Hi Gin!
Being from Wichita, and just completing the "processes" and hitting a few stumbling blocks, I think I can answer a few of your questions.

First, the place on N. Ridge is just a weight loss center. They actually do the surgeries in Oklahoma (I don't remember where).

Most likely, you will have to complete a WL program and classes no matter where you go. SFL requires a 4 week nutritional class, a 4 week "Know your XXXX (whatever surgery you are having) and another class that met once a month for 3 months.  I have just completed these classes, and spent about $550. Also, if you utilize one of their surgeons (Dort or Lancaster) you are required to pay $250 before your surgery for the post op support classes.

Depending on your insurance, you can actually have the surgery at St. Francis or Wesley. SFL utilizes St. Francis, but Wesley is just re-starting their bariatric program, and has obtained a new doctor (Dr. Villanueva) who should be licensed for KS within the next 2 weeks. I have met him, and while he is young, he has VERY good credentials. Wesley's program will also run about $750 out of pocket. However, Wesley only requires a 4 week pre-op program. So again, depending on your insurance, you have at least a 3 month program at SFL, or a 1 month program at Wesley. My insurance required a minimun of a 3 month multidisciplinary program, which SFL met. The only snag I have hit so far is that my insurance does not want me to have surgery at St. Francis as it is out of network. When I started this process in Feb. SFL and St. Francis were the only place in Wichita to go, and I could have gotten a waiver for out of network. However, now that Wesley is starting up, the insurance company wants me to use them. If I have to go to Wesley, I will have to pay the $750 again, and complete their 4 week program

I would also call your insurance company back. Most insurances same some requirements before they will approve you for surgery. What insurance company do you have?

Good luck with everything and send me a message if you have any more questions!

PS: I am a lower BMI person myself and just so you know, we are considered "lightweights"
There is even a lightweight forum on this board.

I really didn't want to run you off the Kansas board. That is counter productive to this boards status. We need your and everybodys' participation here. I only asked that you scale back your inspirational posts. We need you here. If more people come here more often then the slowness of the board will no longer be an issue. Don't give up on Kansas or stop posting your inspirational posts completely. If your inspirational posts help you, then by all means post them. A lot of other people might find them them helpful as well. I just feel a busier board would be a better place. More people will see them and you'll get a better response.

I don't have time to go back and read but can I ask, why is this your last post?

Sorry I just haven't had time to read much here lately>

As I'm sure you've noticed this board doesn't move very fast. I have no objection to your post a day routine. It's just that there are more appropriate boards for you to post your religious/inspirational posts. The main board for example or the surgery specific boards like the rny board. These boards move much faster allowing for all posts to be viewed. The Kansas board moves so slow because not many people come here. So the longer someones' question or request for help or support can be visible the better. It's not that I or anybody else I'm aware of doesn't appreciate your posts, it's just the nature of this board makes posts like this better for another board. I'm not saying not at all just that once a day is overwhelming. It's sad that this board doesn't have more action as to make this point mute.

Will you please stop overrunning the board. I'm not saying posts like this are necessarily unwelcome, but doing it over and over to this degree in my opinion is. Your pushing posts by others who need help to board 2 where they are less likely to be viewed. We will all give any of your questions the same support and consideration.