Just starting in North Florida

Hi, I will be going to the lapryoscopic (spelling)? weight loss center in Jax tomorrow for the first time. I am considering Dr. Webb. I have a current BMI of 41 and have Fed BCBS, which the center says is great insurance. Has anyone been there or had Dr. Webb? Any idea of what I can expect? I read one post that said the center comes with a $5000.00 price tag for support services? Any advice would be great Josie

Josie, follow the links in Support Groups and you'll find four OH Support Group Leaders who may be able to help you.

Josie- Unfortunately some surgeons do charge what they call program fees. I do not know if this particular surgeon charges a fee or not. And generally these "program" fees are not covered by insurance. Personally, I would not go to a surgeon that charges a really high "program fee". Essentially you are paying in advance for services you may never receive. There was a national, quite popular weight loss clinic (with offices in several cities) that went out of business last year and as I understand it (and I may be wrong) a whole lot of people had paid program fees that were left with nothing. Red

Thanks everyone for responding, I just got back and here is the way I understand the situation. They have a 2000.00 program fee, they will waive 250.00 of it if you have insurance to cover the psych evaluation. They will accept a 250.00 to 500.00 deposit but the entire fee must be paid before the surgery. They will not start processing your insurance and such until after you committ to the program fee. So I'm kind of afraid because although they assure me that my insurance will almost definately go through they don't guarantee it. So you could end up paying a program and not getting any surgery. I am going to call Dr. Kasemsap in St. Augustine tomorrow and set up an appointment, I hope I don't encounter the same situation. Does anyone know anything about the Bariatric Center in Ocala, their web site seems to imply that there are no extra hidden fees. Thanks again Josie

And the saga continues..... I called Dr. Levine's office in Ormond and was referred to their Bariatric Center, they do not have programs fees, however you must first attend the informational seminar before you can go any further. (I can only handle so many informational seminars) They next one isn't until March 13th and that seems like a loooong time away. I reserved a seat anyway. After that I called Florida Bariatrics (Dr. Overcash's office) he sees each person personally to explain the procedure (lap band) and guess what?!! I got an appointment for first thing this Monday . Oh, they don't have any surprise fees either. I am a little concerned about some of his reviews, while I have not read any that say he is a bad surgeon I have read several where people did not like his people skills. However, I read many many reviews from patients that did. As long as he is competent that's enough for me. Any input is always welcome. One more thing where does everyone get those little BMI and weight tabulators that they put at the end of their messages? (I want one tooo)

Hello Josie i use Hosien Yasrebi he does surgery out of Memorial med HERE IN JACKSONVILLE FLA and he does not charge u fees up frot if you have ins and he has never lost a patient and has been doing surgery for over 30 yrs..my surg with him is this tues and im soo excited i highly recomend him..Just email me if u would like more info [email protected]

How exciting, I wish you the best of luck on Tuesday! How long ago did you begin the process?

Haven't had WLS yet but plan to have Yaserabi do it when financially ready.  Awesome record!!!!!  I would recomend him to anyone from the information I have seen on this man.