James Barnes Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

This past May, while out of state on a work-related trip, I began having severe pain in my abdomen. When I couldn't handle the pain any longer, I had my coworkers take me to the ER. They did an MRI and didn't find anything wrong, although I was very specific about my RNY and possible complications. They gave me some drugs for pain and to relax my stomach and sent me back to the hotel.

When I got back home the next day I called my PCP and made an appointment to see her. She thought I had either appendicitis or gallstones and said she was admitting me to Willis Knighton Hospital, the system with which she was associated, and that they would do an NG tube on me. When I told her I couldn't have a blind NG, she wanted to know why. This surprised me, since (1)she was a doctor and (2) her own husband had had weight loss surgery. I expected her to know this.

I asked her if she would call my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Barnes, and she was very reluctant to do so since he was associated with a different hospital system. I walked outside her office and called Dr. Barnes. He told me to come immediately to Schumpert Hospital, where he does his surgery. He was waiting on me when I got there and I was so relieved and knew that everything was going to be okay.

After an MRI he quickly determined that I had a bowel obstruction. Although there were no operating rooms available, he somehow got me in one and performed surgery. Turned out that scar tissue had grown across my intestine and clamped it shut. Luckily, there was no permanent damage to my intestine. The day of my surgery just happened to be my birthday. Some celebration!

Can't say enough good about Dr. Barnes. I've never felt this degree of trust with any other doctor.

Dr.Barnes is a awesome doctor...My daughters and I wish he was our primary doctor too cause he is the best...He cares so much for his patients before and after their surgeries..I recommend him to everyone if you havent found someone to do your surgery yet, call him...He is in Shreveport,Louisiana..He does his surgeries at the Schumpart Hospital..they have a very nice staff at this hospital..He is the kind of doctor if you have any problems at all, call his office number day or night, even if you get the answering service and you either stay on line and he will answer or he will call you right back right then..He's great..Give him a chance and you will see for yourself..

Besides the fact that he could pass as John Cusack's brother, he is AWESOME! I was and am treated with the utmost respect anytime I go into the office. He, as well as Debbie, Melissa, and Kristen, have forever changed my life and are dedicated to what they do and their patients. My process moved rather swiftly, as I had my consultation on Feb. 2nd and was in the OR on March 3rd. Thankfully, my life will never be the same. Dr. Cusack (as I call him) presented me with several options, but we...that's right... WE decided that, based upon my medical and family history, the RNY Bypass would be optimal for my health. I will never say that my option is for everyone. What I will say is that I wish that anyone who has ever struggled with their weight, as I have my entire adult life, could have been in that room with us the day that he explained to me how he was going to "fix my illness". He never used the words fat, obese, or even overweight. I was able to leave there excited, encouraged, and, most of all, respected as a person, regardless of my size. Thinking of that day literally brings tears to my eyes. Not only was he impeccable, but his staff, all the way down to the very last person affiliated with them at the hospital was super respectful and professional. My stay was pain free and I have NEVER been treated like a number. I have literally blown that office phone with questions on a daily basis, and they haven't blocked my number yet! They also have monthly support meetings that are wonderfully helpful and candid. I am now 4 months post op, 55 pounds lighter, and completely off of all my medication for high blood pressure. I could only be more pleased if he offered a free tummy tuck/boob job package! I truly love this doctor and his superb staff of cheerleaders/ supporters/ wonder women! 2 super skinny thumbs up!

I met Dr. James Barnes and his wife Dr. Stephanie Barnes in December 2007. He was very adamant about the RNY surgery being THE surgery for me since I was a total dessert lover. I have to admit he was right! I was approved for my surgery a month later and had my RNY on January 22, 2008.

From the word go, Dr. Jim was very very informative and answered mine, and my children's concerns about WLS. I have referred four other patients to him and they have all had very successful operations.

I rate him as an overall excellent caregiver. His demeanor, surgical competence and bedside manner are all great. I'm always happy to tell anyone who sees me that Dr. Jim & his wife are the BEST weight loss surgeons in Shreveport.

There isn't enough room on this page for me to sing the praises of Dr Jim.... From my first meeting he has been nothing but amazing! I don't feel like just another patient with him, even if he is running an hour behind on his appointments, he never rushs the visit and takes time to discuss any concerns or issues that I might have! I would recommend him for ANYONE thinking of having the surgery!

