Calling ALL Arkansans

Ok, I KNOW there is more than just a handful of us in Arkansas that have had "Weight Loss Surgery" be it RNY or Lap Band. Face it folks, the secret is out and "WE" know you had it done!!! There is NO hiding it now! So with that aside it's time for ya'll to come out of hiding and let yourself be known!!!! I have found that hardly anyone in AR seems to want to get to know a fellow weight loss person. Face it folks, we're in this together. So PLEASE introduce yourself and let us know who you are. Last weekend four of us fellow weight loss'ers got together for lunch and we had a great time. We talked about EVERYTHING from A-Z, literally. I'd like to enlarge our friendly little circle. Myself I'm in North Little Rock, I know for a fact there are others in Jacksonville, Little Rock and other surrounding areas that have not let yoursleves be know. So come on out and let us know you exist, we'd love to know you, support you and be your friend, your shoulder to cry on, your buddy to ***** at or you are more than welcome to just sit and stare at us. LOL So fellow weight loss'ers STEP ON UP! Cathi

I'm up for staring. Nope, Cathi's right!! Let's get going here! I moved here 18 months ago and heard how friendly Southerner's are....SO get friendly, already!!! Susan

Would could have a wrinkle counting contest! LOL I sawsomeone on the main board the other day from Jacksonville, I PM'd her but NO relpy...sheeesh, what's it gonna take???hmmmmmm Maybe I can put together a gift bag and anyone who goes to lunch on our next outing gets their name put in a hat and we'll draw for it, think that'll work??? ROFL Cathi

I don't have any wrinkles on my face anymore, husband photoshopped them out, and you're not gonna see any of the others....no way, buddy! I'll throw in some salon products to the gift bag....not all together a bad idea, actually. I've "talked" to a couple of ladies who want to come to the next one. One is from Cabot, the other Fordyce. Maybe???? Susan

We might have to plan it before next month, I think that would be fun...Whats the ones name from Cabot? I had talked to a lady from Cabot before but havent heard from her in ages....Hey I have a ton of AVON stuff, I KNOW I could rustle up sumpin........As for my wrinkles, the only ones I have are the girls. LOL And I AINT showin'em lol Cathi

I have not had the surgery, but I live in NLR and am wondering if insurance paid for your surgery? I have a BMI of 48.5 and I am hungry and exhausted all the time. With all the medical problems I am having that my Dr says is caused by the weight, it's the only thing I can think of. I was wondering who did your surgery and do you recommend them? Thanks, Denise

Hi Denise, I'd really recommend Dr Mark Gibbs at Baptist. He has seminars regularly and they are very informative.You can call his office and find out when the next one is scheduled. First thing to do is (if your ins. requires one), is to get a referral to him from your primary care doc. Gibbs' office will handle everything from there for you. I had my surgery on 9/14/06, BMI 43.3 234lbs, 5'3". As of last Friday I've lost #50. From the day of my surgery I no longer needed medication for high blood pressure or acid reflux disease, and my severe sleep apnea is going away. Dr Gibbs is the only doctor in Central Ar who does the surgery laproscopiclly. I was only out of work 2 weeks. There are quite a few of Gibbs' patients here and you can ask any of them, he's excellent. The other docs require two or more weeks of liquid diets before surgery and a nasty bowel prep the day before. Not with Gibbs. Of the 3-4 patients of his I've talked to, none of us have had any complications, and personally, I've never had a "dumping" episode. Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything.

Im in Fordyce, have talked to Susan and Jeannie, would LOVE to meet folks, Im still waiting on a date, hope to have it soon, got one more blood test to do, and then Ill be waiting on the doc. Going to turn in my hemocult slides on Monday and then it will be up to Dr. Bakers office for the rest. Christy says when all my ducks are in a row, we'll be ready to swim. Id love to be at a support group meeting, I think grab bags are wonderful idea. There is a great store here in Fordyce that has some great candles, I'd be willing to throw a couple of them in as well. Hey, my home phone # is (870) 352-0346, and Id love to hear from anyone that has suggestions, or ideas. Im all about the support. Just let me know what I can do. Rhonda

I'm here! I'm here! I introduced myself on another post but nobody responded I'm in Monticello, if you don't know where that is then shame on you...just kidding. I'm in southeast arkansas but I do travel to LR occassionally. My surgery date is the 19th, just around the corner. I'll be at Baptist Medical and I will be alone most of my hospital stay. My hubbie will be there until I get settled in my room, then he will come home to be with our two daughters. I've been through 3 surgeries in the past, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect so I should be fine. Besides, I'm actually looking forward to the quiet so I can get some sleep! I'm not far from Fordyce, been there a time or two...Hot Springs too. I was wondering when this board was going to come alive! Denise

Hi Denise, Private message me your full name and I will come visit you. I live in North LIttle Rock and work on Main St. In Little Rock. I'd be happy to op in and see ya!! You have one more week then you are on the losing side! Woooohoooooooooooo! Cathi