Bariatric Surgery

The Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner

Bariatric Surgery is a tool that aids in weight loss, resolution of co-morbid conditions and increased quality of life for patients. In order to achieve and maintain success following bariatric surgery, proper diet, vitamin supplementation and daily exercise are essential. Our staff have designed a nutrition binder that will help patients adhere to that success before and after surgery.

Click here to download Ochsner's Bariatric Survival Guide to stay on track during COVID-19.

Click here to download Ochsner's Surgical Weight Loss Program's Nutrition Binder.

Ochsner Surgical Weight Loss Program Locations

New Orleans
Baton Rouge
Slidell
Chalmette

While we strive to serve all qualified patients, there are certain insurance plans that do not have sufficient bariatric surgery benefits, and some plans that we do not accept. Currently the Bariatric Surgery Clinic does not accept Medicaid or any Managed Medicaid Programs (such as Bayou Health). However, surgery is still an option for otherwise qualified patients at a cash price. All benefits are reviewed by our Patient Financial Services team prior to surgery, and cash prices and financing options may be discussed with the Bariatric Financial Counselor at, or prior to initial consultation.

Pre-Operative Consults, Labs and Studies

The pre-operative workup required for those individuals considering surgery may be extensive. The program is designed to obtain data preoperatively to identify and minimize any intraoperative or postoperative risk factors. This data is also used for long term follow-up care once you have been discharged from the hospital.

Your first appointment will be with the Bariatric Physician Assistant or Bariatric Surgeon (Baton Rouge). During this visit an extensive history and assessment will be done to determine what type of studies and consults will be needed. Some studies are routinely done on all bariatric patients while others are based on one’s history and assessment and previous studies from other physicians. Another person you will visit with early in the process is the nutritionist. She will want to do a dietary assessment and begin working on a nutritional plan with you. This may include a pre-operative weight loss plan designed especially for you. She will also begin reviewing the life-long changes that will be necessary for you to be successful with a gastric bypass and determine from a nutritional aspect whether you would be a candidate for the surgery.

During the initial visit, an appointment will also be made for you to meet with one of our behavioral health specialists. All of the individuals you meet with during this visit will be available for future appointments before or after surgery.

Who Should Consider Weight Loss Surgery

The National Institute for Health consensus conference in 1991 established widely accepted guidelines and indications for the surgical management of severe obesity and endorsed the gastric bypass with Roux-en-Y as the most effective means for treating the obese patient. Weight loss surgery is designed for individuals with a BMI of 40 or greater and whose weight severely impairs their quality of life. Individuals with a BMI between 35-40 who have known co-morbidities may also be considered for surgery.

There are many factors that determine whether a person would make a good candidate for bariatric surgery. A reasonable attempt at losing weight with a non-surgical method must be demonstrated. This may include a physician assisted program. Some insurance companies will require one to have attempted such a program as criteria for coverage of a weight loss surgery. Another factor in determining if someone is a candidate for surgery is their understanding and commitment to the life-long changes that will be required to make this a success. It is important that an individual make an informed decision and have the knowledge to do this. The benefits, risks and complications will all be explained in depth to enable one to decide whether they are able to make this commitment.

Good results after the surgical procedure require continued dieting and an exercise plan. It is essential that one understand this concept pre-operatively, and not have the expectation that the operation will remove personal responsibility and dedication from the weight loss equation.

Take Your First Step Today

View our online seminar to begin your journey in weight loss.

Start Seminar

Bariatric Seminars

Weight Loss Surgery Seminars - New Orleans
Surgical Weight Loss Support Groups - New Orleans
Weight Loss Seminars - Baton Rouge
Weight Loss Seminars - Slidell
Weight Loss Surgery Seminars - Chalmette

Weight Loss Surgery Seminars - New Orleans

Learn more about weight loss surgery options at Ochsner during our free seminars either online or in-person.

Online Seminars

Our comprehensive weight management team provides an informational online seminar on surgical and non-surgical weight loss options. The online seminar is free of charge registration is not required.

