Testimonials "To read unfiltered testimonials from our patients, go to www.obesityhelp.com and go to Find a Bariatric Surgeon.  Click on Louisiana and then click on Keith Chung, M.D.  "  Another great way to read testimonials "Having Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass was a lifesaver for me. My beginning weight was 359. I am a 49 year old married woman with 2 children. I felt at least 20 years older. I was starting to have breathing problems; but mainly I was afflicted with extreme osteoarthritis. I had terrible knee and lower back pain. I could barely walk a block without feeling I had to sit down. Dr. Chung and Marcie helped to change all of that for me. They were totally informative and attending their seminar helped me to decide to have the surgery. Dr. Chung told me that I had to lose 30 pounds on my own before the surgery in order to him to do it laparoscopically. It wasn't easy, but I was so determined! I lost the 30 pounds and had the surgery on August 15, 2003. It's now been 6 weeks post-op and I have lost a total of 60 pounds. My clothes are looser and best of all, my entire attitude has changed and even walking much better without taking my arthritis drugs since the surgery. My surgery was done at Women and Children's. The nursing staff was great and totally helpful. I have to admit that for the first couple of days, I was really hurting although the pain pills took care of the pain. But, I returned to work in one weeks time, with no problems. Now, I really am not hungry. It's just like Dr. Chung and Marcie told me it would be. They have been there for me and have been incredibly supportive every step of the way. If you are considering the surgery and would like to talk to me about anything, please e-mail me and I would be happy to talk to you and answer any of your questions. I highly recommend Dr. Keith Chung. He did a great job and I couldn't have done this without Marcie!!  mrsbooboo23!aol.com "  Cindy "I just want to pass on to anyone who may have doubts or questions about what to expect after surgery that I am continuing to feel great and have begun my old workout routine without experiencing any difficulties.  I do strengthening exercises three days a week, but I haven't yet begun to do abdominals.  I would be glad to talk to anyone who has questions from a very satisfied patient, thanks to a great doctor and, of course, Marcie, the great woman behind the doctor. E-mail curtis.primeaux@att.net"  Curtis "Dr. Chung is one of the best doctors I have ever met. Marcie is so informative. She always answers any and all of my questions.  I feel confident that she can help me through anything.  She truly wants you to do very well and they do everything in her power to make sure that happens. She will take the time to answer any qeustions you have no matter how big or small it is and at ANY time of the day. The procedure itself never hurt at all. I went back to work after only one week. That shows how good Dr. Chung is. I would do it all over again. Marcie and Dr. Chung are excited for you both before and after the surgery. That tells me how dedicated they are to their patients. darlankaren@cox-internet.com "  Darla "Dr. Chung is an excellent doctor for WLS. I am so glad I chose him for my surgery. Dr. Chung's performance before and after surgery was an A+ for me. He cares very much for his patients and lets you know in many ways. Marcie works very hard to get your approval for surgery and always greets you with a smile. My stay at Women and Children's in Lake Charles was wonderful. The staff took very good care of me and were very nice. I'm glad that I had the surgery. I have lost 55 lbs in three months and I am enjoying life alot more. I would have the surgery again. DiannaRvs@aol.com"  Dianna "My gastric bypass experience was wonderful! Dr. Chung was funny, very knowledgeable and had a fantastic bedside manner. Marcie moved my paperwork through at lightning speed and had me scheduled in no time. She also was always able and more than happy to answer all my questions. She even came to see me in the hospital! I would recommend this surgery with Dr. Chung and Marcie to anyone. My recovery was fast and relatively painless. I wish I would have done it sooner! macanudomiss@yahoo.com"  Jennifer "If I had to do it again, I would do it! I'm fifty four years of age. I feel like I'm twenty years of age. The surgery was nothing. Out in two days ready to go back to work. In five months, I've lost about a hundred and twenty pounds. The service was very hospitable.  Marcie is the best."  John "My name is John I had the gastric bypass 12/18/03 almost a year ago I have lost about 79#. This probably does not sound like a lot of weight in a year but it was, let me tell you, it has made a big difference in my life. Before i had the surgery I had diebiets and severe arthritis. I had to take advandia for my diebiets and shots twice a week for my arthritis. I do not have to take the advandia any more and I get only 1 injection a week now. this surgery, as Dr. Chung and Marcie will tell you is a seriuos procedure and does change your whole life for ever. I was a size 52 in the waist and now I'm a size 36.  