going to tallgrass Sat. meeting

I have shuffled my schedule and so am going to be able to go to Tallgrass for their Sat. meeting.  I guess this is where it really starts.  HUH????  I am not sure what to expect at the meeting Sat. but I guess will receive a packet and start the paper work.  I am going to be self pay.  I have my psyc. eval done, as I got that when i had started talking to LivLite about bypass.  Then I talked to my reg. Dr. and he encouraged me to think about lap band.  He said he had a lady that is doing great with it and since I have a about 100 lbs to loose it would be a good thing.  Wow,  am I glad I checked with him.  I had just not thought about it.  That is why I guess I wasn't reading and learning enough yet. I am sure Tallgrass will help me make the right decision.  I kind of stumbled on Tallgrass when checking out the one in Overland Park.  Wonder how long it will take to get a surgery date? 

I had my meeting on March 10th at Tallgrass...was selfpaying---didnt have the psyc exam yet...but had lapband surgery May 21st.....so little over 2 months from the date of the seminar.  Not sure what their scheduling is like.  The semiar...was a video presentation...about the surgeries...all kinds...then a question and answer period...ask any question you want...then they gave out packets, plus there was a book they required you to buy on lapband...I think the cost was like 14-15$.  Then they had veteran RNY and lapband people come in and talk for a little bit...we could also ask them questions.  Seems like it was 2 years... but in reality it was quite fast.  Good luck in your journey...feel free to pm me with any questions.  mary

Hey-- I was there!  Very impressed with their operation (no pun intended).  Dr. Steward was great and the other staff was very nice and well organized!  Their website needs work compared to others I've seen, but everything else appears top notch.   I've been to three seminars now and plan to make a decision shortly and hope to have surgery in January.  All of the seminars I have been to have been very well attended.  It's amazing to me that so many folks are considering WLS.  I assume there is similar interest all over the country.  Wow! What did you think of it?

Why have you attended 3?  Did you find different things in each?  Dr. Steward seemed really great.  Wow,  there are a lot of people.  I am so ready.  I wi**** was yesterday.  I had considered the WL center in Overland Park but topeka is closer for me and it seems to be cheaper.  The one thing is the Overland Park one, advertises 15 day until surgery if you are cash pay.  But it seemed to be 3-5,000 $ more expensive plus you get 2 yrs. fill at tallgrass.  I am surprised at the cost difference. 

Well I was always scared to death of WLS and never considered having it done until a friend did and I could talk to and watch someone first-hand.  I started researching in June, knowing (for tax purposes) I would have to wait until January.  I always like to see what the options are before any major purchase and this one is especially important.  So, I found three places that appeared to be highly rated and also are centers of excellence.  I haven't had much surgery at all, and this is easily the most significant.   I have really learned a lot from the seminars, forums like this, etc.  and I think I am ready to go.  I believe I'll spend the extra $200 for the new AP band as it seems to have some improved features and looks like it will become the standard. What's the name of the place you went to in OP?  My two favorites are MISH (IABS) in Lenexa and Tallgrass.  I think Tallgrass is a little less money (especially considering the included fills), but MISH does fills under fluro which seems to be an advantage.  Decisions...decisions.  What are you going to do?

They talked about the new AP band at the tallgrass seminar this past Sat.  Said they had done a couple by request.  He said it had some possible advantages but like anything else it is knew and so one never knows how it will stand up.  They anticipate no problems but it hasn't been out that long.  It sound good.  Yes,  Tallgrass appears to be a little less expensive.   I am not sure  I know  what fills under fluro is.  That might have been what they were talking about when I was text messaging.  ha ha. It is a tough big decision.  I think because of cost and distance I will go with tallgrass. Keep me posted on what you are thinking.  It is sure good to discuss with others that are going through this.  :-)

Hello.  I am a fan of Tallgrass!  They have been great so far, and quite organized.  From the meeting(very informative) to my surgery date of 12/20 was just over 3 months for everything.  I didn't have any problem getting approved through Triwest, but I overloaded them with documenation just to make sure!  This is where it starts, and Rachelle will call you with a date for your consultation about 2 weeks after you get your packet back to her.  The Drs. review the packets...decide if you are a candidate, and then let Rachelle know who to schedule for consults.  My consult was about 5 weeks after the information seminar.  During that time I took it upon myself to have my PCP get their recommendation letter/referral done, my psych eval done, had my PCP order my sleep study,  got my records all sent from the past 5 years, as well as any supporting documents I could find.  It made my process go much easier, and quicker.  Everything was there when I came in for my consult.   Good luck!  I really think you are in good hands.  Several of the surgeons in that office have been around Topeka a number of years.  They are experienced, and I am impressed that there is always two surgeons in the operating room just in case something goes wrong.  I feel very comfortable with that fact.  

Thanks,  since i posted this I got my surgery date of Dec. 3  I got a week from this mon. for my preop test.  I guess i have to have only some blood work, no fasting before and the EKG.  I am not looking forward to the pre op diet.  i wish i didn't have to do it for 10.  Yuck.  I plan to keep very busy with Christmas stuff.  I might even tile my bathroom we are doing.  Just keep busy busy busy.  I am glad to hear that you feel Tallgrass is good.  It is sure great knowing that from everyone.  Good luck to you.