
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
5 out of 5
318 ratings, 53 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 6/9/2026
I felt understood which is why I decided to go to OLOL to have him although I would have rathered been closer to home
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/7/2026
Very good experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/5/2026
Doctor was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2026
Dr. Leithead is a pleasure to interact with. His explanations or precise, caring, and delivered with a very soft touch.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2026
Dr Leith. Leithead was very Attentive to my health history. Discussed all options for me. Answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2026
Dr Buddy explained everything in a way I would understand and agree with the decision I have to make.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2026
Dr. Buddy was very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2026
Dr. Leithead, was very clear, explaining, details, procedures, professional, options etc. Then listened to my questions made his clarity of answering, did not rush through any statements, he was concerned about my opinion. I felt very complacent with Dr. Leithead being my doctor, a doctor who showed concern for his patients. I'm very honored to have him as my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2026
All good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/11/2026
I'm so thankful that I found him and he was able to help me! Saved my life
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/11/2026
Dr. Buddy Lehi is the best. He's so compassionate about his patient and very good listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2026
Would highly recommend
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2026
Dr. Leithead is always knowledgeable kind and a good listener to my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2026
Dr. Leithead is a wonderful doctor! I wish he was a gp also.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/20/2026
Very likely to refer this office to others
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2026
The doctor is awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2026
I felt very comfortable talking with Dr Leithead, and I'm excited about continuing my care here.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/10/2026
Great care and attention
- 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 6/9/2026
I felt understood which is why I decided to go to OLOL to have him although I would have rathered been closer to home
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/7/2026
Very good experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/5/2026
Doctor was great
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2026
Dr. Leithead is a pleasure to interact with. His explanations or precise, caring, and delivered with a very soft touch.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2026
Dr Leith. Leithead was very Attentive to my health history. Discussed all options for me. Answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/28/2026
Dr Buddy explained everything in a way I would understand and agree with the decision I have to make.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/20/2026
Dr. Buddy was very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2026
Dr. Leithead, was very clear, explaining, details, procedures, professional, options etc. Then listened to my questions made his clarity of answering, did not rush through any statements, he was concerned about my opinion. I felt very complacent with Dr. Leithead being my doctor, a doctor who showed concern for his patients. I'm very honored to have him as my doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2026
All good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/11/2026
I'm so thankful that I found him and he was able to help me! Saved my life
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/11/2026
Dr. Buddy Lehi is the best. He's so compassionate about his patient and very good listener.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2026
Would highly recommend
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2026
Dr. Leithead is always knowledgeable kind and a good listener to my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2026
Dr. Leithead is a wonderful doctor! I wish he was a gp also.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/20/2026
Very likely to refer this office to others
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/18/2026
The doctor is awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2026
I felt very comfortable talking with Dr Leithead, and I'm excited about continuing my care here.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/10/2026
Great care and attention
- 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