I just got off the phone with Robin of NorthWest Fills in Arlington, Wa and she told me there is a support group meeting at the "Little Italy" rest. on Olympic tonight. She said they meet every 3rd Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m.

I'll be there and wanted to share incase other locals are interested.

We'll I must be the only one on here who lives in Arlington....I was suprised to get no replies! I went that night and it was great. I needed to meet people in person and talk over my questions. I thought it was funny we met in a restaurant - but I had Soup and salad while everyone else had tea!

I'm looking forward to participating more in the support group and would love to see more people attend - perhaps getting to meet more than one time a month for an activity or something.....

I live on the outskirts of Granite Falls, technically Arlington! I'd be interesting in chatting and finding out more about your Lapband adventures as I have just begun mine. I got the insurance denial yesterday & the Cigna nurse called me today.

Lemme know!

-Michelle Russo

Yep - might as well be Arlington. I haven't been banded yet, but they welcomed me to the support group and said before hand is the best time to "get connected". I think every insurance gives a denial before they say yes - its like they want to see how bad you are willing to work for it!

I'm looking forward to meeting some locals for before and after my surgery - I think that connection, support, and common goals are paramount to the success of this thing!

what made you decide to go with the surgery in Mexico?

Price. I'm self-pay. There was no way I could do it locally...and afford it. At first I was against it "no way I'm going to MX" but I've talked to so many people who've had good experiences, I couldn't see why not....

do you mind if I ask how much?

My surgery is $8,500 plus round trip air fare for my husband and I - about $700. So, $9,200. I'm financing it so there is that added cost. I'm thinking of it as a car payment....

That's a great deal if you get it around here you have to pay $17,100. However do you have insurance to cover your fills?

I never even thought about insurance covering the fills. The insurance I have is pretty cut and dried that it won't cover any type of WLS for any reason. I guess I just assumed they wouldn't cover anything, including fills. I'll have to check on that. I have the Northwest Fill Center ready to do my aftercare - that is who hosts the Arlington support group too. I think its only $125 for fills. I figured I'd just have to pay out of pocket on that.

*this is not the right date*

This month's support group meeting for bandsters and prebandsters is on the 24th of August from 6:00 to 7:30 at the Little Italy Restaraunt on Olympic in Arlington, WA. PM me if you need directions.

I want to see some of you there!! I don't know if Kitty from Northwest Fills will be there, but we'll meet regardless for some support, questions, answers and good conversation.

UPDATE: I'm wrong about the date. IT WAS LAST WEEK! Dang. Well maybe next time!! I don't want to delete this post but just let people know I was mistaken!!!

I never even thought about insurance covering the fills. The insurance I have is pretty cut and dried that it won't cover any type of WLS for any reason. I guess I just assumed they wouldn't cover anything, including fills. I'll have to check on that. I have the Northwest Fill Center ready to do my aftercare - that is who hosts the Arlington support group too. I think its only $125 for fills. I figured I'd just have to pay out of pocket on that.

Hi WA people! I live near Arlington . . . Texas! lol I guess I won't be making the supporting meetings!

LittleBird, don't rule out insurance covering your fills. I had surgery in Mexico for the same reason - insurance wouldn't cover it. Guess what? They're covering my fills without any hesitation or explanation.

Go figure.

The dates the same, 3rd Thursday of every month. This month Sept 21.

New location: pizza Factory (they have Soups and salads) on West Ave. just down the block from 7-11. We will be using that location until our own conference room is completed, hopefully in October. The room will be more private but no food will be available.

August meeting speaker was Dr. Ryan Schultz, a local chiropractor. He stated that when we lose weight, our balance is affected. He gave us some simple exercises to do. One is to stand on one foot for 30 seconds, then the other, progressing to eyes closed and holding for 1 minute. He also suggests sitting on an exercise ball to get your center back. Very interesting.

Everyone is welcome, banded or unbanded, local surgeon or Mexico surgeon.

I'll be there!!

Greetings All,

I live in Mt. Vernon. I have not had the band done yet. I am planning on making my appointment with Dr. Aceves late next week. I am about 405lbs 6' right now. I'll find out for sure tommorow as I have a Dr. appointment.

I am interested in the who all does the fills around here. I was going to use Dr. Fox but he is a long ways away and fairly spendy. Any input is usefull.

Tim Saxton

Hi Tim

If I Remember Right Dr Fox Doesn't Use Fluoroscopy. Dr Neal In Olympia Does, For Around The Same Cost. I Plan On Going Back To Dr Ortiz In Mx For My First Fill In A Few Weeks Then Back To Him At Least One More Time. If All Goes Well I'd Like To Try The Arlington Pharmacy