Hello Indy!

Hi Julie...

Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to being a part of the Indy group. I have read good things.  You're right, most of us love our surgeon. I know I do. I just saw him a little while ago and I would travel back here to see him if I had to. A blessing is what I call the clinic here. I appreciate your input. I am hoping since floyd is/was Navy that he has Tricare and Dr Mattar takes Tricare. I do love Tricare too. I know what amany people pay and have to deal with with their insurance carriers and I have no complaints about Tricare. As a matter of fact I am with DFAS. I asked Floyd what gave me away. I have been with DFAS over 10 years now (not just in P'cola) so I figure I'll give them a little bit more of me! I look to haing out with everyone on OH and in person! Antonette

HI Antonette, I just wanted to extend a warm welcome to the IN (Hoosier Losers) club!  I too am a transplant very shortly after surgery (my story is on my profile).  I'm not located near Indy but I just wanted to let you know that everyone here is so welcoming and wonderful about answering questions or just helping out with a difficult day!  There are lots of wise and kind people here and I know they will help you to find the right people to aid you on your WLS journey!  Please let me know if I can be of any help to you or just an ear to gab to.  Have a wonderful weekend!  

Hi Andrea, Thank you so much. You make me feel right at home. I have already found your words to ring true based on the wonderful response of the IN (Hoosier Losers) club!

It is so interesting to see how many people are transplants. That is encouraging.  There is life after wonderful attentive doc's that begin this delightful journey with us. I will truly miss the staff here.  I had my pre-op appointment today with Doc Jeff and I tell you what he could be my big brother. I know that after we leave I will keep in contact with his office. I promised Jan (the office mgr) I would and I will. Many of the staff have had the surgery themselves so they are especially sensitive. They come up and spend time with you while you are there and the bariatric unit is private   and I like it!  Thank you so much for the offer and you better bet I will be taking you up on the offer. I appreciate your kindness!  I have been trying to get ready to go out of town so I haven't had time yet to read your profile but I will. I love reading others blogs, profiles, stories..they are inspiring and it makes you feel like you are part of their lives, like family. I'll chat with you soon! Antonette

Antonette, Look forward to your arrival in Indy and also working with you.  The building seems large but it is easy to get around.  I sent you my phone number so feel free to call me anytime. Floyd

Thanks Floyd! I appreciate the support. We will be there soon. Save me a parking place! Antonette

Hi Antonette. I had Dr Clark as my surgeon through the Community Hospital Network (Community Hospital South specifically).  He also operates at St. Francis.  Dr Clark is very nice, but I wound up switching my after care to Dr Samar Mattar with Clarian Bariatrics.  It had nothing to do with Dr Clark, but frankly, you don't see that much of him after surgery.  You spend much more time talking with your dietitian and at support groups.  Community Hospital's people were not very personable.  The Clarian Bariatric Center offers support groups, cooking classes and the most caring staff (including the Surgeons) I have ever met.   Dr Mattar is the Chief of the Bariatric unit, but he makes time to be at almost every function (support groups, cooking classes, etc.).  If you are looking for great after care, I strongly urge you to give the Clarian program a try.  Floyd and Brenda go to their support groups and cooking classes too.  So you can ask them what they think. I look forward to meeting you at some future event!

Hello CPerry.... It sounds like the Clarian Bariatric center has some really great aftercare programs. I believe the follow-up care is just as important. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I could easily stand a few cooking classes. I never have favored cooking. My 2 best friends love to cook...so they have spoiled me  with some good cooking. It will be good to learn new things about healthy cooking becuz that is the life I plan to have...healthy and happy with me. I look forward to meeting you. And by the way looking good.. Antonette

Hi , My sister works at st. fransis hosp where Dr clark is ..She said do not get  Dr Clark ...She wants  Her own daughter to get baritric surgery too but Dr clark would be in her insurance so she wont let her till she tries to change insurance to get a anther  Doc ... she said ther is a lot of probs with some of his cases........Im getting Dr mattar  for my self ...good luck in your deciesion....

Hi Sandra.... Thanks for you honesty. Our children are important to us and we should never take their care lightly. I know that my doc is reliable, thorough, professional, personable and has a 0% mortality rate not to mention he has a great sense of humor. We only get one life on this side of our journey and I don't plan to waste anymore of the limited time I have with bad decisions or even quick decisions which I why I am already looking.  Thanks again...look for me! Antonette