eastern washington banders

The orientation meeting was the first thing I did before I had any lab tests, etc. His office said it was a mandatory steip in the process. It was an informational meeting and was held in a classroom at Holy Family Hospital. There were about 30 people there, some in support of those interested in having the surgery. Dr. Trotter explained the procedure with a Power Point presentation and then explained what changed we would have in our lives. Then, there was a question and answer period. I found it very helpful and his enthusiasm and professionalism sold me. It lasted about an hour and a half including the questions. I was surprised at the amount of resistance some people had with lots of "I can't do this", or "I can't give that up!", etc. but it's probably good that they were weeded out at this meeting rather than during an office appointment.
Kathy

Ok, Here is my latest update. Yesterday was the day I was to go for the orientation at Holy Family.....But... the afternoon before, the referral person at my doctor's office called my insurance company to investigate why I was denied. Turns out I wont be able to have my surgery done by Dr. Trotter. He is not a preferred provider with Group Health. I will need to see a Doctor Penningson (I think that is how you spell his name). The referral girl will be calling his office tomorrow to get that all started. Does anybody know anything about this doctor? I think he is out of Post Falls. I just wish all this would start happening quicker....I would really nlike to have this done during my spring break (First week in April) My weight just keeps climbing!!

How fast or slow is everybody's weight coming off? Any set backs?
Heidi

Thread Starter  

Dr. Trotter is definately a preferred provider for Group Health. Not sure Pennington does LAP-BAND^®. I have a friend that had ruen-y from him and liked him. ?But I do believe Trotter is the true band expert. He is a provider, have your insurance check again.
deb

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deb
excited to finally get healthy and be in control again
banded 12/19, Dr. Lee Trotter
filled 2/1/08 3.5cc

Hi everyone, i still havent heard anything from mu insurance (cigna) I called a couple of times but they said it was still being processed. I have this horrible feeling there going to deny me. Well if they do I will appeal it and jump through more hoops. I cant wait to see everyone next tuesday 03/11/08 i look forward to the support group. You are all wonderful and inspire me to be my best. See ya

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Have a great day see everyone at the support group meeting Tuesday 3/11/2008 Holy Family Hospital 6:00p.m.

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Banded 11/7/2007
Dr. Lee Trotter Spokane Wa



First fill 01/03/2008 4cc.

Hi Everyone! I am glad to see some Eastern Washington bandsters! I have my surgery scheduled for April 3rd, and I am SO EXCITED. I am going to Monterrey Mexico to see Dr. Zapata. I can't wait, have a hundred pounds to lose, and want to get started!!

I can't believe it's really going to happen, its still a little unreal to me. For so long its been just a dream, not a real option, because there was no way insurance would cover me, and no way I could afford it...until we got a HUGE tax return (an answer to prayer) and God opened up this door for me. Now, I am looking forward to SKINNY life again!

Anybody else around here looking at Mexico?

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April 3rd 2008 Dr Zapata in Monterrey

Welcome Alicia,
Good luck on your trek to Mexico, My thoughts will be with you. Please come to our support group the second Tues of every month at Holy Family Hospital. 6:00 P.M.. There is a group of us that meet and drive from the valley, not sure where you are located but would love to have you join and get to know us. Support is one of the biggest helps you can get, I didn't think that it would be something that would interest me and really had to force myself to go the first time. Now I live for it, I have met so many awesome people. Hope to meet you at the meeting.
Lisa

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Banded 11/7/2007
Dr. Lee Trotter Spokane Wa



First fill 01/03/2008 4cc.

Hi guy's sorry i miss the support group this month. I had to go to the dentist, and it was horrible. Root canal gone bad. I was so worn out by the end of the day and my jaw hurt so bad I just wanted to go home and sleep. But I missed you guys. I will see you all @ the next support group.

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THIS IS FOR COOKING MOM I was banded by Dr. Pennings on Feb. 11th and he is wonderful and the stay at their hospital couldn't have been better...I would give them both a 10.
Good Luck
Dawnie

Hi Dawnie....
i just saw your message. Tell me all about it. Everything! what was your insurance how long did it all take from your first orientation until surgery? How are you doing now?
Heidi aka cookinmom

Hi everyone! I havent been on in awhile and thought I'd let you know whats going on with me. I missed my first orientation due to my daughter having surgery so I go Tuesday for my Orientation. Group Health is working nicely with me and has approved my drs visit. I did receive a letter from Group Health telling me I would need to have gastric bypass because my insurance didn't cover lap banding. I about died! So I called my case worker and she told me that just this week Group Health decided they would cover lap banding effective immediately!!! I just about jumped out of my chair. So its just a matter of time. I'm hoping to have my surgery when school gets out. Around the first part of June.
How is everyone doing? Are you still glad you did this? How is the weight loss coming?
Heidi

Hi Heidi,
So glad you have been approved how exciting. I was banded Nov 11 and have lost almost 50lbs. I am so glad I made this decision. It is not as life altering as you would think. I am not missing out on anything. Doing more things to be exact. Very, very happy with my decision and not looking back ever!
Lisa

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Banded 11/7/2007
Dr. Lee Trotter Spokane Wa



First fill 01/03/2008 4cc.

Hi everyone!!!! I'm so excited! Everything is moving along quite nicely. I started my Opti fast liquid diet today. My surgery date is scheduled for June 23. I'm hoping it can get moved up a week or two. I went to my first pre-op support group....it was very encouraging!!!
So far....well for today..I haven't minded any of the liquid diet. I was really worried because one of the people in the support group had nothing positive to say about the products but I thought they were fine. The shakes taste like slim fast, which I don't mind. The soup had way more substance to it than I expected and I thought actually tasted good, I had tomato. Now lets see if I can make it through the rest of the week, month, months!
How are all of you doing?
Heidi

Day 2 of my liquids..... I'm Hungry!!! I'm doing it...I've stuck to it but I can't imagine 6 weeks of this.......does it get easy???
Heidi

It gets easier, as your body adjusts, hang in there.

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Banded 11/7/2007
Dr. Lee Trotter Spokane Wa



First fill 01/03/2008 4cc.