New in KS

Hello!  My name is Andrea and I recently moved from western KS to eastern KS.  I had to go on disability in 2005 (was a special ed teacher) when my rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia finally got the best of me.  My weight problem started in 1995 when I was 26, and now I'm up to 251 with a BMI of 38.2.  Now that I'm on Medicare, I'm going to be going to a surgeon Tuesday in Topeka to discuss possible surgery.  I'm nervous--we've got 4 kids and recovery and lifestyle changes will be challenging, but it has to be done.  I don't need anymore complications! I look forward to getting to know everyone!

Hi Andrea, Welcome.  I went to tallgrass in Topeka.  They are really great.  I work with sp ed students.  They are great.  good luck in your journey.  This is a great site.  Lots of great info here.  Not much goes on here in the specific Kansas site but the general lap band board is great, along with the Kansas one. 

MJT, Thanks for the welcome!  The surgeon I am being sent to Tuesday is with the Tallgrass group, Dr. Hu.  I'm nervous and impatient at the same time...

I have heard he is good.  I went to the lady, Dr. Brenstein.  I really like her, tooo.    I haven't heard anything bad about anyone there. 

Welcome to eastern KS!  I am from western KS (near Leoti if you know where that is!) and moved here in the late 80's.  It's definitely different in this part of the state.  Funny about the connection to special education - I'm a certified school psychologist, but started out as a para a looong time ago!! Sorry to hear about your health issues, but I'm thinking that the lapband surgery might be just the thing to help you to feel better.  I, too, had my surgery in Topeka (Dr. Berntsen).  I attended their monthly Saturday informational meeting first and then went from there.  I also checked out a few surgeons in the KC area, but Tallgrass was closer and as it turns out, about $4000 cheaper.  I was self-pay, so that made a big difference to me.  I was banded on Oct 15 and have had nothing but good luck so far.  No complications whatsoever.  I'm down 50 lbs and exercising so much more than I have ever before.  It gets easier as the weight comes off.  I'm feeling much more energetic. 

You'll find this message board very helpful.  I spend more time on the general Lapband board, but try to keep tabs on the Kansas board too.  Good luck as you make decisions in the future.  There are lots of types of weight loss surgeries and everyone has to find what is right for them. Take care! 

Andrea, Welcome to Eastern Kansas. You will find that the Tallgrass group really has their act together. They will treat you right and very professionally. I had some of the same concerns as you, I have 5 kids and didn't want any complications. Fortunately, I have had a great experience.  Get as healthy as you can and even try to lose some weight prior to the surgery....studies are showing that early weight loss is an indicator or long-term success. Tallgrass will just tell you not to gain...they just don't want you to eat like it is your last meal. It is best to start learning some of the new techniques that you will have to practice anyway.  I invite you to my profile as I have blogged my way through the entire process. It might give you some insight as to what thoughts will be going through your head at various times. Best wishes to you. John