Congratulations!!! That is literally a huge amount of weight loss!!! You should be very proud. Keep up the good work.

I think it's important to point out that you need to contact your insurance company to see what surgeons and facilities they cover. If your hospital covers Penrose Hospital and covers the surgeons there then that is definetly a place to consider. But if your insurance only covers facilities and surgeons in Denver, then Penrose is not a place to really consider unless you want to pay high out-of-network costs. It's also important to get co-payment and deductible costs related to the surgeries from your insurance company to make sure it will be affordable. Also important to note that both lap-bands and gastric bypasses require post-op appointments to check blood for deficiencies and lap-bands require fill checks.  I think almost everyone starts with their primary care physician (PCP). Most of the time when they refer you to a surgeon it's within your insurance plan, but double check! Most insurance companies require a referal for surgery consultation, instead of just getting an appointment with a surgeon. Check to see what your insurance company requires so they will help pay for the appointment. When you receive a referral from your PCP to a surgeon, call up the surgeon's office and they should walk you through their list of procedures. Some surgeons want you to attend an informational meeting before they see you. Some surgeons want you to come talk to them first, then they send you out to different meetings, classes, doctors, etc. If you are still not quite sure which weight loss procedure you want to get...talk to your doctors and surgeon about both procedures. Attend both the lap band and the gastric bypass meetings to get more information. Attend the Penrose Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, most people have had gastric bypass there but there is a growing attendence of lap banders. The meetings are held the 1st & 3rd Tuedays and 2nd & 4th Fridays of every month at 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. They are held in the Penrose Hospital conference rooms on the ground floor - CC (Cancer Center) A, B, and C. The groups website is http://www.weight-lossforlife.com/weight-loss-recipes/ .

Wendy - Dr. Chae did my revision on Monday, the 5th.  I am already home and feeling really well.  He was able to do it lap and taylored it to my needs.  Dr. Tillquist also did my first surgery, and there is no way I would EVER let him touch me again.  Dr. Chae and Sky Ridge are awesome!!  good luck and keep us posted. 

My portion through KP was $5000.  I did not have to pay anything up front, but that may be because of the hospital, I'm not sure (Penrose in Colorado Springs).  Your hospital may work a payment plan with you as well, just ask.

I am very intrested in a support group on the south side of town. I can attend any evening after 5pm.

Thanks,
Veronica