Anyone go to mtg @Shawnee Mission

Did anyone attend the meeting last nite in shawnee mission and looking to have surgery with them?

I've already had my surgery with them, so no I didn't attend the meeting. Sorry.

I didnt attend the meeting. I did, however, have surgery with SMMC. Dr. Hoehn performed my lap band surgery on May 23rd of this year.   Is there anything I can help you with, any questions I can answer for you? If there is, send me a PM, because I dont always check this board.

Yes, thank you Mary.  Can you feel the port?  why does it take so long to get a surgery date, they said if you have insurance it is 4 to 6 months, if self pay it is quicker.  I have great insurance that will pay 90% and the Dr.'s office said it doesnt take that long with my insurance (a couple weeks) but I still have to wait almost 6 months.  How many visits with the Phsych do you have with the lapband.  How long did it take you to wake up from anesteshia? Why the band vs. gastric?  Thanks Amy

 Hi. I too go to Dr. Hoehn if you need anything just shout.  I was banded 5-14-07 at  SMMC had a great experiance .  I will answer what I can . What ever the ? someone as probly seen or heard it on this board . don't be a stranger . Paul

As a self-pay I would be very interested in knowing approximate costs and what is/isn't included (e.g. fills).  I am going to the seminar at SMMC soon and looking forward to banding in January when the new tax year kicks in.  I was very impressed with MISH (IABS) in Lenexa as well and plan to check out TallGrass in Topeka.  Anyone know much about either of them?  Thanks much for the great advice! Jim

Jim I don't know much about self pay  . I do know Dr. Hoehn yses Heartland spin and Specialty hospital for self pay .Icannot be much help in the cost part I know I feel better than I have in years .I have lost 40 and am getting along fine . Let me know what you decide .Good luck Paul

Jim, I was a self pay patient and the procedure costs 16,250. 5,000 was surgeon fees and the rest was for the hospital. I had mine at the Heartland Spine and Specialty Hospital. It was a very nice place. It's also cheaper to have it there than SMMC.

The price that I paid includes everything. Even a year's worth of fills.

I can feel my port on occasion...usually when I lay down and feel around for it, otherwise I dont even know its there and I cant see it under my skin the way some people say they can when they lose all the weight they want and reach their goal.  I also have great insurance, and once I was approved, my pre-op appointment was scheduled the following week. At the appointment, they scheduled my surgery and it was only 4 weeks after that. I'm not sure why they said the wait would be 4-6 months. Unless they are making allowances for the self pay patients they try to get in early (as a bonus for them not having to deal with the insurance company maybe) or any emergencies that may arise.  My longest waiting period was after I turned in my paperwork to the office. I waited another 5 weeks before they called me to make appoints for the NUT and psych, and sleep study. Then I had to wait until all reports were turned into the office before they turned it into my insurance.  Insurance approval was less than a week!  I was "awake" within a half hour or so after being moved to recovery, but the effects of the anasthesia lingered and I was "in and out" on the ride home (less than 20 minutes) and after I came home I slept all day like a baby, but was easily aroused. I was a bit groggy over the next few days, but that could have been from either the lingering anasthesia or pain meds...or both.  The psych appointments vary by the individual, I only had one appoint. and Dr. Sabapthy emailed the office that day clearing me for surgery. I know some people have to go to multiple appoints, usually 3 but sometimes more. It all depends on the individual and any problems the Dr thinks you may have to deal with before surgery (eating disorders, history of abuse, emotional issues, etc) I chose lap band because I didnt want the more invasive gastric bypass. I like my intestines just where they are...lol I think if I was even more over weight than I am now, I would have considered the gastric, but I feel I can successfully lose the weight with the band.  And if any probelms do arise, the band can be removed and I can get a revision towards the vertical sleeve (I think...I will have to do more research on that  if the time comes) If you want to know any thing more...just ask!! But remember, this is just MY journey, individualized just for me...yours will be different, just as everyones is!!    I wish you much success...please keep us posted!! Be sure to attend the monthly support group meetings even while in the waiting phase...it does help!! Next meeting is scheduled for July 25 at 6 pm!! I hope to see you there...be sure to point yourself out to me!!  Hi Paul!! 

Hi Mary !!  Glad you remmbered me .  I don't get on the kansas site very often. I hope all is going well for you .   Hope to see you in Aug. I will be on a mission trip in july. Paul