Hello Fellow Louisianians

I was just stopping by to see what's going on among my home state WLS'ers. I'm trying to get my oldest sister to look into the process because towards the end of this year she is going to have a knee replacement and she will still need to lose the weight. I'm almost 5 weeks post-op and have been speaking with her about it since she told me she is going to have a knee replacement. Of course she is very skeptical of the surgery and thinks its like what it was some 30 years ago. Well when I get off the plane in June I'm hoping it will change her mind and seriously consider the process. I'm sure Willis Knighton and Doctor's Hospital in Shreveport have some excellent programs. Congratulations to all who've had the surgery and hope that you are doing well. Congratulations to all who've decided to have the surgery -- you've made a big decision to change and enhance you quality of life. I live in Maryland and I believe just about all the major hospitals have a bariatric clinics. I've lost 30 lbs and two pant sizes.

Hi NaDine, I live right outside Shreveport so I know a little.....HA HA!!! Actually Doctors Hospital and Schumpert have the biggest Bariatric Programs. Dr. Norwood was with Doctors for several years but just recently Willis Knighton started a baricatric program that Dr. Norwood oversees. I don't know much about the Dr. Norwood. I did have an appt with him initially but the office staff didn't impress me when I was trying to set up my appt. I ended up using Dr. Merriman, he does the procedure at both Doctors and Schumpert. Where in Maryland do you live, I have relatives around the Baltimore area. Haven't been there in 30 + years. I had my surgery a year ago December and I am below my personal goal of 139. I weight between 122-124, depends on the day. I hope your sister will find encouragement in you an seek out the surgery. It was the best thing I ever did and I am so thankful everyday. Take care, Jodi

You're not kidding right ouside Louisiana -- I know where Greenwood is. I'm a former Shreveport Police Officer -- so if you run into any of them that are 40 and over and mention my name -- they might let you off . Wow! you are doing fantastic. I'll be happy when I get below the 200 mark -- which I'm hoping will be by the time I go home in June. I'm looking forward to getting on a plane and not having to ask for a seatbelt extension. Dr. Morrow sounds familiar -- but like you -- its not been years since I've been home -- I usually just go through Shreveport and directly to my parents home in Plain Dealing. Since you haven't been to Baltimore in 30+ years -- you wouldn't recognize the place. We live in Owings Mills which is in Baltimore County -- about 20 minutes from downtown Baltimore. They have built up downtown so much -- Inner Harbour with shops, restaurants and of course the Oriole and Ravens stadiums are almost directly across the street from each other. Well I'd better get ready for work --great meeting and talking with you.

So when were you on the force? I have some friends that recently retired from SPD. Our police chief is a former SPD officer. We may know a few of the same people. When I mentioned that I had been to Baltimore I think it was another part of Maryland. Right outside of DC area. My brothers girlfriend is from Baltimore I think that might be what I was thinking of. My boys ride their dirtbikes in Plain Dealing. Take care, Jodi

I was on the department from 1982-1991. The new chief you are talking about, is he the one that retired since Cedric has been in office (I know him too -- I doubt if he remembers me though)? If that is the chief you are talking about, I think he was an instructor in the Police Academy when I went through. Let me know their names and I probably know them. I was really saddened and shocked when I went to the memorial website for fallen officers and found so many young ones had been killed in the line of duty -- many of them I knew and they had came on the force after me and I had an opportunity to work with them.

Hey Nadine, I will PM you with the names of the guys that I know. Most of the ones were on the force the same time as you. I just hate to put their names out on the internet for all to see. I'm sure there will be some you know.....