Any Support Groups in Knoxville?

My family is relocating from Oregon to Knoxville, TN at the end of December, and I'm very interested in knowing if there are any support groups there... Either for any/all forms of WLS... OR for DS pre- and post-ops... OR - is there any chance there are any Baltasar post-ops there? I'd love to know if there's anyone out there who has some info for me! Blessings, dina

Dina, There is a support group here in Knox. I will try to find the addy for it. I know it meet's at Baptist West. I am Pre-Op, & I go to Johnson City. I'll do my best tho to help you. Love, Sara.

Sara, Thanks so much! That's so sweet of you! I've got to study up on my TN geography! I know I had ancestors who lived in Johnson City - but that was a couple hundred years ago. Is it near Knoxville? I have a cousin who lives in Bristol... Do you have a surgery date yet? Who is your surgeon? Which surgery? Wonderful to meet you! Blessings, dina

Hi Dina, There are several support groups in Knoxville, ( 1) North Knoxville location - meets the 3rd Thursday of the Month at the Fountain City Methodist Church. Sandra Hatcher is one of Dr. Boyce's Lap RNY patients and her husband are the moderators. ( 2) Farragut location - meets the 4th Monday of the Month at First Farragut Methodist Church 12733 Kingston Pike. Kelly Frere is the moderator. ( 3) Oak Ridge location - meets the 2nd Saturday of the month at Methodist Medical Center conference room A. you can also get information at EastTNWLS http://groups.yahoo.com/.groups/EastTNWLS moderator Beverly Scott Wamsat [email protected]. Hope this helps you out...Let us know how you are doing and which groups you like best. Sincerely Faith Martin Lap RNY 11-8-05

Faith, Great info! Thanks so much for sharing! Hey girl - you're a brand new newbie! Congrats on your surgery. How you feeling? Blessings, dina

Dina, Well I'm sure I'm one of the few who have major complications. (or at least I think so). The surgery went ok but afterwards my blood pressure shot way way up and I was kept in recover for 2 extra hours. Then I developed a bleed and vomited blood for several hours before having to be transfused with 2 units. I also had to stay extra in the hospital, and have my 1st post op doctor visit tomorrow. Hopefully I will get my drains out and will be more comfortable. The one that is in my "old" stomach is bothering me I think just because it is clamped off and the flush valve is straight and pokes me everytime I move.....LOL I will feel better once I get them out I'm sure. I'm anxious to see how much weight I've lost. I've been good and haven't weight since being home just so it would be a surprise..... I'd love to hear more about your surgery and any suggestions you would have on the phase II foods. I have been craving spagettio's and krystal hamburgers....isn't that strange?......LOL...... I look forward to hearing from you.... sincerely Faith