Well i went to my seminar last thursday night, it was fantastic, it was given by the Northwest Weight loss clinic in Everett, Washington, I switched to a more expensive insurance because they said that this clinic was one of their providers..

After the seminar i went and talked to their Insurance person they had there, to see what was next, she said she was sorry but that my benefits board did not approve them (only because they said they had enough providers) i left very disappointed, but the next day called and found out who covered the surgery they said 2 hospitals, Virginia Mason and UW hospital, i had heard at the seminar that the UW has a 3 year waiting list... (havnt verified that yet) The Virginia mason hospital in seattle does not do the operation there, but in a clinic 30 miles south... so over 70 miles away form where i live, not bad for the surgery, but for the fills and emergencys that would be a long way to go... anyway, i have filed an appeal with our insurance board to go back to the cheaper insurance, ( the new one was going to cost me about $2000 more per year, but they supposidly had a better program for the Lap Band..) maybe next year......

thanks for listening...

mike

I am sorry to hear that . . . what a bummer. If you can't switch back then gong 70 miles away isn't the best option in the world but at least it is an option to consider. I wish you the best of luck.

I agree...driving 70 miles isn't perfect but if my option was "drive 70 miles for the band, or no band" well I'd be revving the engine,.

Shoot my hospital is on the other side of my (large...with all roads under construction, it seems) town and it can take me up to an hour to get there if the timing is bad. It's still worth it,

Hi mrwall. Don't give up hang on and make some more inquiries. I too travel 85 miles one way from my house to get to my appointments/fills and of course to have the surgery.

It really is not bad. Sometimes if I am really lucky, I can get a lunch time appointment and go from work. My job is 40 miles away from the clinic/hospital.

As far as an emergency, I would have to go somewhere close to home. Thank goodness, I have not had any emergencies. But it is an important consideration.

I drive almost 100 miles to deal with emergencies. My doctor is good, as he comes to my city for fills and check ups once a month, but if I have a problem I have to drive. I don't mind. He's the best in South Texas, and worth every mile. I had a gallbladder emergency last August. My husband wanted to take me to the ER locally, but I refused. I wanted him. Thank God I had the good sense to do so. He had to completely unfill my band before they could do surgery on my bile ducts. (I ended up having two surgeries) There are no doctors locally familiar with that procedure. I wouldn't let a regular doctor near me. So for me, it's worth the extra effort and time. Not so pleasant when you're in dire pain, but it was in the long run.

I traveled over 100 each way for the surgery and fills and would do it again in a heartbeat. If I had an emergency, I'd go to a local emergency room. They can contact my surgeon if need be.

V.M. just did my surgery last Thursday at the main hospital downtown. There website is incorrect, The Federal Way clinic is not certified yet for surgery. But you still go to Federal Way for Appointments which is annoying, I live in Everett.

I live over 250 miles from where I was banded. That was the closest for me. I can't say I love the drive but is worth it. If possible, get something closer. If not, get an audio book and listen on your way back and forth.

I drive 2.5 hours for my doctor. It is worth it. Also, my insurance will pay for my gas if it is over 100 miles. Does you insurance offer this option.

I'm lucky. My doctor is only about 30 miles away and its mostly rural expressway but I'd drive as far as necessary.

V.M. just did my surgery last Thursday at the main hospital downtown. There website is incorrect, The Federal Way clinic is not certified yet for surgery. But you still go to Federal Way for Appointments which is annoying, I live in Everett.

Wow, that is different than i was told...

Thanks everyone for your support, i am still going to try to get into the program no matter where... i do work in seattle which is half way there, so maybe lunchtime fills would work... i do hope the surgery would be at the hospital!

i got approved for the first step, now i have to do a phone interview and have my General Practioner fillout a form, which i know he will be happy to do, since he has been the one cheering me on for the longest...

mike

University of Washington does not have a three year waiting list, not anywhere close. I went to their seminar in September, finished my preliminary appointments last month and am scheduled for lapband surgery on March 10. The staff is great and very helpful.

Let me know if you have any other questions about UW and I'll help if I can.

University of Washington does not have a three year waiting list, not anywhere close. I went to their seminar in September, finished my preliminary appointments last month and am scheduled for lapband surgery on March 10. The staff is great and very helpful.

Let me know if you have any other questions about UW and I'll help if I can.

Thanks! that seemed far fetched! i work for th UW (not at the hospital) so i would much rather have it there!! and the fills would be close for me!

thanks

mike

I can't speak for other band doctors, but I know I've spent some time waiting in doc waiting rooms. Just hasn't happened at UW. Maybe 10 minute wait at the most and usually less. They also do a good job of stacking appointments so you don't have to make multiple trips to the Surgery Annex on different days to see the different folks you need to see. I work downtown and haven't had one issue with appointment timing.