Would you be interested in participating in a chat?

I would like to find some ways for us to get to know each other better and to become a more interactive group. I thought maybe, we might consider having some 'chats' where we could discuss a particular topic. I tend to do this with my in person groups that I hold and was wondering if you might be interested in participating in chats. 

If so are there times and/or days that you'd like to see chats?

Are there topics you'd like to see discussed?

How often would like to have a chat? 

Any other thoughts about chats?

I look forward to hearing from you,

 Hi Barbara- thanks for asking my opinion. I like chats. However I do not like it when they become personal. Let me explain. I have had the experience that one or two or even a small "inner" group are chatting to each other and leaving people out. So if the chat leader can keep that from happening I will participate and gladly. I live in CA and don't get in on week days until around 5:30 pm. On week ends, I am usually home during mid to late evenings. The topics I like are all about weight loss, exercise, supplements, clothes and of course; food. I like your approach; it's friendly and caring. P

Hi, Barb~

I've never been a fan of chats because it always seemed like everyone was talking at once!  Maybe there are new ways to make them more focused.  I'd be willing to give it a try because I would like to get to know our local people better.

If so are there times and/or days that you'd like to see chats?  I'm pretty flexible as long as it's after noon and before midnight.

Are there topics you'd like to see discussed?  I like to hear about foods we can eat during the first 3 months of "soft foods".  I learned about Greek Yogurt and its benefits at one of the meetups - never heard of it before.  Now it's a key part of my diet.

Also might want to do a chat on supplements?  What to take, when to take them, where to get them at the best price, etc.  BTW, when I went to the diet advancement group at three weeks, we were told that we RNYers should take TWO multivitamins daily.  I assume that other changes will come along that only people attending a recent group meeting will hear about.  Of course, I'm talking about DUKE but others could contribute what they learn at their doctor's office.

That leads me to another topic:  "Writing Coherent Questions on the Message Boards."
A well-written question which  includes pertinent info is more likely to be answered. 
I am personally a big fan of proper capitalization and punctuation.  Good grammar is nice, too.
Questions should include the type of surgery the person is having/had.  Sometimes you can refer back to the person's profile for more background, but a lot of folks don't have profiles.
And so on.

How often would like to have a chat?  Maybe start with a weekly chat and see what develops.

Hope that's what you're looking for.

Another idea:  In-person chats at local bookstores like Borders and B&N.  It's free, beverages are available, and they don't mind if you hang out.  No one has to feel pressured to buy a meal so it can be a cheap outing.  We can also vary the location.