To start the online seminar, click here.

In-Person Seminars

Hear from a physician or physician assistant, RN and dietitian. You’ll also have a chance to speak directly with the experts during a Q&A session.

Seminars are held at Ochsner Medical Center in the Brent House Conference Center: 2nd Floor from 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Please call 504-842-2701 to RSVP or additional information.
All patients are required to attend a seminar before booking an appointment for a consultation.

2020

January 21: Caldwell/Burns Room

February 18: Classroom 1

March 24: Classroom 1 (CANCELED)

April 23: Caldwell/Burns Room (CANCELED)*

May 19: Caldwell/Burns Room

June 16: Caldwell/ Burns Room

July 21: Caldwell/Burns Room

August 18: Caldwell/Burns Room

September 15: Caldwell/Burns Room

October 20: Caldwell/Burns Room

November 17: Classroom 1

December 15: Classroom 1

*Schedule an online seminar in the interim.

Surgical Weight Loss Support Groups - New Orleans

Support Groups are held in the Brent House Conference Center 2nd floor, from 5:30 p.m. -6:30 p.m.
No registration required!
Please call 504-842-2701 for questions.

2020

January 14: Tryone Room

February 11: Caldwell Room

March 10: Lejeune Room

April 14: Tyrone Room (CANCELED)*

May 12: Lejeune Room

June 9: Lejeune Room

July 14: Burns Room

August 11: Lejeune Room

September 8: Lejeune Room

October 13: Lejeune Room

November 10: Lejeune Room

December 8: Lejeune Room

*If dietary support is needed, call 504-842-2701 to schedule MyChart.

Weight Loss Seminars - Baton Rouge

Our comprehensive weight management team provides an informational online seminar on surgical and non-surgical weight loss options. The online seminar is free of charge registration is not required.

To start the online seminar, click here.

For any questions about the online seminar, call 225-761-5459.

Weight Loss Seminars - Northshore

Ochsner now offers bariatric surgery in Slidell. Watch a video online from Dr. Gridley, click here.

Learn more about weight loss surgery options at Ochsner during our free informational seminar. Hear from our surgeon, Dr. Gridley and have a chance to ask your questions during a Q&A session.

Seminar will take place at: Ochsner Medical Center - Northshore in the Camellia Room at 5:30 p.m.

To register, call 985-661-3542

2020

January 8

May 27

September 30

Surgical Weight Loss Support Groups - Northshore

Support Groups are held on the first Tuesday of each month at Ochsner Medical Center - Northshore in the Camilla Room from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. No registration required! Please call (985) 661-3542 for questions.

2020

February 4

March 3

April 7 - This meeting will not occur in-person and will take place via video conferencing. Click here to attend via Zoom.

May 5

June 2

July 7

August 4

September 1

October 6

November 3

December 1

Surgical Weight Loss Seminars - Chalmette

At Ochsner St. Bernard, we are committed to bringing quality services to the community of St. Bernard Parish and surrounding areas. Our program provides all pre-operative and post-operative services for bariatric surgery. We provide a multi-disciplinary team of providers in one location to guide you through this life changing procedure.

Learn more about Bariatric Surgery at one of our free seminars held the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at St. Bernard Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room.

To register, call 504-493-2200.

2020

January 21

February 18

March 17

April 21

May 19

June 16

July 21

August 18

September 15

October 20

November 17

December 15

Bariatric Surgery - New Orleans

This program involves a multidisciplinary team who will consult and evaluate each patient individually prior to surgery. The team encompasses specially trained psychologists, dietitians, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner and a nurse coordinator. The information gathered by the multidisciplinary team will be presented to our fellowship-trained bariatric surgeons and assist him/her in deciding whether an individual is a candidate for a gastric bypass surgery.

The Bariatric Surgery Program at Ochsner Medical Center on Jefferson Highway has received accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program and is a Comprehensive Center. Besides helping you take those first steps towards a healthier life, we want to ensure that our patients are fully educated and are able to make an informed decision before undergoing weight reduction surgery.

