OKAY, I have done everything the doctor has asked, I have not yet gotten approval but they think I am a good candidate and my insurance seems to be willing in all of the cases I have seen....So what is the problem, I didn't realize that there was a fee for joining the support group prior to scheduling surgery, is this common? I was quoted $750. I know this does nogt sound like alot to those of you who have self-paid, however, I am at a point in my life that this fee makes it almost impossible, I am going to have to switch surgeons and start over.

HELP!

My hospital charges a $500 fee for the bariatric program. Brigham & Womes Hospital in Boston has a similar fee which I believe is $300. I thought it was pretty standard so I never questioned it !?!?!?!?!

I go to brigham and womens and it is also 500. I called around to diffferent area hospitals and mostly all the major ones are 500. I think it is unfair and a way to get money out of desperate people.

My nutritionist at the hospital started a weight loss support group for anymore wanting to lose weight, not just surgical people. They charge $20 a month or $50 for three months. We have blood pressure check the first week, measurements the second week, third week is an open topic decided the week before, and the last week we taste different low fat recipes or cereals, protein drinks, etc. We also get meal plans, exercise handouts and we have an exercise session each week. It's worth the $50 every three months to connect with ours "in person". I love these support online groups but also nice to be with people when losing. The surgeon at the hospital also has a weight loss support group and there is no charge for that. I went but all they did was talk and complain about this and that and was no real meaningful information for me.

My hospital charged $250.00 for the program. And I had to pay $310.00 to cover my Optifast. But if that includes support group, I don't know. I've never gone to one.

the first surgeon I chose was awesome and I went through everything I needed and then found out there was an $800 support group fee due before surgery. I couldn't come up with that in 2 weeks so I had to drop out of the program. I then started going to seminars again and found a doctor I LOVE and the support groups are FREE! yay!!!