Its been a while since an update. Time for one now. I went Monday to a seminar given by  Dr Hoehn at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. The second place I have gone to for research. The first place I went to for the Lap-Band was such a joke compared to here. Well it was so informative. I have since decided to do the RNY instead of the Lap-Band.  Me being so large I believe this is a better overall decision. The overall Excess Weight Loss associated with the Lap-Band is ~45-50% which at 50% I would get down to 288 but I dont believe that would satisfy my needs for success. plus I learned of other complications associated with the Lap-Band that I had not known about previously. Also since I have 2 insurances that both cover WLS its been a little complex. Aetna is my primary and they cover it if deemed medically necessary along with a 6 month diet eval and psych eval. My secondary insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia through my wifes work which is self funded. So all I have to do is show medical necessity and psych eval no 6 month study. But wait theres more... The surgeon I have chosen accepts Aetna but the hospital he work at does not. But they do accept BCBS.  So since I will be denied from Aetna for not completing my 6 month diet eval, BCBS will have to cover the RNY. Fingers crossed of course. But just in case I will continue to go to my PCP for diet eval every 2 weeks as normal. With that said I went to my PCP today for my 2 week get together with her. and I am down another 4 lbs so to date I have lost ...hmmm... let me see... oh yeah  9 lbs. We discussed things and so I had to ask her which surgery she thought would be best for me. I take her opinion serious since I have been seeing her every two weeks now and she knows my demeanor. She has tole me she believes the RNY would be a better decision than the Lap-Band for me. Until next time... Take care and good luck with your pursuit of a better life!

Hey girl.... I cannot speak as to the hospital in JC...but Dr. Bollman is very good.  I have heard positive things about the support group there as well. 

Hi Jackie, My suggestion would be go back to the basics. Make sure to use your pouch rules, get your protein in, drink lots of water, and stay away from the bad carbs. Make sure your getting in your exercise. Sometimes it helps just to take a step back, and remember what we had to do when we first had our surgery, then begin taking our baby steps forward again. Lots of luck, I know you can do it!!! Hugs Theresa

I was at St. Francis Hospital last weekend (January 12th) for their monthly informational orientation that Tallgrass group does. Just FYI...They are currently backlogged until about August with their number of Medicare patients. John