Learn more about Bariatric Surgery in New Orleans.

Bariatric Surgery - Baton Rouge

What you can expect from Ochsner Baton Rouge:

FREE Online Weight Loss Surgery seminars to learn about your options at Ochsner Baton Rouge and to get your questions answered. To begin the seminar online, please complete the form at the top of the page.
Guidance and information on proper diet, vitamin supplementation and daily exercise.
Access to high-quality care in various specialties including cardiology, critical care, internal medicine and more.
An increased quality of life that decreases medical expenses and prolongs life.

Non - Surgical Weight Loss Options

Ochsner now offers a non-invasive weight loss procedure for patients to manage weight loss. Orbera™ combines a clinically tested and proven medical device, with a customized plan developed by Ochsner’s care team to effectively manage weight loss. This weight loss program will help you create healthy lifestyle habits and maintain your weight loss over time.

Orbera™ is a cash only procedure, not covered by insurance. Please call 225-761-5459 for more information.

Team Members

Bariatric Surgery Staff- Baton Rouge

Arthur Kim, MD
Dr. Kim received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Korea University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. He completed a Surgery Residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition, Dr. Kim is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Kyle Jakob, MD
Dr. Kyle Jakob received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Louisiana State University, Shreveport. He completed his General Surgery Residency at Ochsner Health System, New Orleans.

Bariatric Surgery on the Northshore

Schedule an Appointment Today! (985) 639-3777

Our office is located at: 1850 Gause Boulevard East, Suite 303, Slidell

Welcome to Ochsner’s Bariatric Surgery Program for the Northshore! We’re proud to provide excellent surgical weight loss options to the communities of Slidell, Covington, Southwest Mississippi and everywhere in between.

We offer a variety of surgical options, including Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, and Lap-Band surgery, to fit the needs of all our patients. Plus, you can rest easy knowing all surgeries are done within Ochsner Health System, with immediate and direct access to its world-renowned and nationally-ranked care.

The Bariatric Surgery Program at Ochsner Medical Center - Northshore in Slidell has received accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program and is a Comprehensive Center.

Team Members

Bariatric Surgery Staff- Northshore - Slidell

The Surgical Weight Loss Program on the Northshore includes a multidisciplinary team that will be by your side before, during and after your weight loss surgery. With a customized approach, to each individual patient, our team provides everything you’ll need to achieve your weight loss goals and to keep it off.

Asahel Gridley, MD
Asahel Gridley, MD is our Bariatric Surgeon and Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery on the Northshore. Dr. Gridley graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his residency at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans. He holds a Bachelor’s in Biology and Neuroscience, as well as a Minor in Chemistry from Baylor University.

Dr. Gridley is a Board-Certified General Surgeon and completed his fellowship at the University of Texas-Houston studying new technologies in Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Gridley holds clinic experience in the following areas: minimally invasive surgery, endoscopy, and robotic surgery-Da Vinci trained.

Bariatric Surgery - Chalmette

We are located at 8050 W Judge Perez, Suite 3200, Chalmette. Schedule an Appointment Today! 504-493-2200

At Ochsner St. Bernard, we are committed to bringing quality services to the community of St. Bernard Parish and surrounding areas. Our program provides all pre-operative and post-operative services for bariatric surgery. We provide a multi-disciplinary team of providers in one location to guide you through this life changing procedure. Our nutritional dietitian, psychologist, cardiologist, financial counselor and surgeon are all in one location to assist you. We offer the Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass, performed at the Ochsner Medical Center Jefferson Highway, an accredited center with Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

Free Bariatric Seminars

Learn more about Bariatric Surgery at one of our free seminars.
Held the third Tuesday, each month at St. Bernard Hospital Medical Office Building Conference Room.
To RSVP, call 504-493-2200.

Team Members

Thomas Delahoussaye, MD is the bariatric surgeon at Ochsner St. Bernard. Dr. Delahoussaye graduated from Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHCSC) – New Orleans and completed his residency at a LSUHC, serving as Chief Resident. Dr. Delahoussaye is a Board-Certified General Surgeon and completed his fellowship at Jackson South Community Hospital, Miami, Florida in minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

Vicky Morales, RD is our registered dietitian providing nutritional and eating advice through your journey.

