How Bariatric Surgery Changed My Life

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, I was terrified. I went home, started crying, and researched exactly what being diagnosed with diabetes really meant. I had always heard the word “diabetes”, but I truly did not know what I was faced with. My doctor didn’t provide much explanation on what to expect, my prognosis
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Kera – Spotlight!

My name is Kera Melancon. I am 34 years old with an amazing husband and three beautiful children. I was diagnosed with diabetes at 31 years old. When I found out that I was a diabetic, I wasn’t very educated and thought “ok I’ll just not eat as much sugar”. Little did I know there
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Nicole & Jason – Fad Diets & Trendy Workouts

Fad diets and trendy workouts typically don’t provide long-term weight loss results. Prior to his surgery, Jason spent hours and hours in the gym. He tried every supplement on the market. Nothing provided him the long-term sustained results he desired. Nicole experienced a similar struggle. She recalls attending a yoga class in New Orleans with
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Nicole & Jason – Genetically Prone to Obesity

Many people view bariatric surgery as a procedure for patients considered to be “morbidly obese.” However, our practice offers weight loss options for patients looking to lose 50 pounds, 100 pounds, 150 pounds, all the way to 300-400 pounds. According to Nicole, many of her immediately family members struggled with obesity and, as a result,
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Nicole & Jason – Support from Family & Friends

Discussing bariatric surgery with friends and family can be tough. Many loved ones believe you look and feel fine and that surgery is too drastic for your circumstances. Jason experienced this conversation with his wife when he initially discussed the possibility of having the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. At the time, his wife did not think
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Kera & Mikey – Life Now

As Kera and Mikey reflect back on life, they realize how much they missed while suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. They recently went crabbing with their families, and this simple outing meant the world to Kera and Mikey. They could have never done this before surgery. The heat would have sent their sugar through the
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Kera & Mikey – Recovery after surgery

Although Kera and Mikey knew bariatric surgery was the best option, they were still scared before surgery. Fear didn’t stop them though! After surgery, Kera and Mikey no longer need insulin shots or pumps. They are healthy, and they recovered from the 45-minute procedure very easily. Within a few days, Mikey was sweeping and mopping
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Kera & Mikey – Not for cosmetic reasons

Many times, bariatric surgery is viewed as a cosmetic procedure. However, more often than not, patients choose bariatric surgery for health reasons. Co-morbidities like Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and hypertension regularly coincide with obesity. Living with one or more of these co-morbidities should not be mandatory. Bariatric surgery can help, if
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Nicole & Jason – Eating habits

Nicole and Jason live in New Orleans where food is a way of life. In New Orleans, people make lunch plans at breakfast. After Nicole and Jason underwent the Laparoscopic Sleeve, food became more of a health sustaining feature and less of a social necessity. This isn’t to say Nicole and Jason stopped socializing over
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Kera & Mikey – Dr. Lavin’s Team

Every member of the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana team is passionate about our mission! We work tirelessly to ensure each patient receives the best medical care. Listen below to hear more about Kera and Mikey’s experience with our team.
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