Mary,    Thanks so much for the words of encouragement and CONGRATULATIONS on your success!  I'm trying to be very positive and just deal each day with what comes.  I'm planning to start my pre-op diet on Oct 1, so I'm counting that as the first day on my new path.  I may be contacting you for advice in the future - I hope that's okay.  Crystal

LivLite was suppose to be getting a new surgeon in August that does perfom the lapband, however he is pretty inexperienced as a lapband surgeon.

I had my surgery at the Tallgrass in Topeka on May 21 this year.  I was self-pay...close to 13,000.  That includes fills for 2 years.  My surgeon was Dr Bernstein.  Love the facility.  Was well taken care of.  Since I live over an hour and half away I needed to stay overnight but they footed the bill for the hotel room.  Good luck on your journey.   Mary

I don't know if Dr. Hoehn was the same doctor. I'm pretty sure that he doesn't do surgeries at Tall Grass though. I know he does them at Shawnee Mission and at the HSSH. His office is in KC.  Since my June surgery I have lost 43 pounds. I am feeling great and the recovery was no time. I had my surgery on a Wednesday and was back at work on the following Monday. I also have a desk job though. If was FORCED to I could have been back to work that Friday, but it would have been very uncomfortable and probably not very smart.  As far as before surgery I had my appointments with the psych guy, (who is wonderful ) and I only had to go on a full liquid diet 2 or maybe 3 days before surgery. They do encourage you to give up soda and sugary foods ahead of time and that is a great idea. The headaches coming off sugar and caffine are not worth it. If you have any more questions feel free to pm me and I will answer as much as I can. BTW, I would hands down do this again.

Thank you for your information.  I really really appreciate your taking the time.  I love sweets but think that portion size ,like you is my major problem.  I am really leaning towards lap band also.  I was ready and trying to schedule lap bypass because i attended the livlite and they were just not to hot on lap band.  I thought know way did i want that.  Then I started studing more and more and am glad I did.  It seems that the RYN is pretty major with lots of issues.  I think for many people it is worth it.  I also think that it is a quicker way to go and when there is lots to loose it might be the better way.  I  only have ,  only, i say like it isn't much,  ha ha.  100 lbs. to loose.  So I think i can afford to take it a little slower even though I would like it off "yesterday".  I just don't think I want the issues that come with the RYN.  so am so glad I have checked further.  I had no idea of the other places doing this.  I was only aware of Livlite, whom have been very nice and helpful.  Boy am I glad I talked to my primary care dr. and have checked around. Any other info would very much be appreciated.