I'm putting a warning on this post that I cannot control what I am typing so if you are offended by venting and strong language please turn the page.
This post is going to be hard for me to write. I'm really upset right now. I want to cry and not get out of bed. I went to my 2nd seminar and after specifically asking the office if there were any fills based on what I experienced at my first seminar they told me no. Fast forward to the first 30seconds of the seminar. There is a $300 first office visit fee and a $120 pre-op fee for the protein shakes(you don't have to use his), and you HAVE to go to one of his recommeded psychologists. So another co-pay IF they take my insurance, if not $250. WTF!!!!!!!
Did I not SPECIFICALLY ask if there were fees??? I get the fees, but I would like to know in advance. Of COURSE the $300 is due upfront, OF COURSE the $120 is also due shortly thereafter, and OF COURSE the time I have spent with my own psych is not enough.
I really did like the surgeon. He was personable, but cocky-as most are. I'm so scared that this is not going to work for me. Why is this so hard? I'm just frustrated. I really thought that after this seminar I would be able to make my first appointment. Instead I feel defeated. Defeated. WTF. I can't even talk to my husband about it because if I talk about it I think I might cry. I realize that its not the end of the world or anything and I'm sure that people are dealing with more problems than me. I'm just pissed.
Not sure where to go from here. Maybe I'll feel better in the morning or maybe I'll still be having my pity party.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Jenny - I'm so sorry you are going through this. A pity party is definitely in order! I'll bring the Grey Goose for the cosmos. :) Maybe the fee is something that is the norm in your area. It seems like there are other followers in the Florida area. I can't remember if anybody said anything the first time around about how their surgeon handled things. This really sucks.
ReplyDeleteThe process is so frustrating - I know I cried a few times. It's still worth it in the end so keep trying. :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie-wish you lived in FL! Cosmos would be a requirement right about now.
ReplyDeleteLinda-thanks, that is what I'm holding on to at this point. That in the end it will be worth it.
Hi Jenny...I'm in FL also so we can do the cosmo's! Where are you in FL?
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you something to make you feel better but than I need to find a cosmo quick because I keep trying to forget that I am 100% self-pay for my surgery. I feel so guilty about using this money for me but thankfully, my DH is the one who keeps reminding me that it is for everyones sake that I have the surgery and avoid all the health problems that I would surely be walking into.
Because i have a lower BMI, 33ish, my insurance does not cover it at all. They told me to gain weight and come back! WTF? So, after researching all my options, I chose to have the surgery in Mexico and will be banded 21 days from today by Dr. Kuri. I can't wait.
Ok, are you feeling a little better now?
Jacquie, I'm near Tampa Bay-where are you?
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I feel better yet. lol. I guess now I'm in the disappointed phase. The self-pay would almost be better in some ways. I know that I am super lucky to have insurance that even covers it. I just wish that they had told me when I asked. I'm going to try to think of some things that I could sell to make the $300 or get as close as I can.
Friday cannot come soon enough!! Thanks for all your support ladies!
I don't know if this will make you feel better or not but my surgeon has a $1000 fee. I had to take it out of my 401k. The good thing is he doesn't require it until the 5th month of my supervised diet. Gives me time to save. I feel your pain though. The first two seminars I went to and heard about the program fee, I just wanted to give up. So glad I didn't though...of course, we'll see if my insurance approves me. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Manda! I know the fee isn't huge, its just that they require it at the first visit upfront. I've moved now into the attack phase and I'm trying to think of stuff I can get rid of that will get me the $300!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you are going through all of this. The initial process is the hardest thing of all. Is there any way to work out a payment plan?
ReplyDeleteStay positive, this will happen for you one way or another. Even if it has to be postponed a little while, put $10 away a week if you have to. I know you want this now but just remember it will happen!!
I am so sorry you are going through this - it seems so ridiculous! I can't believe that all of the surgeons in your area are charging fees like this. Are there any other surgeons or bariatric centers? Anything like True Results?
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, I would have felt exactly like you do - wanting to cry, not knowing what to do. Just hang in there. You can do this. The universe is speaking to you - when it's right...it will be RIGHT! (If you believe in Karma and all that...)
It is all so frustrating. I'm so sorry. I will definitely join you for the pity party. Just hang in there, will your insurance pay for the consultation? Mine did, so I only had to pay the co-pay. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteIt will somehow work out Jenny, you'll see! One way or another, you'll find the money. I do understand that it sucks until its all sorted out. I am in Ormond Beach, right by Daytona. I'll get banded, you'll get banded and then we can have a celebration party and meet half-way! I am about 3 hours from Tampa. Let me know how you make out.
ReplyDeleteWill your insurance cover the first office visit? All I had to pay was my $20 copay. If I didn't have insurance it would have been a little over $300. My doctor requires a two week Optifast diet. It's $250 and insurance doesn't cover it. It's like they throw stuff in at the last minute. Money is so frustrating.
ReplyDelete*hugs* I sure hope everything works out for you!!!
ReplyDelete