Hi Julie! I can understand your frustration. I'm in your neck of the woods. I had LapBand 10/26/05 and have lost 104 pounds. I am 5'6", 36 yrs. old, and weighed 266 when I started. I feel your pain! I was self-pay, and had to travel to KCKS to get my surgery. HOWEVER, it is well-worth the effort. Whatever surgery you choose, it is the best decision you can make for your health and your life. I got my fills in Wichita after surgery, and I hear that Dr. Early's group at Solutions for Life is beginning to do LapBands (they've been doing RNY for awhile now). You might contact them and see if that is an alternative for you.

I went to Tallgrass in Topeka KS. 785-232-0444. My surgeon was Dr. Steward but there are several there. I just went thorugh a figuring out what was going on thing and they have been so great. I recommend them highly.

I was a self pay patient of Dr. Kaniewski's here and the prices were given to me upfront. A year of regular office visits is included in the price but fills are extra. Non-fluro fills are $75 and fluro fills are $175. They also have a 'point' system where you earn points for attending meetings, having surgery, recommending people for surgery, giving testimonials, etc and you can use these points for free fills, vitamins or even plastic surgery later. I LOVE MY SURGEON and her staff!!!

Hi, I saw a psychologist in OPKS. I had only one visit in which the insurance paid. I just had to pay my specialist copay of $30. He basically asked me questions beginning from my childhood to present, talked about the surgery. The visit lasted for about 1 hr. Then a few days later, I went to pickup his report which was $150. The insurance did not pay any on the report. That was my whole psych eval. Very painless and he was very nice. God Bless. Remember, THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.

I am having it done in Sedalia at Bothwell Regional Hospital with Dr. Hornbostel. When and where did you have yours done? Will keep you posted on my new journey. Ginger