at one point I weight 297 pounds and I now weight 218. I can move about so much easier now and have alot more energy. I also had sleep apnia and would stop breathing due to my air way being blocked off when my muscles in my throat would relax. My wife would have to wake me up because she was scared that I was dead that was pretty bad. My wife can atest to it being well worth it, just because I do not snore any more.I also had a problem being put to sleep due to my no neck problem due to being so obese Dr. Chung and Marcie pick at me about that, you can ask them about it when you talk to them again. I had my surgery at the Womens and Children's hospital in Lake Charles La. I had to stay a extra day at the hospital because I lost some blood during surgery. Other than that, It was no problem. Yes my stomach was sore it felt like I did a 1,000 sit ups. It only lasted a couple of weeks. As far as the eating the soft liquid diet was the worst. It was a total of about 3 weeks. I only had a problem with eating too fast and not chewing my food well enough. This would cause the food to block up at the exit of the new pouch because it did not have time to digest. The result would be that it would pile up and I would throw it up. I did that about 5 or 6 times and that was enough for me to learn my leason. Marcie was a big help and was availabie 24 hours a day. I had to call her at 3:00 am due to a muscle spasm and she had no problem with it. They took good care of me (Thanks alot.) If I had to do it agian, I would do it again in a heart beat. Matter of fact I have reffered several people to Dr. Chung. In fact my loving wife is having it almost a year after I did Dec. 21. I can not tell you how much it has mad a deffernce in my life Thanks again Marcie and Dr. Chung for giving me a whole new life!!!!!!!!   If any of you are thinking of having the procedure done and would like to email me my email address is oldhunter67@hotmail.com i would be glad to answer any question or share more about my own story with you."  John G "Having Gastric Bypass Surgery with Dr. Chung was the best decision I made in my life. The personal relationship that Marcie forms with their patients makes the transition so much easier. The care they provided throughout the entire process was unlike any medical office I have every known. I love knowing that they are only a phone call away, always providing helpful information anytime of the day. No matter how busy they get, they always make me feel like family and never rushed me. The procedure was virtually painless. Dr. Chung is an excellent surgeon and he is so lucky to have his nurse, Marcie, who should write the book on this procedure. The support groups are like family reunions and everyone is so nice. The surgery changed my life 100% for the better and I am so thankful to Dr. Chung and Marcie for all they have done. I would recommend this team to anyone who was considering surgery because of the high level of surgical training. Dr. Chung has a fantastic bedside manner and Marcie has a helpful and very friendly attitude.  You'll love her.  JCAIN624@bellsouth.net"  Joy "I would just like to say that both Marcie and Dr. Chung have changed my life. Marcie convinced my insurance company to pay for the surgery. Then she convinced my husband to accept the surgery. I will admit, it is a lifetime commitment, but it is one that is worth it. So, please if you are planning on having the surgery, prepare yourself mentally and commit to following all of the rules. I repeat, ALL of the rules. Johncradure@gulfservices.biz"  Kathy "The first anniversary of my new birthday will be August 4, 2007. It was on this date in 2006 that I had my Gastric Bypass surgery and began the first day of my new, healthier and hopefully long life. My health had gone downhill the past two years. I had high blood pressure, severe knee pain due to arthiritis and the rest of my body was starting to ache most of the time. For the last yaer or so, I had started to experience shortness of breath while walking very short distances. This was what made me realize that if I did not do something soon that I most likely would not live another 10 years. My sister had gastric bypass two years before I did and when she would mention if I was interested in having the surgery, I would always quickly answer "no way". But I was at the point where I was more afraid of what would happen to me if I did not have the surgery than if I did. They say God works in mysterious ways and can move mountains. I feel it was God that set my feet on the path to Women and Children's Hospital on June 2nd, 2006 to hear Dr. Chung's seminar on Lap Band and Gastric Bypass surgery. I had originally went to hear about Lap Band, but when learning that the weight came off slower with a Lap Band, I figured that I may as well listen about Gastric Bypass. Within one hours time I did a complete 180 in wanting the surgery. Within the week, I had all my paperwork filled out, medical reports gathered and submitted to Marcie for her review. The next week Marcie had confirmation from my insurance company that they would cover the procedure for me. Over the next month and a half, she set me up for all my preliminary medical tests and had dieted to lose as much weight as I could before surgery. I remembered the whole time Marcie's phrase "THIS IS THE LAST DIET YOU WILL EVER BE ON". I am proud to say that I lost 20 pounds before surgery. I had my surgery on August 4th, went home on August 5th and never looked back. I was very blessed not to have experienced the side effects and/or the food intolerances that sometimes occurs after surgery. I followed all the postop food plans closely and have been very successful with my weightloss. It's been 11 months and I have lost 143 pounds with 7 more to lose. i am off my high blood pressure medication, walk with no pain and sleep better than I have in a long time. I exercise 6 days a week and feel the best I have in many, many years. Not only healthwise, but also mentally. The transformation is unbelievable. The surgery has allowed me to accomplish what I thought was impossible and has filled my life with happiness and hope for the future."  