Hi,I'm new to the Kansas board!

Hi,I'm 54 and on my way to the losing side.I've been overweight most of my married life.I have a wonderful supporting husband,that just wants me to be healthy and happy.I'm so sick of not feeling good.It's like toting around another person.LOL I've got everything done but the waiting for a surgery date.Dr.Dunshee in Topeka is my Dr. I live in a small town about 25min.south of Topeka. I look forward to meeting new friends in the same boat as me.I really like this board,lots of good info!Here's hoping we can help each other.Deb

Hi, Debra. I am Mickey. My Dr is Dr. Berntsen. I am 50 and like you I have been overweight most of my married life (32 years). My husband is very supportive also. He went with me to the seminar. I saw Dr. Berntsen a little over 2 weeks ago. And I go this Friday to the psychologist. And then have to go again on October 5. Have you seen the psychologist yet? There is also another lady on here from Wichita (I think) named Cheryl. Dr. Dunshee did the seminar I went to. He seems very nice. I chose Dr. Berntsen because I have known her for quite a while. They both sound like good Drs and so does Dr Steward. I just wish I knew what is going on right now. Like paperwork, what have they done so far. Have they sent anything to my insurance. A lady I know has the same insurance I do. She and her husband both had Lap RNY and had no problem getting approved. So that has been encouraging. Just have to wait. And that is not always easy. LOL Good luck. Let me know when you get your surgery date. Mickey

Hi,Mickey,nice to meet you!Yes I went to a Dr.Abbott for my psych exam.I really liked her.We just visited like two friends.She had me keep a food diary and write down all the diets I've tried.I am suppose to go for a third visit tomorrow,but I think I will skip,because I have done something to my left foot,and it is swollen and hurts to walk.She already approved me for surgery,she mainly wants to support me thru the process.I might go at a later date ,I haven't decided if it's really necessary.Dr.Dunshee only requires 2 visits.I have a copay every time I go and with gas as high as it is,I hate to go if it's not necessasary.I'm just waiting for my surgery date now,I hope they hurry up,I'm anxious!!

Dr. Abbott is who I have my appt with. Do you know if they waited till you saw psychologist before they sent your insurance approval off. Brenda said not to worry about not getting in right away to see Dr. Abbott. When I talked to Brenda last she said it took about 2 weeks for her to get Dr. Berntsen's notes to send to insurance, but she didn't really say if she would send insurance approval off before I went to see Dr. Abbott. Some of this is confusing. Did you call them alot and ask questions. I am afraid to call them and bug them. I never know how Dr's offices feel when you call them. Even though they say to. Dr. Abbotts office said I needed to come to two office visits. So, I will see when I get there Friday. I am glad to hear she is real nice. I hope your foot gets better. I have a bad right foot. The foot Dr. says my ankle is deteriating (sp) arthritis mostly. I wear a brace. For the past 1 1/2 years I have been in a lot of pain with it. Last year I fell 3 times because my ankle gave way. Not a pretty site somebody my size falling. I weigh 310 lbs. This is the main reason I want to lose weight, because I know my foot won't get better unless I get this weight off. There are days I get out of bed and can hardly walk. Plus, I work part time at Hobby Lobby. I use to work full time but had to cut back my hours because of my foot. It is probably not the best kind of work but I love working there and I am not going to stay at home and sit around and do nothing. So, I know my limits on standing on my feet. And my boss is really good not to schedule me over 5 hours. If you are ever in Hobby Lobby, say Hi. I work at the registers. I know what you mean about the gas. At least it has come down alot. We live north of Topeka and it takes less than 15 minutes to get just about anywhere in town. But I know Burlingame is a little bit of a drive. I have been wanting to come to quilt shop down there. a friend of mine says it is really nice. Well, thanks for writing back. Keep me posted on your surgery date. Mickey

I just checked your profile. I have United Healthcare also. They told me I would be covered 100% also. So, that is very encouraging they didn't take too long to okay. The only thing is after the first of the year our deductible or out of pocket will be changing. Which means we will probably not be covered 100%. When I say we, I mean the policy my husband has. He took an early retirement 5 years ago. And our insurance has gone up quite a bit in those 5 years. Now they are saying, coverage will be cheaper, but more of a deductible. Any how, I talked to Dr. Berntsen about it and she talked like we could probably get everything done before then. So, I am hoping it does. Just had to reply again. Mickey

Hi! I already posted a reply to your date post, but then I went on down the list and found this neat conversation between you and Mickey! Sounds like you have a lot in common! I wish I were closer, we also have some of the same interests! I'm a bit older than either of you....I'm 60! But I am so much looking forward to being healthier and more enrgetic and active! I want to be around to watch that granddaughter of mine grow up! And who knows, we may have more! Our other son and his wife a planning an international adoption within the next 6 months to a year, so hopefully we WILL! Welcome again! Are you a quilter?? I have a sister who lives in Lyndon who has just started quilting at age 68....she is having a ball! She says there is a neat quilt shop in Overbrook, and a new one in Lyndon, too. Cheryl

Cheryl, Nice to meet you! It's neat to know there are people in the same boat as me.I'm excited that I FINALLY have a surgery date.I'm so looking forward to being able to play with my grandchildren,too.I have one 14,boy,5,boy,13,girl,12,girl and of course the new one on the way.My daughter lives in Overland Park,so it's only 90min. away.They visit about every other weekend.I plan to go there and help out for a couple days.She's due Nov.6,but she went early the last two times,so she might this time too.I hope your son gets to experience the joy of a child.They are so precious! About quilting,no I sew but never did get into quilting.My late mother-in-law was very good at it.There is a quilt shop here in Burlingame ,too.I've never been but I've heard it's nice. Deb

Welcome to the Kansas Board! I used to do a craft show in burlingame several years ago. Such a nice town. the Kansas board has not been to active, but I try to check in every day or so. I also invite you to check out the Over 50 board. I know Mickey posts there too. We are a friendly group here, but if you are wanting a very active, supportive group of peers (age wise), the OFF board is the place to be. Also nice to see posting here too. Hope to see more (and soon to be less) of you Joan

Just wante dto say hi. I actually live in Lees Summit Missouri but had surgery with Dr. Steward almost two years ago. They are great there and I would choose him over anyone local. I know they are all nice. We tend to be biased towards our own docs of course!! Best of luck to you guys. Feel free to email me if I can help with anything. My surgery was December 2003 and it's been great. No regrets at all Alice