Anyone from Washington State that has been banded?

What doctor did you use?

Hello!

I am in Washington State--In Olympia.

I actually went to Mexico and was banded by Dr. Ortiz becuaes at the time I was banded (9/23/03) the cost was really, really high here--they didn't have the Fast Track where..if you qualify--you don't spend overnight in the hospital..which really drives up the cost. had they had that option, I would have stayed here and banded by Dr. Neal. And that is who I would recommend. He's got an excellent reputation AND he seriously does care about his patients and whether or not they lose weight.

You can feel free to E-mail if you have other questions. LaceyKitN at comcast dot net

Now..having said that..I have heard really excelent things about Dr. Watkins and Mongomery too!

Michelle

Just had bandster baby #2 (3rd baby) four months ago

I loved Dr. Montgomery - clinic is in Everett. I was really impressed with him, and also the support staff. They really emphasize getting follow-up care, fills are included for the first year in fact. They have a monthly support group meeting. I was also impressed that the anthiesilogist(sp?!) remembered my husband from his surgery two years before. Made me think they pay attention to their patients as people.

I am looking at Dr. Montgomery although I live in the South end (Kent) and would like something closer.

Did your insurance cover or did you have to do self-pay?

I am in Washington and went to the NWWLS (Dr. Michaelson) but is in the same office as Dr. Montgomery. I did self-pay and I also live in Renton/Kent. It was totally worth it, and that office is wonderful.

I was self-pay. My insurance very specifically exludes any WLS. One reason I like the fact follow-up care, including fills for a year, is included in the fee. They will also waive their fees if something goes wrong and needs repair. I would still have to pay for any hospital fees if they couldn't fix it in their surgical suite, and anth. fees as well. But that was very re-assuring.

I am in Washington State also. DH and I went to Dr. Ortiz in TJ, MX. We live in Vancouver and get our fills by Dr. Fitzpatrick in Portland for follow ups and fills. Everything has been great for us. We both had surgery in July. Dh has lost 67 lbs and I have lost about 30.

I'm in Kitsap county and was banded by Dr. Kuri in Mexico. Great surgeon, great price, but I do regret not having more of a support system close to home. My fills are $350 with Dr. Neal in Olympia (fluoroscopy) and I am having limited success after 4 fills. $350 x 4 = $$$$

I am getting a fill for christmas, yay!

Mexico is a great place to find experienced surgeons, but aftercare is a bear to find. Flying to Mexico hasn't been as easy as it sounds.

I am in Tacoma. I saw Dr. Fox. Insurance paid for mine because of documented weight loss attempts with the doctor and co-morbidities.