Washington Lap Banders

Hi, I am fairly new to this data base. I haven't gotten surgery yet. I am scheduled for my first appointment on the 29th with the Wish Center. I have to self pay because my insurance won't cover the surgery. I am having the lap band for several reason but mostly because of cost. It is going to run me approximately $15000 (I had to finance it). I live in Tacoma and work in Bellevue. I have been overweight all of my life and I am so excited about this journey. I currently have a BMI of 54. I am wondering if there is anyone else out there in Washington who has had the lap band through the Wish Center and how you are doing. I would love to have a buddy to help me along this journey. Thanks all. Glad to have found this forum Vicki

Hi, I was curious as to why you are going to the WISH center? I live in Puyallup. I just had lap band surgery on May 24th at St Frances in Federal Way but my surgeon's office is in Tacoma. He only charges $12,800 for the band. So far, I am doing great with the band. I have lost 25 pounds since May 14th. I get my first fill on July 6th. Good luck on your journey!

Hello, I am also new to this site and was considering LAP band at the wish center. St. Francis $12, 800 what all does that cover? Follow ups, fills etc... who did your surgery the only suregeon listed w/st.F in which they identify how many bariatric surgeries he has done is Dr. Srikanth?

Hi, My surgeon is Dr Srikanth. He and Dr Oh do the surgeries together. They are good friends. Dr. Srikanth is a very nice doctor. However, his followup care is very conservative. I am having a hard time following all of it. I don't think the obesityhelp web page for him is accurate though. I believe he has more surgeries then that under his belt but I can't find my paperwork that tells what the totals are exactly. A good question to ask when you call. As for what the $12,800 covers: When I asked his office staff they said everything, but I would contact them just to be sure. I think I remember them saying it also covers the first year's fills but I'm not sure on that! The number there is:253 472-9850. I had insurance but was made aware of the $12,800 because they had a sign in the office and my sister wants to have it done, so inquired for her. I hope this helps to answer your questions. Good luck on your journey. I know you will find what is right for you! Ilene

Hi Vicki; I am a self-pay lap bander who had surgery on April 15th through the Wish Center in Renton, WA. I had no complications and the process has gone very smoothly for me. Just as a head's up, there are a handful of posters to this site that for whatever reason loathe the Wish Center, and will make no bones of telling you (and everybody else) all about it. Not that they actually used the Wish Center for their procedure...they just like sharing their thoughts. That being said, the WC's approach is not for everyone and you really have to choose a surgeon that is a good 'fit' for you. The Wish Center has been a terrific fit for me, and my only regret is that I didn't have this procedure done sooner. I am 5'7" and had a beginning weight of 296. At aprox. 10 weeks post-op I am down to 244 for a loss of over 50 pounds. Although I have been 'successful' at the weight loss part I want to stress that the band is a TOOL and not a miracle. I have been really 'working' my band and have been following the rules religiously. Even though I have not had a fill, I DO have some restriction, and am still trying to hold off on a fill for as long as I can manage. Feel free to e-mail me if I can be of any support to you, and good luck with whatever you decide. -Donna 296/244/150

Donna, That is good news to hear about the Wish Center in Renton. We did considerable research prior to choosing this facility because it is a good 1 to 1 1/2 hour drive from where I live. I will be having my final visit with them in 2 weeks and the surgery should be 2 weeks after that. My son is also having the procedure done with me. My wife is having the bypass about 2 or so weeks after my surgery. Both my wife and I have worked in the respiratory and sleep medicine fields for years and our initial experience with the WC was very positive. We all are looking forward to starting our new lives together. Bill (BMI, 41.9)

There are other places you could have it less expensive. Dr. Ross Fox offers it for $12,800 in Tacoma. Dr Oh in Federal Way offers it for the same price. There is also, a doctor in Richland, Wa that offers it for the same price too. Significantly, less than the Wish Center. They are high priced. Regards, Robinn Lea www.robinnlea@yahoo.com

Hi Vicki, I've just joined the site and will also be a self pay.I opted for surgery in France as I am from the UK. I will get followups here when in country. I have found that quite a few Drs are unwilling to do fills unless they placed the band. Or will charge approx $350/fill, but at least I can get it done once I get back in September. I will continue to look for alternatives but I see the wish enter is willing to do followup. Woud like to know how your recovery went as I will be going to Portugal with my folks after.Hmmmm...approx 1week postop. Aahhhhh Annie