Louisiana State Chapter

Incorporated May 2012

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Mission Statement

The Louisiana Chapter of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (LA-ASMBS) is committed to improving the surgical care and outcomes of patients with obesity across Louisiana. By fostering a collaborative network of metabolic and bariatric surgeons and allied healthcare professionals, LA-ASMBS works to advance patient care through advocacy, education, and public awareness initiatives.

Executive Officers

President: Michael Cook, MD FACS
Vice President: Vance Albaugh, MD PhD DABOM
Immediate Past President: Shauna Levy, MD MS FACS FASMBS
Secretary/Treasurer: Salim Hosein, MD FACS FASMBS
Integrated Health Chair: Kelly Quinn, MSN RN FNP-C CBN
STAR (State Access to Care Representative): Vance Albaugh, MD PhD DABOM
Executive Director: Janna Pecquet

Contact

Janna Pecquet

LA-ASMBS Executive Director

janna@laasmbs.org

Chapter Meetings & Updates

  • 2026 Louisiana Obesity Conference
    August 7-8, 2026
    Hyatt Centric
    New Orleans, LA

Support Groups

  • Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria
  • Women’s Hospital, Baton Rouge
  • Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge
  • Baton Rouge General Surgical Associates, Baton Rouge
  • Cypress Pointe Surgical Hospital, Hammond
  • Surgical Weight Management Associates, Houma
  • Ochsner Surgical Weight Loss Program, Jefferson/New Orleans

    1514 Jefferson Highway
    2nd Floor Brent House Conference Room
    New Orleans, LA 70121
    Phone: 504-842-2701
    Website: www.ochsner.org/bariatric
    Meeting Times: Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month from 5:30-6:30 pm (see website for dates & Room)
    Contact Person: Jeannine Runnels, RN

    In-person and Online Seminars Available
    Phone: 504-842-2701
    Website: www.ochsner.org/bariatric
    On-line Seminar is available on website
    In-Person Seminar: 5:30-7pm (see website for dates)
    1514 Jefferson Highway
    2nd Floor Brent House Conference Room: Caldwell/Burns Rooms
    New Orleans, LA 70121
    Contact Person: Jeannine Runnels, RN

  • Surgical Specialists of LA, Lafayette
  • Acadiana Weight Loss Surgery, Lafayette
  • Surgical Specialists of LA, Metairie

    ** LA Center for Weight Loss Surgery, Monroe

  • St. Elizabeth Hospital, Prairieville
  • Freedom from Obesity, Shreveport
  • Surgical Specialists of LA, Slidell
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery Center of LA, Shreveport

Advocacy Information