George R. Merriman II Bariatric Surgeon MD, FASMBS

If you are considering bariatric surgery in Shreveport, LA, then be sure you consult with Dr. George Merriman II. He was the second bariatric surgeon that I consulted. He is straight to the point and a good surgeon. He uses a 34 fr bougie. I am pleased with the care I have received and the surgery recovery. He removed my GB at the same time as the VSG procedure.
After surgery, I wanted to know how big my sleeve would be when it finally "matured" but he wouldn't say. This frustrated me. At my two month visit, he said that based on what I eat, I have a 2 oz pouch. I asked him how much larger it will get and he said he doesn't expect it to get much larger. I hope he is correct, because I wanted and needed a tight sleeve. I would use him again, in a heartbeat.
His staff is wonderful, I had a great experience with everyone I dealt with- everyone is so friendly and helpful. Dr. Merriman seemed in a hurry at times, but his staff is laid back and made me feel at home.

Dr. Merriman is a good and competent surgeon - his program explains everything before surgery very well. But, Dr. Merriman's bedside manner and attitude leave much to be desired. My surgery was successful with no complications. The complications started when I began to deal with his PA who does all the adjustments. She did not appear to like me me much and is controlling and sometimes rude. You may think the band is yours but she acts like it is hers. The receptionist and other nurse staff however are very nice; always have a smile. I switched to another local doctor because of my personal issues with the PA. You're only in Dr. Merriman's hands for a little while--in the PAs for the distance. This is my personal experience and impression which does not reflect what others may experience.

OMG....I just thought that I had great things to say about Dr. Merriman. Now I can tell you my thoughts about him from being his patient and not the spouse of a patient.rnrnI thought that I would be extremely nervous on my hour and a half ride to Shreveport to have surgery. But you know what...I knew that I was in God's hands....Dr. Merriman is a Christian and between the two of them...how could I go wrong. So I left my surgery in their hands.rnrnMy impression of him has not changed...in fact... I think it has even improved if that is possible. I have a world of confidence in him. I could have had surgery in my hometown....but going to him was like going home. I knew him, his bedside manner, and the hospital staff. I knew that I would be taken care of. I am fairly sure that he will be around for a long time...I have seen to many people get a doctor and then the doctor move...and they have to find someone else...I hope this never happens...rnrnYou may contact me if you have any concerns... I think I can make you feel better. I have known Dr. Merriman for a very long time. He is very caring and professional. He has great bedside manner and his staff is extremely supportive and helpful. I can honestly say that there is nothing I dislike about him. Potential patients need to know that he takes it extremely serious that our lives are in his hands and that he will be there for you from beginning to end. Do what he says...LISTEN...he will not lead you astray. The whole medical staff will inform you of what your needs will be pre op, post op and your future. He has a website that will inform you of the different procedures, the risks and the benefits...and yes they are discussed in detail with you. He was and still is my husbands physician and will be the only one to do the procedure for me. Well...how do I rate him? Let's see...he isn't God...but he is on the ladder...lol. Surgical competence is always a MUST, and he has that...but he also has bedside manner which is a definite plus!! I would recommend him to any individual considering this life altering procedure! Do not lie in any aspect of the pre op consultations with him or the others...they are there for you and can only be the best you allow them to be in providing for your needs.

My first impression was I was not sure about him. lol As time went by I found out he is very serious about your success with this. His office staff is very good and return all my calls and emails. I would recomend future patients to Dr. Merriman. No one could emphasize aftercare more than Dr. Merriman. He wants you to be well informed on what is going on and wants you to be successful in your weight loss. He has meetings 2 times a month to meet other patients, and ask them questions. He allso wants you to understand the risks of surgery, my risks were more if I didn't have it. his bedside mannor is straight forward, he tells it like it is, sometimes I don't care to hear the truth, but he is going to give it to you anyway, and i respect him for that. I would rate Dr. Merriman the best there is. His surgical competence is the best there is.

Dr. Merriman is very straight forward and to the point. Tells you the benefits and risks of WLS. He is very informative on the different procedures of WLS and helps guide you in the direction for what type of surgery you may need.rnrnDr. Merriman's staff is awesome. I have actually met a great friend thru his office three years ago and we continue to be buddies.

Dr. Merriman has a well rounded approach to the disease of morbid obesity. Before you can schedule an office visit, you must attend one of his seminars.rnrnWhen you choose him for your surgeon, he has several requirements that you must fulfill. Labwork and Ekg. A pulmonary/cardiac workup if indicated. A visit with a dietician. A consultation with a psychologist, if he determines it is necessary. He performs an Egd/Upper GI prior to surgery. You are required to sign an affidavit that you will follow his guidelines, attend his seminars for new patients and if possible, his established patients, and come in at least yearly. I was very impressed with him and his staff. So was my husband. rnrnHe is an excellent physician/surgeon, and I am very glad that I chose him for my surgery.

have not met Dr. yet will meet him soon

I have a new surgeon. Dr. Merriman from Shreveport,La. I also have a new insurance: Aetna and I also have Medicare. rnDr. Merriman is very to the point. From all my research, he is skilled in this area and is one of the best. I would rate him a ten out of ten at this point of my process.

I found Dr. Merriman and his staff to be very helpful and genuinely concerned about my questions. There wasn't anything that I really didn't like about him. He was very busy the day I met with him, but he took all the time that my husband and I needed. He talked about aftercare some, I expect more of that in the preop appointment. I am an RN, I would give him at this point an 8/10. Well, since I haven't had my surgery yet, I am hesitant to rate his surgical skills, If I live through the surgery I guess they'll be great. His bedside manner was pretty good, as surgeons go\") His office was very accomadating for bartiatric patients

'I have met Dr. Merriman twice...first at his seminar which was great. He was very friendly