Jackie, I agree with the idea of getting back to basics. I'd also like to invite you to your support group if you have not been attending. I may have forgotten, but I don't recall a Jackie in attendance over the past few months. The main one is the 2nd Saturday of each month at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka. There is another one on Tuesday..I think it is the 3rd or 4th Tuesday. PM me if you want the email to the staff there or you can just call them for the times. The finger solution might work temporarily, but you will eventually end up with major health issues. The best way is to Google "pouch rules for dummies" and read through it again if you have not already done so. Keep in touch. John

Hello everyone!  I have been banded since March of 2007 and I am about 5 lbs from my goal. I have in the past months gotten a support group together in Wichita. Are any of you interested? You dont have to have the band because I think that we can all learn from each other and all of us need support! So with that said, I like to meet on Sundays around 2pm. Let me know and I will make arrangements for next Sunday the 10th of February. Thanks Kelli

Welcome to eastern KS!  I am from western KS (near Leoti if you know where that is!) and moved here in the late 80's.  It's definitely different in this part of the state.  Funny about the connection to special education - I'm a certified school psychologist, but started out as a para a looong time ago!! Sorry to hear about your health issues, but I'm thinking that the lapband surgery might be just the thing to help you to feel better.  I, too, had my surgery in Topeka (Dr. Berntsen).  I attended their monthly Saturday informational meeting first and then went from there.  I also checked out a few surgeons in the KC area, but Tallgrass was closer and as it turns out, about $4000 cheaper.  I was self-pay, so that made a big difference to me.  I was banded on Oct 15 and have had nothing but good luck so far.  No complications whatsoever.  I'm down 50 lbs and exercising so much more than I have ever before.  It gets easier as the weight comes off.  I'm feeling much more energetic. 

You'll find this message board very helpful.  I spend more time on the general Lapband board, but try to keep tabs on the Kansas board too.  Good luck as you make decisions in the future.  There are lots of types of weight loss surgeries and everyone has to find what is right for them. Take care! 

I am glad you are on your way.  It is a long process and I had Aetna insurance too.  I did the RNY through the LiveLite program in Junction City, Kansas, in mid-August.  It is not quite 6 months and I have lost 80 pounds.  I'm thrilled.  I originally thought the lap band was the way to go too but after meeting with the physicians and hearing all the options I also changed my mind to have the RNY.  I believe it was the best decision I could have made and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  Best of luck to you. 

Thank you so much for your support!! So far it hasn't been too hard today, I just keep telling myself "I'm worth it".  I really don't know much about the lap band, however, I support everyone, no matter what type of surgery or plan they are using. We all know all too well how tough it is to lose weight, and I'm just very thankful to have found this site with all the great people!! Have a great day! Hugs Theresa