New to the Kansas forum

Hi Everyone! I'm new to this forum. It seems a little "dead" right now, but I'd really like to get to know some RNY patients who are not so far away from me. I'm in Wichita, and have scheduled my Lap RNY for October 24th, with Dr. Lancaster and Dr. Dort at Via Christi-St. Francis. I'd really enjoy getting to know you all. I know I'll be in great need of the support and knowledge of those of you who are post-op. And I would love to be part of the encouraging network of people to assist pre-ops or those researching the possibilities. Please let me hear from you! God's blessings on each of you! Cheryl J.

Hi Cheryl! I am 10 months post-op RNY, and could not be happier. I am down about 145 pounds and though I have been at a standstill for a few weeks, I can only blame myself on that. This board is very quiet. I looked at your profile, and saw your age. I am a very active member of the OH Over Fifty Forum, (known as OFF). There are pre-ops and post-ops galore and alot of friendship and support. I inviite you to come over and give us a try. We are even planning a Get-together in Atlanta in January and another one next summer somewhere here in the central part of the country. I think you can access it by going back to the main entrance where they list all the boards, or here is a direct link to it. Please come and check us out if you are looking for friendly support. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/amosforums/over_50/

Thanks Joan, I also visit the OFF frequently. But thanks for the invitation to join you there! I'm just trying to make some friends! I sort of feel that I know you already a little bit. I have read lots of your posts and/or responses. I appreciate your knowledge and your apparent-always kindness to other people. I hope we can get to know each other! Thanks for responding! Cheryl

Hi, Cheryl. I am new also. I live in Topeka. I just joined today, but have been looking on website for a while. I have just got started. I went to see my surgeon a little over a week ago. Waiting for them to send my paperwork to insurance. I have an appointment to see a psychologist the end of September. I am like you, I will need alot of support. I have been having my ups and downs in the last few weeks about my decision but more ups then downs. Ha Good luck on your surgery the 24th of Oct. Mickey

Hi Mickey! Welcome! You are starting out on a process that may become very challenging! I wish you the best of luck in your efforts, and a huge amount of success! I am a little familiar with Topeka, as I lived with my sister and brother-in-law in Lyndon for nearly a year in 2003/2004 before moving to Wichita. I liked it there! Let's be friends! Cheryl

I don't want to rush the process, but I am not wanting it to take forever, either. But whatever happens happens. I just lost 30 lbs the end of spring, first of summer by going to another DR. here for weight loss. And I hope I don't gain it all back before surgery. It was costing me like crazy. I lost over 100 lbs with them 6 years ago. But gained all of it back plus extra. The story of my life. I have talked to a few people that have done Lap rny. They have been very successful and said they would do it again in a heartbeat. Seems like everybody says that. I don't have any major health problems right now. Just arthritis and a bad foot/ankle. Sometimes, I can hardly walk. And I know losing weight would be better for me all in all. I don't want to wait until my health gets really bad and then try to do something about it. Thanks for listening. Yes, lets be friends! Mickey

Welcome Welcome.. so glad to see new faces on line here and this is such a wonderful journey... Had my laproscopic roux-en-y two years ago the 15th of this month.. so happy I had this done and highly recommend this to anyone looking and researching.... I went to Topeka and my surgeons were Dr. Berntsen and Dr Steward.. they are so wonderful and I attend the support meetings once a month.. so well worth the long drive .. time to reflect and the group is like a wonderful family.. terrific.. Any questions you might have.. please feel free to ask.. folks are so open and willing to help.. it is terrific.. This board seems to be on a hiatis right now.. ho ho ho ho.. but really alot of the folks are looking and listening.. do join in anytime and enjoy.. I will see what I can do about coming to visit you in the hospital after your surgery.. any word on how long you will be in the hospital? Just let me know if you would like a visit and I will be there for you.. Take care and happy journey to you. Hugs, Fran

Hi Fran. Dr. Berntsen will be doing my surgery also. I have been getting on this forum just to read the posts. I feel like this is a dream and not really going to happen. Some of the people on here have really had to wait a long time. I am not sure I could have as much patience as they have. And I have just started this trek. Ha It is so great to see all the before and after pictures. I don't remember being thin since jr high and high school. I have lost weight before (many times) but never kept it off long enough to feel smaller. Some days I feel really scared and other days I just can't wait to do it. I just don't like not knowing what is going on. Like, have they sent my stuff into the insurance company yet. And if not, when are they going to. And I don't want to bother them, because I don't want them to think I am a pest. My husbands insurance is changing their deductible after the first of the year. I would like to have surgery before then, because if not I may not be able to afford the surgery if I have to put alot out. Dr. Berntsen said we would try and get it done before then, but she is not the one who does all the paperwork and sends it off. I know I shouldn't worry and just let everything flow like it should. But I do not have much patience. Ha Thanks for welcoming us. Mickey

Hello fellow Kansans, My name is Chrissy. I live in Benton Kansas. I had my lap rny July 15, of this year in Monterrey Mexico. I had the lap band before and it eroded so the wonderful Dr. Steward removed it in Dec. of 2004. If you are wondering why I went to Mexico. One....insurance would not have covered it because I did not have a super high bmi considering the fact that I did have the lap band for a year, although it did erode within the first six months. I do see Dr. Steward for my aftercare though, I have my first appointment with him in Oct. I think it is so cool that I have found other people in Kansas on this board. best of luck to all preops and of course to those of you who all ready had the surgery. I will have to talk to Dr. Steward about the meetings in Topeka, and maybe I will have to start attending some of them. Talk later, Chrissy

Hi Chrissy. Glad to meet you. I am waiting for my approval and surgery date. About the lap band eroding. That was one concern my husband and I had, so that is why I changed to the Lap RNY. I am glad you are doing better. I am not sure where Benton, KS is. The meetings are the second Saturday and I think the second Tuesday. The website is www.topekaobesitysurgery.com They have the times on there. Mickey