Stephanie Barnes Bariatric Surgeon M.D.

This was my first visit and first time meeting them. Both Stephanie and James seemed really nice, as did their staff. So far, the only negative experience was that the staff was supposed to send a packet to me (with all the papers that new clients need to fill out) and they never did send it. James was very thorough, going over all aspects of the surgery, pre & post-op topics. He also did very well with not rushing me and answered all of my questions. Very friendly!rnrn*Update*rnSo far, I'm not really happy about the Barnes' and their staff (moreso, probably the staff & professionalism). It feels like they think their time is more important than mine. I got approved and they didn't even call me to let me know. They have not been in touch with me AT ALL! I finally had to call them to ask what has to be done next because it's getting down to the wire and they weren't contacting me. If I wasn't so far into all this, I would've gone back to the Tricare referrals office and asked about other bariatric surgeons in the area and possibly try to switch.rnrnThis is just what I, personally, have experienced. I have also heard a LOT of really good reviews about the Barnes' and their staff, and they all DID seem really nice and caring in person.

I first met Dr. Barnes at the office seminar that she and her husband use to describe the procedures / options. Each person attending is then called back to meet the doctors on a more personal level and have a chance to ask questions. Dr. Barnes was so easy to talk to. She seemed to understand my struggle and easily answered my questions and concerns. I knew right there that I had made the right choice in a surgeon. (My PCP had recommended the team.) She is part of a husband/wife surgeon team. They were at the hospital daily checking on everyone. There was a visit by their nurse, including a little helpful gift, offering even more encouragement. I would give the office staff, nurse, and surgeon team a 10!!

My first meeting with the Barnes' was, two PHENOMENAL Drs. Very knowledgeable and answer any questions you have, even the less than interesting ones..lolrnShe and I have had a rocky road, there were a lot of complications with my pre-op testing, mainly issues I've had for some time but never thought were effecting me. I'm happy to say I stuck in there and I'm just waiting to see the results. I'd recommend Dr. Barnes ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!!

The BEST OF THE BEST Never Better, None Better, Will Never Be Any Better !!

My first impression was that she knew what she was doing and I felt a strong trust. I have had one meeting with her and that was at the meeting for the surgery. My first office visit will be on April 8th. I will have all my pre-op done on that day. Such as her visit, the nutrionist, and the mental evaluation. I will have a busy day that day but it will be so worth it. rnDr. Barnes helped me and my family out so much at the meeting. All our questions were answered and I felt more ready for the surgery itself.rn8/19/04rnTIME TO UPDATE THIS PART OF MY PROFILE.....I HAVE TO SAY....THAT DR. STEPHANIE AND JIM BARNES....ARE BY FAR THE BEST 2 SURGEONS THAT LOUISIANA HAS!! THEY ARE NOT ONLY YOUR DOCTOR, THEY BECOME YOUR FRIENDS AS WELL. I CANT IMAGINE HAVING GONE TO ANYONE ELSE. THEY TOOK EXCELLENT CARE OF ME AND STILL DO EVEN AFTER ALMOST 15 MONTHS POST.rnTHEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING, THEY UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL, AND THEY MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS DONE PROFESSIONALY AND WITH COMPASSION.....I LOVE THEM DEARLY AND WOULD RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE...AND I HAVE!rn.....YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON THEM.....THEY ARE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL, AND NEVER EVER WOULD BE RUDE OR UNPROFESSIONAL!rnI LOVE THEM AND THANK THEM FOR ALL THEY HAVE DONE FOR ME!!!!

EXCELLENT!!

I did not have surgery with Dr. Chu. I ended up going to Shreveport and Dr. Stepahnie Barnes and husband Dr. James Barnes performed my surgery. I have had no problems, minimal pain and am on my way to loosing. My first appt. is 11-13-06 (my surgery was 10-31-06). The Drs. Barnes have been fabulous and the office staff are wonderful. The hospital (Christus Schumpert) was awesome. I could not have asked for anything to be any better. They all rate a #15 on a scale of 1-10.

My first impression was that she was way to young to be a skilled surgeon.rnAfter talking to her, she explained all of my questions and helped me to fully understand the procedure I was going to be having.rnThe office staff is awesome and always there for me.rnFuture patients need to not hold back questions or fears, get them out into the open and answered.rnI can't wait to see her for my two-week checkup and knowing that she'll be following up with me in the months and years ahead, I feel secure that I won't have any problems, but if I do, I know I can call and have immediate help.rnYes, there is a structured aftercare program.rnShe laid it on the line, so many things that could go wrong (had a flip chart that was very explicit) but was so confident that even while I was lying on the gurney waiting to go into the operating room scaring myself with thoughts of should I just tell them I don't want to go thru with the surgery...I remembered her confidence and solutions should something happen...I may have cried a little but was mentally ready for the surgery when they wheeled me in.rnI would rate her with a 10.rnBoth surgical competence and bedside manner are great.

I had my surgery on March 30,2004. I am 12 weeks post-op today and have lost 47 pounds. I feel good about my decision and have had wonderful support from my family and friends. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Barnes outside of the medical field, this allowed me to talk with her as a friend before I chose to use her as a doctor. We were actually pregnant at the same time. Following the birth of my 3rd child in October, I realized my weight was out of control and decided I would \"do something about it.\" I called the office Dr. Barnes had been in and was told \"SHE DOESN'T WORK HERE!\" They offered no information concerning her move. So I hunted her down, because I wanted to use her--she was a wonderful person and I was sure an excellent surgeon. I found she and her husband had openned their own practice and were happy to see me. They refered me to LivLite--whose services I could have done with out! Just so you know, you don't have to call them--they are helpful, but if you know who you want to use--call that doc for an appointment. I was lucky, my insurance approval and pre-op testing were all done in 3 weeks and I was off to surgery. The first 2 weeks following surgery were hellish--but it was worth it. Now things are pretty simple--think before you eat and the weight comes off. My main reason for posting is I think it is important for people in the Shreveport Area to research the docs who are doing this surgery--In my opinion NO ONE in town is as qualified, kind, caring or careful as the Barnes are. Also, LivLite is supposed to represent all the area doctors (they aren't) and I think the Barnes are the ONLY docs in town who are doing a Laproscopic RNY--which is considered the most effective and lasting surgery for weight loss. This isn't an advertisement--it just seems that like in all things, you can't always believe what you hear. If you are deciding to have surgery and make a positive change in your life you should get your facts straight and make your own decisions. I feel great and am sorry I weighted (spelled wrong on purpose) so long to make this change. Thanks He & She Barnes for everything you've done. rn

From the first time I met her, I could say, I love Dr Barnes!!! Every new meeting with her and her staff just reassured me that this was the right person to take care of me. I think that this is definately her calling. She is so patient and understanding. She takes the time to explain so many things to you and never makes you feel rushed. Her staff always made me feel like they had known me for such a long time. Whenever I'd call, they would act like they were so happy to hear from me. What impressed me the most is how she treated me like a friend. I remember during one of the follow ups, she saw me from her office and said, "Hi Maribel, I'll be with you in just a minute. How have you been?" I felt like a celebrity had just singled me out from the croud. The after care is very strict and slow, but I have total cofidence that she knows what is absolutely best for me. To me, surgical competence and bedside manners are equally important. I don't like it when doctors have that Godlike complex. I think Dr Barnes and her husband are doing a world of good for people that have lost much hope in their situation and I know God will bless them abundantly.