Solutions For Life in Wichita....

The weight loss clinic I used now has a website if anyone in the area is needing information. www.solutionsforlifewichita.com

Hi, my mom has had a bad experience with her lap band surgean in Lenexa. She had her lap-band done in July 06 and has been batteling a nasty staff infection ever since. Her surgean had no idea what it was or cared enough to direct her to someone who knew how to treat her. She has been going to a Wound Specialist and this weekend had her port removed so they could clean this mess up. She feels that if someone would have treated this earlier maybe she would have not went thrun all of this. she still has the band and the tube and will need to find another surgean. Have you had good experiences with Solutions For Life? I am looking forward to hearing back from you. thanks, lori

Hi Lori!!! My experience with Solutions was, overall, good. It really seemed like they were very money oriented. I knew I would have fees, but all of my post-op fees ($750) had to be paid before I could even schedule a consult with a surgeon. I know they are basically trying to ensure that I will go to my post-op classes, but coming up with that money was tough. Also, I felt like sometimes the right hand didn't know what the left hand was doing. I was constantly having to keep on the coordinator to get things done. But once my testing was done and all fees paid, everything went very smooth. I also adore my surgeon!! Good luck!!

I have to agree with you about Solutions being very money oriented. I finally had my appointment for my physical with Dr. Early a couple of days ago. My insurance required at $35 co-pay. However, when I was done and went to check out, I was informed my charge was $285 for that day. WHAT? Yeah, $35 for my office visit co-pay, then a charge of $250 as an ADMINISTRATIVE FEE!!! I've been to alot of doctors over the years, and have never heard of such a rediculous charge. When I asked about it, I was told it was for everything that was done behind the scenes, such as reading lab results, etc. Hmmm....every other doctor's office or clinic I've been to does that too without an administrative charge. I really kind of felt that it was just a way to get over on the patients...and pure GREED. Of course Solutions is the only option here in Wichita for wls...so I guess it's their way or the go elsewhere. I paid the fee...but was not happy about it. There's also another $300 for the pre-op classes (education materials, etc.) they didn't tell me about either, putting the $360 preop price up to $660. But on the bright side, I've finally got things moving now, and I'm excited about that.

Hi Tammy, I just received my packet from Solutions for Life....I go to orientation 2/6. Do you mind if I ask who your surgeon was? Thanks, Christie

Hi Christie, I used Jonathan Dort, he is wonderful!!!

That's good to hear....that is who I have picked. Christie

Yes, Dr Dort is wonderful. I have not had WLS yet, but I have had to have some other items done. Dr Dort informed me that for the medical condition I have there are only two types of surgery that will take care of it. The first one I am too heavy and would only cause it to fail. The second one is WLS. It will get rid of my problem. He has never been pushy or jumped into anything either. He is very kind, caring and patient. He took care of my husband when he was a patient from an accident and he was the same way then. I highly recommend him. He is great! As for Solutions for Life. There is a reason that they put you through the program they do. Yes, it does cost money. One of the reasons is this.. if you are willing to put up the money and go through the progess it takes, then they feel you are serious about the surgery. It is not a simple surgery like have a knee replacement or having a gall bladder removed. It is a life changing event. If you are not willing to put up the money or the time to invest in getting from A to Z, then you really aren't willing to do the life changes it takes. I am not defending them... but I have seen several people go through this surgery without the classes and all the post op classes as well... and those people were never really ready for what is going to take place. They end up gaining weight back and they put their lives at risk. I know Jeanee and she has had some problems with the whole process and I understand her frustrations. Keep your chin up girl... WE are going to get there!!! Tammy ~ How far out are you and how are you doing?

I am just shy of 6 months post-op. I have lost 73#'s since the surgery and a total of 96 since starting my WLS journey in December of 2005. I am feeling great and doing very well. At least that is what Dr.Dort told me!! LOL My 3 month labs came back perfect, so I guess I will keep doing whatever it is I am doing!!

Tammy, CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's fantastic and what we need to hear. When was your surgery? I had my physical yesterday and am doing the required (by my insurance) 6 month medically supervised weight loss process. I have to have a mammagram and pap. My classes start in June. I can't tell you how ready I am. Oddly enough I'm apprehensive about the surgery and recovery. Also, how hard was the two week fast?