expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. James Redmann, M.D.

Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. James Redmann is a general surgeon practicing in Covington, LA. Dr. Redmann specializes in abdominal contents including the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and often thyroid glands. General surgeons are able to deal with almost any surgical or critical care emergency, also involving the skin or soft tissue trauma. Dr. Redmann provides quality surgical service for gravely ill or injured patients and is able to respond quickly due to knowledge of various surgical procedures.
30 years Experience
Dr. James Redmann, M.D.
  • Metairie, LA
  • Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans
  • Accepting new patients

What is the recovery from gastric sleeve surgery?

After laparoscopic or robotic sleeve procedures, most people stay one night in the hospital and start driving 3 days later. Some programs are starting same day discharge for select READ MORE
After laparoscopic or robotic sleeve procedures, most people stay one night in the hospital and start driving 3 days later. Some programs are starting same day discharge for select patients. Return to work is usually at 1 week.

Should I take vitamins after gastric sleeve?

Yes. You should take vitamins after sleeve. B12 may be harder to absorb and should be taken in an altered form or as a sublingual tablet under the tongue weekly, a nasal spray READ MORE
Yes. You should take vitamins after sleeve. B12 may be harder to absorb and should be taken in an altered form or as a sublingual tablet under the tongue weekly, a nasal spray weekly, or an injection monthly.

Do you have to taper off Phentermine dosage to quit after only 2 weeks of taking it?

You do. It have to taper off phentermine to stop it. Cold turkey is safe. Congratulations on your weight loss efforts and on listening to your body.

What foods to avoid after gastric sleeve?

After gastric sleeve, there are no foods to avoid. For weight loss, avoid sugar and sweet foods. Protein should be your main food intake. If you haven’t eaten a particular food READ MORE
After gastric sleeve, there are no foods to avoid. For weight loss, avoid sugar and sweet foods. Protein should be your main food intake. If you haven’t eaten a particular food in a while, your body may feel heavy or nauseated after eating it. Staying on lean protein and less processed Whole Foods is the best plan.

How long after gastric bypass can I lift weights?

If your procedure is laparoscopic or robotic with small incisions, you can generally lift weights at 2 weeks as long as you inhale and exhale with each rep. If your procedure is READ MORE
If your procedure is laparoscopic or robotic with small incisions, you can generally lift weights at 2 weeks as long as you inhale and exhale with each rep. If your procedure is open with a long incision, you should wait 6 weeks.

When can I eat normally after gastric bypass surgery?

After gastric bypass surgery, the diet progresses through a series of steps from liquid to solid over about 6 weeks. Generally all foods are acceptable to try by 6 months. Your READ MORE
After gastric bypass surgery, the diet progresses through a series of steps from liquid to solid over about 6 weeks. Generally all foods are acceptable to try by 6 months. Your portions will be small, and you have to chew well and go slowly; but that is what makes you successful.

What anesthesia is used for gallstones surgery?

General anesthesia, where the patient is asleep, paralyzed, and a tube is placed in the windpipe, is typically used for gallstone surgery where the gallbladder is removed. The READ MORE
General anesthesia, where the patient is asleep, paralyzed, and a tube is placed in the windpipe, is typically used for gallstone surgery where the gallbladder is removed. The patient will be comfortably asleep while the procedure takes place.

Can I drink alcohol after gastric sleeve?

Yes, you can. I recommend you wait until 6 months after surgery to drink alcohol. Remember you will have a low tolerance and less weight, so the alcohol may affect you more. Also, READ MORE
Yes, you can. I recommend you wait until 6 months after surgery to drink alcohol. Remember you will have a low tolerance and less weight, so the alcohol may affect you more. Also, drinking alcohol reduces inhibitions and may make it easier to eat foods you should avoid. Good luck!

How long is gastric sleeve surgery recovery?

Most patients after sleeve surgery can drive 4 days after the procedure and return to work at 1 week.

Which anesthesia is selected for endoscopy?

During endoscopy, whether gastroscopy through your mouth or colonoscopy, the anesthesia typically is IV sedation or twilight sleep. This technique allows for good relaxation during READ MORE
During endoscopy, whether gastroscopy through your mouth or colonoscopy, the anesthesia typically is IV sedation or twilight sleep. This technique allows for good relaxation during the procedure and quick awakening afterward. You shouldn’t drive on the day if your procedure.

Do I need general anesthesia for gastric sleeve surgery?

Yes. You need general anesthesia for sleeve gastrectomy as well as for gastric bypass, even robotic like I perform. The general anesthesia is the safest and best anesthesia for READ MORE
Yes. You need general anesthesia for sleeve gastrectomy as well as for gastric bypass, even robotic like I perform. The general anesthesia is the safest and best anesthesia for these procedures because the patient is completely asleep and pain free and their airway is 100% protected. It is the only way to have these weight loss procedures which change your life for the better.

What medications should be avoided after bariatric surgery?

After bariatric surgery, medicines with aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided. They can increase your chance of getting an ulcer. Taking only a few doses with a stomach protector READ MORE
After bariatric surgery, medicines with aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided. They can increase your chance of getting an ulcer. Taking only a few doses with a stomach protector that reduces acid can minimize your ulcer risk.

What type of anesthesia is used for gastric bypass surgery?

General anesthesia is used for gastric bypass procedures and for sleeve gastrectomy. General anesthesia gives the patient the safest, most comfortable experience and allows the READ MORE
General anesthesia is used for gastric bypass procedures and for sleeve gastrectomy. General anesthesia gives the patient the safest, most comfortable experience and allows the surgical team perform the most efficient procedure. In particular with general anesthesia, the patient’s airway is completely protected, allowing the anesthesia provider to position instruments into the stomach through the mouth safely.

Does bariatric surgery help GERD?

Bariatric surgery does help GERD, gastroesopageal reflux disease/heartburn, most of the time. Losing abdominal weight decreases pressure on the stomach which means less force to READ MORE
Bariatric surgery does help GERD, gastroesopageal reflux disease/heartburn, most of the time. Losing abdominal weight decreases pressure on the stomach which means less force to push stomach juice up into the esophagus. The gastric bypass is especially good at curing GERD. Some sleeve gastrectomy patients will get a worsening of their GERD. If a hiatal hernia is present where the diaphragm opening for the esophagus is wide which allows the stomach to slide up into the chest and cause GERD, that hernia can be repaired at the time of the bariatric procedure, potentially curing GERD or decreasing its chance of occurring.

Do you get general anesthesia for gastric sleeve surgery?

You do get general anesthesia for sleeve gastrectomy. Typically the procedure is done in under 60 minutes which keeps the risk of problems from general anesthesia very low.

How long does it take to get approved for gastric sleeve surgery?

Insurance companies have various requirements before approving payment for sleeve gastrectomy. Each policy is different and can take 1 month to 6 months. If the patient is investing READ MORE
Insurance companies have various requirements before approving payment for sleeve gastrectomy. Each policy is different and can take 1 month to 6 months. If the patient is investing in himself or herself and paying cash for the procedure and avoiding often unnecessary insurance requirements, the sleeve gastrectomy can be scheduled 1-2 weeks after the first visit with the surgeon if the patient is otherwise healthy and has a low risk for anesthesia.