Laura St. George "It's been six months and I have lost 70 pounds.  My only regret is not having had this surgery 10 years ago.  I have received so many compliments that it has almost become embarrassing!  My friends and family are surprised at the results thus far.  I feel great physically and mentally.  Being tired is a thing of the past.  No more naps for me.  I have energy to spare. Six months ago when I began the process leading up to my gastric bypass, I have to admit that I was apprehensive.  After meeting with Dr. Chung and Marcie, my apprehension was replaced with anticipation.  Dr. Chung was straightforward concerning the risks of this surgery.  I accepted the challenge and will forevermore be glad for it.  Marcie and Dr. Chung were readily available during the early months following surgery.  I have the utmost confidence in this team.  My lifestyle has changed ~ really changed.  I have not only lost 70 pounds, but I have gained new quality to my life.  Eating is no longer a hobby.  It's a necessity only. "  Linda "Overall, the surgery has been a hard and trying experience. Conditioning yourself mentally is very hard once food (as a comfort tool) is taken out of the equation. The first two weeks were a trying time both physically and mentally. The pain was so intense and there was only the medicine to dull it. I have had problems keeping food down and I have been losing weight rapidly. I find it hard to segregate my eating and drinking and still have enough time to get the required protein and water consumption. Mentally, I am starting to feel more comfortable, yet at meal times, I find it hard to stretch out meals when eating out or with company. I am very self-conscious about it. It's been eleven weeks for me and slowly I believe I will be whole again and healthier since my sleep apnea, reflux and headaches are on a decline. The future looks bright. nrmbrdr@aol.com"  Norman "Before I saw Dr. Chung, I was afraid to have the surgery. I had heard alot of bad things and little or nothing good. After I was diagnosed with diabetes, I really started thinking seriously about it. I knew I had to do something. My weight was over 320 pounds and out of control. I was on insulin shots and two different pills for the diabetes. I also slept with a CPaP maching because of sleep apnea. So, on June 20th, 2003, I had the surgery. I am off of all diabetic medications and no more sleep apnea. Having this surgery was the best decision I've ever made. This is a very serious surgery. Marcie and Dr. Chung take it seriously and are very professional and informative. They are always there with smiling faces and big hearts. They have given me another chance at life. Thank you. I would highly recommend this surgery to people who are serious about making a change in their life. But, if you can't commit to a life long change, then don't do it. jwtrat@cox-internet.com"  Rosita "I wish I would have had the surgery years ago. What little discomfort I had has been forgotten. The worst part for me was the drain bag. I could not wait to have it removed. I have made alot of adjustments or changes due to bad habits before surgery. One was eating out. I had a habit of nervous eating.  Marcie helped me to understand this because she had seen it with so many other patients.  Still, I was afraid that would be a problem for me. It isn't. You will feel fullness quickly and will stop eating. I have a hard time remembering to take my daily multivitamins, but I am getting better. The service and care I have received could not have been better. The choice of a local surgeon was the best choice. I have a lot of confidence in both Dr. Chung and Marcie. Tsmith1473@aol.com"  Terrie "Dr. Chung is a wonderful, caring individual. He understands the needs of his patients. He is very honest and very thorough. His nurse, Marcie, has all the same qualities and has been my backbone and support through the whole procedure.  I couldn't have gone through this without her.  Dr. Chung does the surgery, which you're asleep for.  Marcie does all the rest.  This team is bar none the best medical team that I have ever dealt with. I am 2 weeks past surgery and thus far doing great. I have lost a total of 39 pounds. The procedure has changed my and my family's life. Definitely, it has been for the better. I owe my happiness and hopefully longer life to this outstanding medical team."  Tony "Dr. Chung is a super surgeon! I had a wonderful experience with his staff also. My hospital stay at Women and Children's was also a good experience. I was well taken care of. My weight loss is slow, however, and I do have days when I don't feel so good because I ate too fast, too much or too different. If asked, I still tell people I would do it again and I have no regrets. mixon_tracy@yahoo.com"  Tracy