Tallgrass - Turning Point was using the numbers of about $13K just a few months ago as their general figure for a self-pay Bandster. That is less than a new car...I'll take a used car with a new chance at getting that new life any day.  Best of luck to you on your journey. John

I have BCBS of Kansas, as you all know they do not cover WLS.  I am looking into having LAPBAND surgery in Wichita at SLF.  Does anyone know how much they will charge for this procedure if you are self pay?  Any response would be appreicated!  :)

I am in support of all who get weight loss surgery, but I am going to have to strongly disagree with the poster who slammed the Tallgrass group in Topeka....THEY ARE A TOP-NOTCH GROUP. This comment about a million hoops to jump through was really uncalled for...sorry, I don't mean to offend, but I was offended.  To go through the Tallgrass (now called Turning Point) program, you must simply attend one of the monthly meetings (second Saturday of each month at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka). Then, just fill out your paperwork and submit it. The next thing is that you will be called for a doctor's consultation. The only way a person might not get an appointment is if there are insurance issues and the staff would not want you paying the $300 consult fee only to find out that you will be rejected. Also, if you have Blue Cross of Kansas, they have an exclusion to WLS....come on BC/BS of Kansas...let's get you out of the dark ages...and you wonder why you are having to lay so many people off here in Kansas...maybe employers are getting pressure from their employees to find better insurance contracts who set the best interests of their employees first???? Weight Loss Surgery saves lives... There...I just had to defend a group of people who work hard at Tallgrass saving many lives each year....including my own life. Until last year's surgery, I was resigned to the fact that I would probably be dead within 10 years or less. Viva WLS, John

Yes, Dr. Lawerence @ KU Med Center. I know I sure liked him!!! Wonderful guy, I sure came away feeling like a new person.  Actually I have Medicare and BC/BS. Since my Medicare is primary, we are taking a gamble on if they will cover it. Dr. Lawrence feels they will due to the hanging apron, mons area and so forth. IF by chance Medicare doesn't want to pay for it, of course, we will appeal. Worse case scenerio is I will have to pay out of my pocket, however, Dr. Lawrence's office doesn't feel it will come to that. I pray it doesn't. Good Luck to you also, and congratualtions on your weight loss,  Hugs Theresa

Hello Theresa, First, congratulations on your PS surgery date!!  Is Dr. Lawrence @ KU Med. Ctr.?  If so, I have heard great things about him on this board and also great reviews on a website (sorry, forgot which one) that you can look at reports, reviews,etc. on doctors.  Did you have a hard time with insurance or may I ask what means of payment are you taking?? I am thinking about starting my PS next year.  Right now, I'm just doing my homework. Good luck to you!!!!