's needs.

James Leithead, MD

Dr. James A. Leithead III specializes in minimally invasive treatment of obesity as well as general and robotic surgery. He is committed to providing personalized, compassionate surgical care and helping patients understand their options before moving forward with treatment.

Clark Warden, MD, JD

Dr. Clark Warden is a board-certified surgeon with extensive surgical experience and a long history of medical leadership and patient care. His background includes general surgery, bariatric care and surgical critical care.

James Redmann, MD

Dr. James Redmann specializes in bariatric surgery and has experience performing gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and revisional weight loss procedures. He also has extensive experience with minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Bariatric Surgery Close to Home in Slidell

Patients considering weight loss surgery shouldn't have to travel far to find experienced surgical care.

Our Lady of the Lake Surgical Hospital serves patients throughout Slidell, St. Tammany Parish and the surrounding Northshore communities. Our bariatric surgery team provides patients with access to experienced weight loss surgeons and surgical care close to home.

Whether you're beginning to research weight loss surgery or have already decided you're ready to speak with a bariatric surgeon, we're here to help you understand the next step.

What to Expect When You Get Started

Your weight loss journey begins with learning about your options.

During the evaluation process, your care team will review your medical and weight history, discuss your goals and help determine whether bariatric surgery may be appropriate for you. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions, understand the different procedures available and learn what to expect before and after surgery.

Because every patient's health and circumstances are different, your treatment plan will be built around you.

Take the First Step Toward Your Weight Loss Goals

You don't have to figure out weight loss surgery on your own.

If you're considering gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, revisional bariatric surgery or another weight loss option, schedule a consultation with one of our bariatric specialists to learn what may be right for you.

Schedule a bariatric surgery consultation today.