Queen, yes, I had to 3 pre-op visits to the psychologist and now have to go once a month just to keep on track with things. I'm newly banded on March 19 and it really isn't too bad. Hang in there, you one step closer to banding! :)

Everyone I personally know had to have at least 3 visits with Sabapathy. A few people needed more.

Christinapereze, I would suggest Dr. Malley. I've never met him, but I know a handful of people who were banded by him and they're very fond of his practice & methods. And from what I've been told he does MX fills.

"Our next KCBandster meeting is on Monday, April 21st from 6:45-8:45 pm. We meet at the Antioch Library in Merriam, Kansas off I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway. Hope to see you there!
Jen"

Just got this e-mail from Jen. Looks like she hasn't picked a topic yet, though often the best meetings are those with no set topic.

Thanks Ghost, I'm planning on being there. I'm looking forward to it. See ya then!!

I completely forgot about the support group tonight! How was it, and what was the topic?

I can't believe I missed it, that's what happens when I don't write it down....

Hi Queen, I attended the support group last nite for the first time and I thought it was really good. I would say there were probably 15 people there, 3 or 4 of which have not been banded yet. Apparently, this group had stopped meeting about 14 months ago and just started meeting again 3 months ago, so last nite was the 3rd time they have met since starting up. We discussed our what we thought our goals would be 6 months from now and then just basically had question and answer session and everyone discussing their journeys along the way and the problems they might be experiencing now. The next meeting is May 12 and then another will be June 16.

Dr. Hoehn/Hitchcock have their support group meeting this Thursday at 6:00 at SMMC - Human Resources area if you want to attend this one. I can't remember if you were against going to their group or not, but just letting you know it's coming up. The group there is quite a bit larger, probably 50-75 people but is still a good group in my opinion. Regardless, hope to meet you soon at one of the meetings.

Ghost, thank you for the invite to the group last nite, I enjoyed myself and I will be back next month. I'm sorry I didn't take the time to formerly introduce myself last nite, but I had to hurry home after the meeting. I'll take care of that next month, lol...

Thanks for filling me in, thin2bme. I am indeed planning to go Thursday night, it is in pen in my calendar! I hope to meet you, and any other posters or lurkers from this site.

I have my second psych appt that day too, woo-hoo!

Good morning! I was so happy to be able to have some real people to connect with this listserv after attending the support group last night. Do they ever have the group where there is no real topic and we can just sit around and talk? Or can we suggest that 20-30 minutes each month be set aside for that purpose? I think I benefited more last night from just chatting with others who are on this journey than from the "ice breaker"...

Would anyone be interested in meeting 30 minutes prior to the support meeting to walk together? The weather is getting so nice, it is a good excuse to be outside, get some much needed exercise, and have deeper "intimacy" of conversation that sometimes is not possible with such a large group.

Hi Queen, it was nice meeting you last nite at the group meeting too. Most of the meetings that I've been we've had time to talk among other with a question and answer period worked in. Last nite, was the first time since I've been going that we didn't have that. Come back to the next one and hopefully, you get that chance for questions and answers.

Well, everyone, I just got back from getting my first fill a couple of hours ago and have to admit it wasn't has bad as I thought it would be. It hurt a little, but was over really quick. Looking forward to some restriction.

Well til next time!!

Teri,
I'm glad you're fill went well. I go in Monday for an appointment. I'll let you know what we decide.

I had a good time at the meeting Thursday night. It was great to finally put names and faces together. It would be great to spend some time walking together. Next month might be hard with Memorial Day weekend, but let's see when the meeting is. I would also love to share our experiences.

:confused5: Can anyone tell me what the cost was for the lap band at Shawnee Mission Mecial Center? Not sure if my insurance is going to cover so need to be prepared.
Thanks, B

You can expect to pay between 15-16k. A payment will be made to the doctor and a seperate payment will be made to the hospital/surgery center. Good luck to you!

Hi all you post op folks. Question: if you used insurance, how much did you need to pay up front, and would they allow the balance to be paid on a monthly payment plan? I have Cigna, 80/20 split, with a 2K deductible. Just trying to plan my budget, as I may end up owing about 6K when the dust settles.

PS: Feeling VERY fat today...

Hello, everyone. I am in the insurance process, and just playing the 6 month waiting game. Can anyone tell me if Dr. Hoehn uses the new generation AP band? I can't remember if they said that at the seminar? Thanks!