missmeow

So you're saying a lack of program fee indicates a lack of quality? I am not so sure that UC Irvine would be putting their reputation at risk with crappy results?

Yep, I don't trust the whole thousands of dollars program fees, especially with PPO insurance. I haven't made my appointment at UCI but I think that is where I will end up as well. I am having a hard time deciding if I am going to go through with it.

My PCP suggested going to UC Irvine to because it is a research hospital and they can't mess around with hidden costs or extra costs, plus the high level of excellence. I am going to look into Dr. Nguyen. I have read several good online reviews with the main complaint being his bedside manner. Is it really bad or is he just not chatty? Also, where does he put the port or can you decide?

I'm finding that a lot of surgeons charge program fees ($2500-4500) in addition to taking the insurance. Yet, the self-pay is usually $12k-$20k. I don't get it myself and have been considering the same thing.

Did you pay the $2500-$4500 program fee?

What are the typical tests before getting a lapband? Should I be concerned if I do not have to go through a bunch of tests or should I consider myself lucky if I do not have to do any tests? I am in good health: low blood pressure, excellent blood sugar, cholesterol is OK.

Like I said, I do not want to deal with anyone associated with 1-800-get-thin. There have been so many problems with that place and I have read they are associated with Beverly Hills surgeons too. I am so frustrated right now. I will try some of those that have been suggested here and many thanks. Dr. Leport's office wanted the $210 fee upfront before I even have the information session. I guess I don't get to see the surgeon until surgery is approved. Plus, they couldn't give me a surgery total other than "you out of pocket max" ($4k) Dr. Owen's office wanted $2500 program fee and that was after waiting for over a month to hear from them. Dr. Oliak's office wants $2500-$4500 "depending upon you insurance. Ok, I can understand if all of the program fees cover seeing the dietician and psychologist, but I know a few visits is not going to add up to that. I don't want to sound like I am bad mouthing these doctors, but geez, I'm going to be close to self-pay prices with 90/10 insurance! Am I missing something here? These are all surgeons with excellent reputations too.

I have contacted three surgeons so far in my search for a surgeon. The first office charges a $210 program fee that has to be paid upfront before they do their group meeting and get you started. They were unable to tell me exactly how much the surgery would cost with my insruace. They also said that I won't get to meet the surgeon until I have been approved for the surgey through my insurance. The second office has taken over a month to contact me. They charge a $2500 program fee. This is supposedly one of the most reputable surgeons in the area. This fee is on top of the surgery cost. They did not say when I could meet the surgeon. The third office wasn't covered by my insurance. So my out of pocket maximum is $10k. That is almost the same as self-pay. I guess I figure if I am going to spend that much I may as well have purchased the surgery yesterday, kwim? My questions are: 1) Is it normal to not meet the doctor before you start the program? I feel my decision to go to a certain surgeon is going to be based upon my MEETING them and seeing who and what they are. 2) Is it normal for such a range of program fees? $2500 on top of the costs of surgery seems excessive to me. I am getting really disappointed because I want the surgery but I feel as though I am viewed as a fattie with a fattie wallet and it just reeks of fatsploitation. I want to feel as though I am actually a person and not just chattel in the money farm. And I DO NOT WANT to go to that scam 1-800-get-thin. Any surgeon associated with that is off my list automatically.

I don't like that the group doesn't allow you to meet with the surgeon before you are approved for surgery. I would like to be able to see if I like the doctor first. That kind of makes me meh about them too.

I am trying to find a surgeon and I called one place that has good reviews. They want $200 upfront for their program fee and I don't get to see the doctor until I am approved for surgery. Is this typical? Because I think it is bullshit that I cannot meet the doctor until I am approved for surgery. What if I don't like the doctor? I like to be able to ask the doctor questions before deciding to go with them not the other way around. It's very frustrating and tweaks my "fattie factory" button. Us big people are big bucks and I don't like being made to feel like I am a walking ATM.

Well, that is kind of where I am. I feel like if I have to wait 6 months, I am going to be trying to get as much weight off before the surgery as I possibly can. This will help me heal from the surgery plus if I spend the 6 months trying to keep my diet and exercise what it needs to be once I have the surgery, it won't be that bad of a psychological shock. I feel motivated by the fact I can have this awesome tool that will hopefully keep me from weight regain and keep me on track. Right now, I have no such motivation. I feel like I have lost and regained the same 20, 30, 40lbs with even more weight regain over and over again. I don't want to bother. But now that I can potentially take it off and keep it off, I am motivated. I know I kind of think differently.

I am starting the process and my insurance requires the 6 month waiting period. My problem is that I can lose weight, just not keep it off. I am wondering if anyone has lost a significant amount of weight during their 6 month waiting period and if it affected their coverage? I have read that they go by your starting weight and not your ending weight. I am ready to lose weight. I've done diets, gave up, tried to be fat and happy, and now am at my fattest and tired of it. I just know if I start a liquid or low carb diet plus exercise, I will lose weight. I just won't be able to keep it off long term and that is why I want the band. It will help keep me from getting overly hungry and remind me that overeating won't "work".