I went to a seminar by Dr. Van Wagner the other night. I liked him a lot. I can't afford the program fee, esp if I get denied or get cold feet and decide against it... also wanted other opinions and to hear from other surgeons. I'm going to Dr. Minkin's seminar on Tuesday and saw that he does not charge this fee.

Anyone in STL here that could recommend a surgeon? I thought about having someone who doesn't charge the fee at consultation evaluate me and then if I just didn't like them I could try Wagner but if someone is just as good as Wagner and did not charge this fee well, that would be great. :lovechoc: I just can't charge $400 on a card and then not get approved.

I went to the new start program with dr folwell, and did not have to pay any type of fee. Just got approved and hope to have the lap band by the end of the month.

I'll try your dr if I don't like Minkin. Thanks!

I just hate to take the gamble and go for a consultation only to be told no and then not do it... and then be out $375. :shades_smile:

I went to a seminar by Dr. Van Wagner the other night. I liked him a lot. I can't afford the program fee, esp if I get denied or get cold feet and decide against it... also wanted other opinions and to hear from other surgeons. I'm going to Dr. Minkin's seminar on Tuesday and saw that he does not charge this fee.

Anyone in STL here that could recommend a surgeon? I thought about having someone who doesn't charge the fee at consultation evaluate me and then if I just didn't like them I could try Wagner but if someone is just as good as Wagner and did not charge this fee well, that would be great. I just can't charge $400 on a card and then not get approved.

I had Dr. Wagner on April 28 08 and he is awesome. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great surgeon. I wasn't aware of the upfront fee. I had to pay cash for my surgery which sucks because my insurance failed me after a year of jumping through hoops. I took out a loan and do not regret it. I have lost 91 lbs. and have saved on all of the junk food, resturaunts and drinks I would pick up. I know it is a lot of money, but how much are you spending now?

Good luck,

Grandmasandy

My wife and I went to Dr. Minkin and really like him well. I was wondering if the poster has found a doctor yet? Iam down almost 70 lbs.

Chris

I am going to SSM Weight Loss Institute/Dr. Scott. There is no fee required. They actually want you to do everything to qualify first so your out of pocket costs are low. So far, I have only paid $63.00 to the psychologist (they figure that is my dedictible). His seminars are free. I go to my all day class that includes talking to the doctor, classes and blood work on January 21st. I will get my surgery date that day which should be the end of January or February 6th.

They require you attend a free conference, fill out paperwork, have your doctor fill out paperwork and then go for a psych eval. I had to have some sleep study results faxed also because I have sleep apnea but otherwise, they make things very easy.

You can check them out at ssmweightloss.com

I to had my surgery by Dr. Richard Folwell at the St. Alexius Newstart Program. I was banded on 12-9-08. No complaints so far. And ive not had to pay a dime yet.

Dr Folwell is also my Doc, really like him did you get the realize or lapband?

Save your self the time and go to Minkin!! :thumbup:

He banded me in oct of 08 and he is wonderful. He truly listens to you and Im so glad that I had him. I just moved to Springfield and found a new Dr I just hope he's as good as Minkin otherwise I just might have to make the drive every couple of weeks :w00t: Good luck

I'm having surgery with Dr. Minkin. I've heard good things, but I'm still nervous!