Thomas E. Lavin, MD, FACS,  graduated cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Miami University in Ohio. He received his medical degree from Medical College of Ohio and completed his General Surgery residency at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans in 1995. He is a board certified surgeon and has been a pioneer in developing and promoting the field of laparoscopic surgery. He performs every major laparoscopic procedure done worldwide. Dr. Lavin is the founder of the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana and Southern Bariatric Associates. As one of the first 4 U.S. proctors for INAMED Health, he teaches and credentials other surgeons in the placement of the LAP-BAND device for the treatment of morbid obesity. He is also a national proctor for the laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Dr. Lavin has been approved as an ASMBS Center Of Excellence Bariatric Surgeon. This accreditation recognizes Dr. Lavin as one of the most experienced surgeons with the lowest rate of complications, whose program offers a wide range multi-disciplinary approach that gives patients the tools to be successful before and after surgery.