My program has a $600 program fee that isn't billable to insurance it's just a total out of pocket fee. My surgeons coordinator states it covers the nutritionist and lifetime group membership.

Does anyone else have such a fee and if so how much?

Mine has a $400.00 fee that covers pre & post op nutrition & RN advice & counseling.

I have a fee of $370 for the same thing.

Yikes! No fee here and I have full access to the twice a month group meetings, monthly nutritionist visits, regular physical therapy appointments, and access to any professional in the office by phone or email if I have any questions or concerns. The visits do get billed to and paid by my insurance. If I would have been confronted with a program fee I would have walked away and found a new surgeon. They are reimbursed by my insurance for all medically necessary appointments. There is no reason to go after the patients for even more money.

I did not pay any fees other than office visit co-pays to the surgeon. He suggested BariActiv Vitamins and the whole box of various vitamins is only $25 per month. ...and it's a lot (iron, Calcium, Vitamin C, B12, etc.). They bill my insurance and send them to me via FedEx every month.

Nutritional counseling isn't covered (even though it was a requirement) so my six visits cost me $250. I also had a copay for the Psychological evaluation. I can't imagine paying for anything else. Well except the actual surgery.

The program fees are not uncommon but they're still good doctors out there that aren't charging them. So please do your research, make sure there's value in the fees. You'll need your money for new clothes. Don't waste it on these fees.

Mine is 2500. Yup.. That's right 2500. Not covered by insurance.

Are you going to pay it or find another surgeon?

I already payed my 2500. It's for any help from this surgery for life.

Best wishes on that one. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. When I found out the fee, I made tracks out of there.

Well the good news is ill get it back with taxes. I've kept track of all of my out of pocket expenses, and should get it all back. And I'm happy with my doctor. Both he and the hospital have been awarded the center of excellence. And it makes me feel better that he is the chief of surgery, and his partner is in the operating room to assist. So I get two bariatric surgeons. It gives me a piece of mind. His office also runs a lot of support groups, pre and post procedure. BUT, it did give me pause when I heard the price, and made me a little sick to my stomach when I handed the money over.

Honestly, if you get to have monthly classes with a nutritionist, psychologist and physical therapist plus a one on one with each and a monthly chat with the Nurse Practioner--all who specialize in baritric patients--then the cost is worth it. We need their expertise to succeed and this is a serious, yet elective surgery. My program is 6 months and is great! My total out of pocket cost for the classes, one on one visits, surgery and hospitalization is $2,000. Insurance covers the rest. They continue support classes afterwards and want you to continue a long term relationship with the baritric center. Even my surgeon told me will be working together for years to be sure I succeed.