I am new here, and I am trying to find a good Doctor. Has anyone out there had the Lap band done in Tri-Cities or Spokane? I have been seeing commercials lately, but I don't really want to go to a doctor who has not done very many procedures. My insurance is BCBS and they WILL pay, but I have to go to someone who is contracted with them. Has anyone found a good doctor who is contracted?

TheLid,
I went with Dr. John Pennings in Post Falls, ID. I don't know if your insurance will work with him, but I'd recommend him to anyone. I live in Spokane, WA. I had surgery 12/21/05. I was self-pay. Check out sbnsurg.com, that's Dr. Pennings website. He is great and they just got their Center For Excellence rating or whatever it's called. Good Luck!
Alynne

I live in Moses Lake. I called Dr. Pennings office, but I don't know if they will be able to work with my schedule. I am in nursing school and it just doesn't leave me a lot of time to drive clear to Post Falls for appointments. I want to get my crazy summer quarter over with before being banded. It would be great if I could get everything lined up by the end of May and then wait to get my surgery until the beginning of August. I am probably just living in a dream world, hoping that everything will go smoothly.

Moses Lake is a little farther to Post Falls than Spokane. As for the Nursing school, been there done that. I've been a RN for 21 years, I remember it well, very busy. Maybe you can find a Doctor closer. Good Luck! It would be eaier for follow-up care also.

I'm having Dr Earl Fox do my surgery. They have an office in Richland too. So far everythings been great and I'm scheduled for next Friday :)

Their website is http://www.aboutsurgicalweightloss.com/

Good Luck!

I am going to a seminar with Dr Fox on Friday! I have been making a list of all the questions I want to ask. It is getting quite long.
nbjen-- What made you decide to go with him?

Thanks Angelnurse. I am loving nursing school, but it is one of the hardest things I have ever done! Are there any special things I need to know about living with the Lap Band as a nurse? Will I be able to work a 12 hr shift without having to snack all the time?

You need to find a good protein bar that you like, there are a gazillion out there. My fav is Twisted, you get it at Costco in a variety box with 8 each of Chocolate, Vanilla and Peanut Butter. They have 15 grams of protein and taste yummy. I'd also recommend a good protein shake, as I know as a Nurse you don't always get your breaks or they are real quick. My fav protein shake is GNC ON (Optimal Nutrition) 100% Whey Gold Standard in double rich chocolate and vanilla ice cream. I add benefiber, SF pudding (to thicken) and SF syrups to flavor. I have a protein shake every morning for breakfast and at work for a meal. In between the protein shake, I have a protein bar. I usually only work 8 to 10 hours shifts but I do better if I don't go longer than 4 hours without protein. At first it can be hard but after a little while it becomes habit. It's very important to get all your water in too! If you have anymore questions. feel free to ask.

I had my lap band through Dr. Trotter in Spokane. He is wonderful. I do not know if he is contracted. He does surgery mainly at Holy Family, and the Valley in Spokane. We also have a support group on the second Tuesday of the month. would love to have more join us.
deb

Alynne, I see you have had a lower body lift. What is that? and did insurance pay? thanks,
deb

I will be having my surgery with Dr. E. Fox on 3/18/08 in Tri-Cities area. So far everything has been amazing including his office staff!

I live in Walla Walla and had my band put in about 24 hours ago. My fills will be done by Dr. Heap in Richland.
I called his office and was told he does fills only on Monday afternoons. Its the closest, otherwise Spokane.

Dr. Trotter is a preferred provider of BCBS he did mine and I have that insurance. I am very happy with my results.