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James A Leithead, III

James A Leithead, III, MD

Bariatric SurgeryGeneral Surgery

Highlights

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About James A Leithead, III

About The Provider

James A. Leithead III (Buddy), a native of Lake Charles, LA, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. He remained in New Orleans to complete his general surgery residency at LSU. Following residency, he moved to Miami where he completed a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery, during which time he focused on advanced laparoscopic bariatric, general, colorectal procedures. He is certified in the use of robotic technology for minimally invasive surgery and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery.  He is also a Fellow of, both, the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

After finishing his surgical training under many pioneers of surgery, he returned to New Orleans and joined the Surgical Specialists of Louisiana.  He is excited to now partner with OLOLPG and continue to care for his community.   Dr. Leithead is devoted to patient well-being, satisfaction, and exceptional patient outcomes. He is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care to his patients for all of their surgical needs.
Dr. Leithead’s numerous achievements include Most Outstanding Overall Fifth Year Resident, the Professor’s Award for Overall Excellence in Clinical Performance, and the Paul R. Hastings Award for Excellence in Critical Care.

Dr. Leithead specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of obesity, colorectal abnormalities, and general surgery diseases including hernias, gallbladder pathology, and gastroesophageal reflux/heartburn disease. He has a strong interest in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in order to provide the latest advanced surgical technology to his patients. 

 

Locations

  1. Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Surgical Specialists - Covington
    • 7015 Highway 190 East Service Road, Suite 200, Covington, LA 70433
    • Get Directions
  2. Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Surgical Specialists - Metarie
  3. Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Bariatric Surgery - Slidell
  4. Our Lady of Angels Bariatric Surgery Clinic

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Jackson South Community Hospital, Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2016
  • Residency: Louisiana State University School of Medicine, General Surgery, 2015
  • Medical/Professional Education: Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans, 2010

Board Certifications

  • Surgery (General Surgery): American Board of Surgery, 2015

Insurance

Please contact the practice to find out if your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • Aetna Better Health
  • Aetna/Coventry (All Products)
  • AmeriHealth Caritas
  • BCBS (All Products)
  • Cigna
  • Gilsbar 360
  • Healthy Blue
  • Humana (All Products)
  • Humana Military/Tricare
  • LA HealthCare Connections
  • Louisiana Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan/PHCS
  • People's Health
  • Railroad Medicare
  • Shared Health
  • United Healthcare (All Products)
  • Vantage
  • Wellcare
  • Zelis

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

345 ratings, 45 reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Provider explained things clearly
Provider showed concern
Provider included you in decisions
Likelihood of recommending this provider
Provider discussed treatment options
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    All good.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/18/2026

    Wonderful magnificent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/17/2026

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/9/2026

    Like Dr. Leithead very much. Explains things down to earth so you can inderstand.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/7/2026

    He is great doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/2/2026

    Nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/11/2026

    I really love this staff everyone was kind and helpful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/11/2026

    Very informative visit

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    I love Dr Leithead! This is only my second visit, but he seems to genuinely care. When something I said about my treatment didn't make sense, he reiterated the question which triggered me to better communicate what he was asking.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Dr. Leithead listened to my concerns. He explained everything very well.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/29/2026

    The doctor appeared to have a genuine interest in my condition and provided additional information about my condition that I had no previous knowledge about.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/17/2026

    Absolutely top notch. Could not help but he stop there he made a referral to some else and he took bedside manners into consideration as it is a concern. If I had a reason to go back I would.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    Always listens to any concerns I have.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/13/2026

    Dr Leithead is always attentive and caring

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Talk Buddy is extremely easy to talk to and very caring and concerning about your health

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Dr. Buddy is accurate and a problem solver for a gerd issues

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/17/2025

    Dr. Liethead is great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/23/2025

    Dr. Leithead is a great doctor and I try to do what he tells me to.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Dr. Leithead is very good with explaining everything to you and wanting to know your concerns.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    He was very thorough. I didn't feel rushed.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/13/2025

    Dr. Leithead it's truly the best doctor I have ever had. He truly cares about his patience. He makes himself well informed by looking up their history. He is simply the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/10/2025

    I absolutely love Dr. Buddy Leithead!! He is amazing. He is so caring and compassionate and concern for his patients

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/14/2025

    Dr. Liethead is always very kind! He listen to everything that I need to tell him and we discuss everything! No judgement on me just concerned on treating me! I would totally recommend him!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/2/2025

    Everything was great I had no problem they talked to me and gave me the best solution

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/22/2025

    The Doctor was very knowledgeable, professional and personable. He explained the process and procedure to us.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/17/2025

    I have already recommended 3 others to this Dr because he's that good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/8/2025

    The doctor thoroughly discussed the issue and my options.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    Great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/21/2025

    Great Dr

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    He's very informative and cares about your well being

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    Very nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/20/2025

    Always took the time to listen to me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/18/2025

    Dr. Liethead is amazing and has incredible bedside manners

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/11/2025

    Dr. Leithead is awesome. He's so mild mannered and attentive. I truly have a great deal of confidence in his ability to care for me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/4/2025

    All of my questions were answered

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/20/2025

    Explained all very well.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/12/2025

    Dr. Leithead explained everything thoroughly, listened to my questions and concerns, and answered everything to my satisfaction.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/11/2025

    10 out of 10..I have already recommended

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/6/2025

    Dr. Leithead always answers any questions I have, offers suggestions regarding diet and is very encouraging regarding my weight loss

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/26/2025

    I extremely pleased with Dr lightheaded he is very concerned compassionate empathetic takes his time to explain to the patient what is going on and your options for treatment

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/23/2025

    Dr Leithead took his time answering all my questions about the procedure and understood that I would have more over the next couple visits.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/21/2025

    Very understanding.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/5/2025

    I would highly recommend Dr Leithead

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/3/2025

    Dr Liethead is an awesome Doctor. Would not hesitate to refer him to others.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/30/2025

    Dr Leithead has always been great