Kim Zweifler, PhD. is our clinical psychologist providing mental and emotional support, and Aline Crawford is our financial counselor that assists with coverage questions and payment solutions. We also offer Cardiology services for pre-screening needs.

Proteina Colada

Mix one scoop Vanilla protein powder, eight ounces skim milk, two drops McCormick Imitation Pineapple Extract, two drops McCormick Imitation Coconut Extract-adjust to taste.

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp is the perfect texture - soft and moist. Serve to your family over linguini or rice - and have your shrimp and sauce in a small bowl - with diced tomato or broccoli.

2 teaspoons olive oil
24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, about 1 ½ pounds
3 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook for one minute and season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook 1-2 minutes, until sauce has thickened. Add parsley and lemon juice; toss well to coat. Cook until shrimp are done.

4 ounce portion: Calories 177, fat 6.5 g, carbs 2 g, protein 23 g

Makes six servings

Cauliflower Mash

This dish is truly creamy and delicious. Hard to tell this from mashed potatoes!

One 1 1/2 pound head Cauliflower, cut into large florets
3 garlic cloves
3 cups chicken broth
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Butter

Combine cauliflower, garlic, and broth in a large saucepan. (add water to cover if vegetable is not completely covered by broth) Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until cauliflower is tender, 12 to 14 minutes.

Drain cauliflower, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid. Transfer cauliflower and garlic to food processor and process until very smooth adding a tablespoon or two of cooking liquid if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of butter to taste.

Serves 8

Per 1/2 cup serving: Calories 40, fat 3g, carbs 6g, protein 4g

Chocolate Ricotta Pudding Cake

This is a flourless ricotta cake that uses boiled eggs as the stiffener. And it has the texture of classic English puddings. Note: Desserts are for special occasions - not for everyday...

Nutritional Values per serving:

Calories 150
Total Fat 9.7g
Saturated Fat 3.8g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 63mg
Sodium 91mg
Total Carbohydrates 5.4g
Dietary Fiber 0.9g
Sugars 1.9g
Protein 8.8g

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons butter, softened
2 whole eggs
2 egg whites
3/4 pound ricotta cheese, drained
4 tablespoons granulated Splenda (Or Truvia or Whey Low)
2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate, finely grated, plus more for garnish
1/8 pound blanched almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
Lemon zest, for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Use the butter to thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of a 1 quart loaf pan.

Hard boil 2 eggs.

In a medium bowl add the ricotta and whisk until free of lumps.
Add the Splenda, chocolate and almonds and stir to blend.
Set aside.

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and put the yolks through a small strainer to break them into small bits. Add the egg yolks to the ricotta mixture.

Beat the 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer - longer with a whisk!.
Gently fold the egg whites into the ricotta mixture with a rubber spatula, retaining as much fluffiness as possible.
Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan.
Put the loaf pan into a roasting pan and add hot water to roasting pan to make a water bath and bake, undisturbed, for 50 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven and the water bath.
Allow to cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with a touch of lemon zest and some chocolate over each portion.

Serves 8

Cook's Note: How to make Hard Boiled Eggs: Add eggs to a pot and cover them by at least 1 inch with COLD water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat (between 8 and 10 minutes). When the water boils, remove the pot from the heat, cover and allow to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. Remove the eggs from the pot and run them under cold water to stop them from overcooking. No green ring around the yolk!!!

**Recipes come from www.bariatriceating.com

Contact Information

Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner - New Orleans by calling 504-842-2701 or by bariatricsurgery@ochsner.org.
Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner - Baton Rouge by calling 225-761-5459 or by bariatricsurgerybr@ochsner.org.
Surgical Weight Loss Program at Ochsner - Northshore in Slidell: To speak with Lisa about the cost of surgical weight loss, call (985) 646-5008. To schedule an appointment, call (985) 639-3777.