Without coming accross dramatic, this couple is the best surgeons for bariatric procedures in the Ark-La-Tex, and I would guess one of the top in the country. Why they are in practicing at Schumpert is beyond me, but that is where they choose to practice. My first encounter with Dr. Barnes was in March of 2008, and through a bunch of insurance BS, I had to wait for my surgery. I finally had it on November 11, 2009. Mine was very complicated. I had a previous Nissan Fundoplication (for heartburn) that failed, so he had to undo the previous surgery, then do a RNY Gastric bypass. During my surgery, he ran into problems with a previous hernia repair. Additionally, this couple performed all this laproscopicly. The surgery took (my estimate) about seven and a half hours. The practice is very focused on their patients. Debbie, the office manager is great. If it was not for her, I would not have had my surgery on the 11th. The hospital called 16 hours before my surgery wanting an additional $2,000 than what they quoted me the previous week. She helped me work through all the last minute details to get the issue settled. I am looking forward to having a heartburn free life for the first time in 12 years!

I loved my surgeon. Dr. Barnes (Jim) was my primary surgeon, but I did have some interaction with his wife as well. I didn't get enough time with them unfortunately, we are military and moved when I was 6 months post-op. Although I couldn't wait to leave Louisiana, I was sad to move away from them and their office staff.

I was very impressed with Dr. Barnes! He knew is stuff thats for sure. Any questions that was asked he had a question for it. And not to mention his office staff was awesome. Every step they was calling me and keeping me updated on how the insurance approval was going. Within a week and a half I was approved! yayaaaa... I havent had my surgery yet but its scheduled for April 14th!!

Dr Barnes was very staight foward no sugar coating. I have met with him 3 times and no change,great office staff.I cant think of anything that I did not like about him. he emphasizes very much abot aftercare.yes he does have a aftercare program. he address the risk from A-Z.I would rate Dr Barnes a 10 and would recommend him to anyone.both great.

At my first appointment/consultation with Dr. James and Dr. Stephanie Barnes, the whole office was great. As the patients and families sat in the waiting room, both physicians sat in with us and explained the two types of surgeries and their history and the difference between the types.rnI had done some research prior and had a friend that had it with great success with Dr. James Barnes, so I didnt have all my questions down like I should have.rnAfter listening to the class like, we then met with the nurse (Linda) and she took our weight and measurements. Then we met with the doctor of our choice. It really doesnt matter which Doctor you choose, because at this practice, the patient is cared for in surgery by two surgeons. They both are a great team and in my opinion, you cant have anything better than that!rnMy impression with the entire team was that they knew exactly what they were doing and I felt very comfortable with both of the Dr. Barnes clinic.rnI couldnt find anything that I did not like about the staff, I felt they all were great and they care.rnI have called the office since my surgery of the Gastric Bypass and they all have been quite helpful and no question is too silly to them.rnThe aftercare is very important in your recovery. The surgery is just a tool. Learning from the nurse and physicians of what you can have and the process you are making is very important to your outcome. The clinic is a team and they strieve to give the education to help the patient. The diet is much alot more strick than other clinic's, but you can do it. It is worth it, not to go back eating right away like some of the other weight loss messages with other doctors. These professionals do it this way for a reason and you will stick to the diets they set forth each time and Linda, the nurse is really good -she encourages you or informs you that you need to walk or whatever the case is. That support is very important with such a huge change to your body. It really affects your whole well being, by the way you follow the orders and diets.rnI have informed several people of the Dr. Barnes and Barnes. I think they are highly qualified to do these surgeries and I recommend them highly to anyone that is thinking about doing one of the surgeries.rnThe clinic has a class once a month, for two sessions, but because I live in Alexandria, LA, I havent been able to make one yet, but I will.rnThe whole team, the physicians and the nurse explain the risks.rnI rate the team a 10 out of 10.rnI believe everything about the two physicians/surgeons have everything it takes to make a great doctor. They have bedside manners, of course they are highly qualified and they are very pleasant to be around. Kind of like everyday people. They both make a great couple and they are doctors, so it makes it great for them as well as the patient.rnI had my surgery on 05/31/07. The surgery went great, I follow my diet and you have to exercise daily. I have lost 70 pounds and you do go through plateu stages and that is only to give your body time to catch up-they explain it better.rnI have had a few problems from other things, but I would do this agian in a minute. It is the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I was on 8-9 meds a day, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes to name a few. I am on no medications and feel better than I have felt in many years.rnThis is something to think about but when you do your research and look for a surgeon, you really need to fo see the doctors, you will be satisfied. Do your homework, find out about the surgeries, its risks and everything you can. Make up your mind and make that appointment for your first consult. rnWhen the nurse informs you of the weight you need to loose before surgery, DO IT! I know its hard. I think we all think, we have to eat before we cant eat again- so if we gain instead of loosing, you may not have your surgery on the date you want.rnThe staff makes sure we loose some and thats a good thing because they are the Doctors and nurses and they know what is best for us.rnThey dont just set our surgery appointment date up without giving us an exam and further examinations with specialist. They do this for our health and it is a good thing.rnAgain, I will recommend this team of professionals to anyone that asks.rnGood luck!rnrn