My daughter had lap band surgery at MISH with Dr. K. She was wonderful. The only problem she has had since was she had appendicitis and went to North Kansas City Hospital to be treated and the surgeons were so afraid of the lap band that they allowed her appendics to burst. Dr. K ended up taking them out. I hope Dr. K is not the one who dealt with your mother, as we found her and her staff to be very good.

Valena....seeing your weight loss numbers is so encouraging for me. I go in for orientation 2/6 and wonder if I am making the right decision. Congratulations to you! I too need the drasticness of RNY. Christie

I have to agree with you about Solutions being very money oriented. I finally had my appointment for my physical with Dr. Early a couple of days ago. My insurance required at $35 co-pay. However, when I was done and went to check out, I was informed my charge was $285 for that day. WHAT? Yeah, $35 for my office visit co-pay, then a charge of $250 as an ADMINISTRATIVE FEE!!! I've been to alot of doctors over the years, and have never heard of such a rediculous charge. When I asked about it, I was told it was for everything that was done behind the scenes, such as reading lab results, etc. Hmmm....every other doctor's office or clinic I've been to does that too without an administrative charge. I really kind of felt that it was just a way to get over on the patients...and pure GREED. Of course Solutions is the only option here in Wichita for wls...so I guess it's their way or the go elsewhere. I paid the fee...but was not happy about it. There's also another $300 for the pre-op classes (education materials, etc.) they didn't tell me about either, putting the $360 preop price up to $660. But on the bright side, I've finally got things moving now, and I'm excited about that.

I have BCBS of Kansas City and I was approved and had my RYN surgery 12/12/06. I am actually Blue Care HMO and it paid 100 percent of everything, it would not however pay for the Lap Band as it is still in the investigational stages. My policy did not have any exclusions though...

I seen my PCP today and he is totally agianst any WLS. Does anyone here use a wichita area doctor that supports it? Thanks and good luck everyone. Amanda