Dr. Thomas Lavin

Dr. Lavin is a pioneer and innovator in the field of bariatric surgery. Dr. Lavin founded Surgical Specialists of Louisiana in 2000 developing it to become one of the leading surgical weight loss programs in the United States as well as a medical-tourism destination for patients worldwide. He is one of the leading experts in the development of incisionless and minimally invasive weight loss procedures, techniques and instruments.

Insurance is always a concern for anyone contemplating major elective surgery. We have 12 full-time Patient Advocates who facilitate the bariatric surgery insurance approval process for our patients. This team focuses solely on acquiring insurance approval for weight loss surgery. Upon inquiry, our advocates will address your individual preoperative needs and walk you through the insurance maze.

Patients travel across the United States and from around the world for bariatric surgery performed by Dr. Lavin. He is a pioneer and innovator in the field of laparoscopic surgery, and for this reason, his practice has transformed into a medical tourism destination for weight loss surgery. Dr. Lavin has a full service travel concierge program designed to make every out-o-town patient feel at home.

The laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, most commonly referred to as the "sleeve", is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure. During the procedure, 3-5 very small incisions are made in the abdomen. From there, approximately 80% of the stomach is removed leaving a small tube shaped stomach. Dr. Lavin creates a small sleeve so that patients achieve optimal long-term weight loss.

The Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass has been performed for more than 30 years, with advances in technology making it safe and effective. Dr. Lavin will begin by creating a small pouch by dividing the upper end of the stomach, restricting food intake. Next, the pouch is connected downstream in the small intestine.