
Highlights
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout 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
- Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Surgical Specialists - Covington
- 7015 Highway 190 East Service Road, Suite 200, Covington, LA 70433
- Get Directions
- phone: 985-234-3000
- fax: 985-234-3001
- Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Surgical Specialists - Metarie
- 3100 Galleria Drive, Suite 300, Metairie, LA 70001
- Get Directions
- phone: 504-934-3000
- fax: 504-891-6660
- Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Bariatric Surgery - Slidell
- 1810 Lindberg Drive, Suite 1100, Slidell, LA 70458
- Get Directions
- phone: 985-234-3000
- fax: 985-234-3004
- Our Lady of Angels Bariatric Surgery Clinic
- 433 Plaza Street, Suite 3, Bogalusa, LA 70427
- Get Directions
- phone: 985-730-7030
- fax: 985-730-7032
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
- 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 reviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/23/2026
All good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/18/2026
Wonderful magnificent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
Like Dr. Leithead very much. Explains things down to earth so you can inderstand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/7/2026
He is great doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/2/2026
Nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
I really love this staff everyone was kind and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/11/2026
Very informative visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 1/30/2026
Dr. Leithead listened to my concerns. He explained everything very well.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 1/14/2026
Always listens to any concerns I have.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr Leithead is always attentive and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Talk Buddy is extremely easy to talk to and very caring and concerning about your health
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/12/2026
Dr. Buddy is accurate and a problem solver for a gerd issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2025
Dr. Liethead is great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/23/2025
Dr. Leithead is a great doctor and I try to do what he tells me to.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/17/2025
Dr. Leithead is very good with explaining everything to you and wanting to know your concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2025
He was very thorough. I didn't feel rushed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
The Doctor was very knowledgeable, professional and personable. He explained the process and procedure to us.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/17/2025
I have already recommended 3 others to this Dr because he's that good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/8/2025
The doctor thoroughly discussed the issue and my options.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2025
Great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
Great Dr
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
He's very informative and cares about your well being
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Always took the time to listen to me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/18/2025
Dr. Liethead is amazing and has incredible bedside manners
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 8/4/2025
All of my questions were answered
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2025
Explained all very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 6/11/2025
10 out of 10..I have already recommended
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 5/21/2025
Very understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/5/2025
I would highly recommend Dr Leithead
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/3/2025
Dr Liethead is an awesome Doctor. Would not hesitate to refer him to others.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/30/2025
Dr Leithead has always been great