been several months - ThinnerTimes

redneckboy6983 · 12-22-2007, 12:37 AM

Okay, sorry I haven’t been on here for several months. I have been on one of those supervised diets before I even talk with a surgeon. And I started this whole deal in May 07 and have gotten nowhere. When I was on a diet which only consisted of eating healthier and an appetite suppressant I did okay. I lost about 15 pounds. I had to stop taking pills because it was only meant for short term use and I had an incident where I got very angry and violent and tried to kill myself. Since then, I was off the pills and my diet has gotten worst.

I felt I wasn’t getting anywhere with dietician, every time I came in for visits he asked the same questions he asked before. I swear, I couldn’t really understand him. So now that I am mentally stable I want to get back on track with my diet and actually start the process for surgery. I know mentally you need to be okay for surgery, and when I talked with primary doctor she said I was fine, meaning not crazy. I since then stopped seeing my dietician because last we spoke he was he was worried about the surgery right now, as if he had other plans for me, sure wish he included me. I don’t know what I should be doing, like have a goal or what are my expectations.

So after Christmas and with support of my doctor she recommends I try other local hospitals and their programs. I live in Boston, any recommendations. Tufts-New England Center has a great program, but they want $500 for new patients before you start the programs, "an administration fee". Not covered by insurance. That’s kind of crazy to me, any else have to do the same thing.

Alright, people other than that I did well this semester in school. My spirits are a little better and I can’t wait to start the whole process again somewhere hopefully better and more successful. Till next time, take care and have a blessed Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Eldin

flyerzfan17 · 12-22-2007, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redneckboy6983

Tufts-New England Center has a great program, but they want $500 for new patients before you start the programs, "an administration fee". Not covered by insurance. That’s kind of crazy to me, any else have to do the same thing.
Eldin

My surgeon requires a $250 fee, payable once insurance approves the surgery and you are ready to schedule the surgery. It covers the cost of 2 week meal replacement shakes for pre-op use and lifetime support group. I felt that paying that money was worth every penny. I wouldn't change having my surgery and if it cost me that minute amount, so be it.
There might be other surgeons in your area that do not require a fee. It's best to do the research and find one you are comfortable with. Good luck in your journey.

Duckie · 12-22-2007, 10:06 AM

Umass Memorial has a great program in worcester. LOTS AND LOTS of preop and post op support.
They also require a fee of $350 (may be more now, don'tknow) for some of the services. It's WAY WORTH IT though. Trust me. Give them a call: 508 334 1000, ask for the weight center.
Good luck.

Duckie · 12-22-2007, 10:07 AM

oh, and since when do rednecks live in Boston? lol

ladytonya · 12-22-2007, 01:11 PM

My doc was the same. I had to pay $350 or $400, it's been a year so I can't remember exactly. It was an administrative fee and was payable at the initial consult. It would have been refunded minus the costs of the appointments I had been to if I wouldn't have been approved by insurance or for some other reason didn't end up having surgery. It is well worth it!

Deirdrea · 12-24-2007, 03:31 PM

I think consult fees are pretty normal. I had a $250 fee I think, although it's probably more now and then had post op fees that had to be paid to my center before they would even schedule me with the surgeon. I think it's part of the "are you really willing to do this" thing. Most programs want a certain level of committment from it's candidates to make sure that they aren't wasting their time with you. Good luck on your journey.