Lap band doctors in Wichita?

Are there any lap band doctors in Wichita Kansas? and what kind of struggle might I be up against in getting my insurance to approve this? I am 36yrs old, stay at home, homeschooling mom of 8 children. I've done everything I can think of to lose weight, including walking 2 miles a day five days a week for more than 3 months, during which time I lost NOTHING! I am currently working out at the YMCA and am part of their 12 week fitness program, but honestly, Im not all that hopeful that exercising will help me lose weight. I do know that it will help me to be in better shape, even if I dont lose though, so I keep doing it. Anyway, I dont know where to start or what to do first... so I need help!!! Thanks :) Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, I have done a search for you and there are no Lap Band Surgeon listed with us in Wichita ,KS but I have located 3 others that have excepted the Cigna PPO Insurance in other Areas of KS. I hope one of these can help and are close to your area. Stanley Hoehn, M.D., F.A.C.S. 8901 West 74th Street Suite #356 Shawnee Mission, KS 66204 Phone: 913-677-6319 ext. 1 Fax: (913) 677-1540 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+insurers+Stanley+Hoehn+kmk.html Harlan L. Opie M.D. 20375 W. 151st Street Olathe, KS 66061 Phone: (913) 782-8577 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+insurers+Harlan+Opie+hqm.html A. K. Tayiem, M.D., F.A.C.S. 215 M Street Atchison, KS 66002 Phone: (913) 367-3900 http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+insurers+A+Tayiem+gqb.html -- Kirk Thompson -450# Member Service Representative ObesityHelp.com [email protected] My Website: http://www.92inches.com

Crying now :( I just called Cigna and after fighting my way thru their stupid maze of phone logs and such, I was told that Cigna hmo which we are on, does NOT cover any type of bariatric surgery. The pleasant and probably skinny lady on the other end of the phone told me that I could check with local gyms who offer discounts for our Cigna member card. (groan) I have to find an answer.... it will be forever til we can save up $13,500 for this surgery :( I want to crawl in bed and hide....or maybe go eat whatever I can find in the kitchen..but then that hasnt helped up til now, has it? any ideas?

Fight, fight, and fight some more. I've had my lapband for a year and you couldn't pay me enough money to give it back. Start with your PCP. Talk to him/her about what you want and get them on your team. They can be a tremendous help with getting insurance approval. Also, you might contact Weight Loss Surgical Center in KC or Dr. Jesse Lopez's office in KC. They have entire departments dedicated to the insurance fight. Once you have a consultation with them, they'll go the extra mile to do everything they can to win you insurance approval. There's also a message board on here dedicated to the insurance fight. Good luck. ~Tiffany

Hi Jennifer, When I met with Dr. Dort in September, he told me that after the first of the year they would most likely start doing the lap band procedure out of his office. You might call and find out how close he is to starting that!! Get with Dr. Early's crew and see if they will go to fight for you on your insurance. They are pretty good at getting you approved, as long as you pcp is in agreement!!