James “J.J.” Tucker is a native Arkansan. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas, he attended Medical School at the American University of Caribbean and traveled to Pennsylvania where he completed his residency in General Surgery. After many hours dedicated to bariatrics during residency, he decided to pursue a fellowship in Bariatrics, Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dr. Tucker is licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board and board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. Growing up in Hot Springs, Arkansas brought a lot of love for the community and exploring the outdoors. He, his wife and two children spend a lot of time enjoying what the Spa City has to offer, including golfing, biking, hunting and enjoying the lake with family and friends. Most importantly, he enjoys giving back to the community that has given so much to him.

Dr. Tucker’s personalized care and clear communication resonates with his patients as he partners with them to achieve their health and weight loss goals.

Start your journey at bmi.arheart.com to learn about our weight loss surgery options, watch our free online seminar, see if you qualify for surgery and more.

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Call 501-219-7770

What patients are saying about Dr. Tucker:

“Dr. Tucker and his staff saved my life — 110 pounds gone forever.”

“He definitely changed my life! I’ve lost 150 pounds so far with the help of Dr. Tucker and team. I can’t say how great they are or thank them enough.”

“Dr. Tucker is so caring and informative. He sits and talks with you and answers any questions you may have. I am so happy I chose Dr. Tucker and the BMI at Arkansas.”

Dr. Tucker in the News

Dr. Tucker reacts to trending weight loss videos in Docs React series.

Dr. Tucker, BMI patient talk to KATV on benefits of bariatric surgery for weight loss, disease management

Dr. Samuel Bledsoe, director of the Bariatric &  Metabolic Institute and bariatric and general surgeon, earned his Doctorate of Medicine from UAMS. He completed his residency at the Baptist Health System in Birmingham, Alabama, and completed additional training in Bariatric Surgery at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Prior to joining Arkansas Heart Hospital, he served as the Medical Director for Bariatric Surgery at Christus Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Dr. Bledsoe is a Board Certified weight loss physician who performs gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgeries. He is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He holds additional membership in the Southeastern Surgical Society and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES).

Dr. Bledsoe is known by his patients as caring for the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of each of his patients. He especially loves to see bariatric patients resolve their diabetes and go on to live richer, longer lives without medications or limitations.

Get to know Dr. Bledsoe

What is the most interesting part of being a bariatric surgeon?

I really like talking with diabetics because diabetics particularly can benefit greatly from weight loss surgery. For anyone who struggles with diabetes, they owe it to themselves to at least consider the possibility of bariatric surgery. We can cure diabetes 83 percent of the time.