Our Patient Advocates in Louisiana

The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana includes a team of seven full-time patient advocacy experts who focus solely on acquiring weight loss surgery insurance approval. Upon inquiry into our practice, an Advocate will be designated to address your individual preoperative needs. One of our seven Advocates will walk you through the bariatric surgery insurance maze and personally contact your insurance representative.

Southeast Division

Laura Boyer, RN, CBN, Director of Clinical Systems

Laura has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years. She spent 18 of those years in the peri-operative hospital setting. Laura teamed with Dr. Lavin in 2001 to create the Bariatric Surgery Program for the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana. She is on the consulting faculty for Ethicon Endo-Surgery and Allergan. Laura has been a member of American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) since 2002 and is a presenter at their annual meeting. In June of 2006 she was elected Member at Large of the Integrated Health Executive Council for ASMBS. She is currently President Elect for the Integrated Health section of ASMBS.

Chris Nelson, MN, APRN, FNP-C

Chris joined the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana in January 2004. She graduated from LSU Medical Center with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1991 and a Masters of Nursing in 1998. Chris was appointed to Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. She is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and The American Nurses Credentialing Center. Chris is a member of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners where she has served as a Regional Representative of the New Orleans chapter. She is an instrumental member of the Surgical Specialists’ practice in caring for patients pre- and post-surgery. She serves as a preceptor for gastric band adjustments. Chris is a member of ASMBS.

Deana McDonald, RN, CBN, Director of Clinical Operations

Deana graduated from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. She joined The Surgical Specialists of Louisiana in 2003. Prior to joining the practice, her 24 years of nursing experience included Home Health, Cardiology and Oncology. As a Certified Bariatric Nurse and Director of Clinical Operations for the Southeast Division, Deana is an integral part of the comprehensive, team approach to a patient’s weight loss success. She conducts presurgical chart reviews as well as preoperative teaching classes for patients. She also instructs patients after surgery and performs LAP-BAND® adjustments. Deana is a member and presenter of American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Alison Nolan, MN, APRN, FNP-C

Alison joined the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana in March 2008. She graduated from the LSU Health Sciences Center with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing in 1997 and a Masters of Nursing in 2004. Alison is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Her previous clinical experience includes cardiology, ER, and ICU. Alison has been appointed to the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society of Nursing. She is a member of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Alison is an instrumental member of the Surgical Specialists’ practice in caring for patients pre and post surgery.