for you Nashville folks........

I have a business acquaintance who works in Franklin and is looking into WLS. Can you recommend a starting point for her out that way? a support group or a seminar?

Baptist Metabolic Surgery Center -  615-284-2400
Centennial Center for the Treatment for Obesity -  615-342-1231
Vanderbilt Center for Surgical Weight Loss - 615-343-8988


I've also linked to their websites.  She should contact the offices of each and set up a seminar.  Getting to meet the surgeons is always a good first start.  If she wanted to visit a support group, I am sure that any of the offices would give her the list of available ones....  they are all very welcoming.

Great suggestions Mel!!

Of course each person that you ask will generally recommend their surgeon.  I myself recommend Dr Lynch at Baptist.  But you can only have surgery once for weight loss right?

All three of the Centers here in Nashville are Center of Excelience.  So any of them would be great, or so I hear... Not so about the support groups though... (just from what I hear)

Michael.

That's why I included all 3 facilities, in alphabetical order.  Shows no partiality.... LOL
Just the facts.

Mel thats why your our WLS Ambassador!

I checked out all three as well.  Originally I chose VU and Dr. Richards.  I had a wonderful experience but in the end chose Mexico purely for cost reasons as my insurance status changed midstream.  All three are CFE so ultimately a person will get quality care regardless.  And truthfully what I have noticed that it really boils down to the individual doctor and his treatment style more than anything.  Your personalities have to gel.  Find the one that you trust  and that seems to HEAR you all along this long and often challenging journey.  Although it is true that post surgery success lies with us each individually having a GOOD relationship with your medical team can really impact that success.

Now to support VU required that we attend two meetings pre surgery...I went to one in Hendersonville on a Saturday morning that was on the  Centennial list....it was awful.  The "leader" was over 5 years out of her surgery.  She ate during the entire meeting which really disturbed me and had an overall poor attitude.  There were 4 other women there and this was more about bashing exhusbands and being overall negative about everything. I then attended another meeting reccommended by Centennial in Hermitage on the third Thursday of every month.  WOW what a difference.  Joe--the leader---is so organized, knowledgable and approachable.  He makes everyone feel welcome whether they are pre or post surgery or even those that don't necessary want WLS but just are battling their own issues with weight loss.  I actually have never been a big "support group" kind of person and had no intention of ever going except to what was required.  But when time permits I have returned many times to this group.  Now that I am a year out it is always so rejuvenating to sit down with others who "have been there done that."  Sometimes when I feel I might be deviating or am losing motivation just hearing other people share their struggles helps get me back on track.  And realizing that you are not alone in your feelings, frustrations or experiences helps the battle seem not so intimidating.  So make sure to tell your friend to do his/her research not just on doctors but on support groups.