As a volunteer clown, participating in functions to help children, I often ride one of those silly little bikes where my knees are above the handle bars. As a chubby clown I had problems riding them. As a slim downed clown the small bikes are much easier although I prefer my carbon frame, Kestrel Road Bike now. Now that I am almost to my goal I plan to spend the next ten years riding my bike in events across the USA. The plan is to ride in five events each year which will give me whole USA after ten years. There are many bike rides sponsored annually by worthy charitable organizations. Riding my bike will allow me to help others while helping myself maintain my newfound slimness. I wanted to commit to this on the state forums as a reminder to myself that the surgery is only the first step; a life-style change is imperative if I want to maintain. I intend to do that on my bike. Kim

I GOT APPROVED TODAY BY THE INSURANCE. I have to wait for the surgerons office calls for my appt. Yippie KD

Check with Dr. Lopez of Heartland Spine and Spec. in Leawood. He takes bc/bs so maybe they know something. I wonder if it is for health reasons they will pay?

All of you should go to the dietician before the last month and get your psych evail early, too. Then the last day of your office visits you will have all your paper work in to be sbmitted. If your PRIMARY doctor submits it all with a letter of support it wil go faster. I would also call the insurance and ask what paper work they received. Make sure they have all the required info.

Call back and tell them that you are wanting information about the post-op support meetings. If you don't get any where that way, PM me, and I will get information for you. I am in the process of getting my surgery and I know somone that I can contact from within to get the info. IF you have ANY trouble, please let me know. I am keeping documentation regarding this stuff so that it can be addressed. KD