New, and considering surgery, and a question about program fees?

I will be going to my second support group meeting this wed. evening. I say second because it is the second time I have gone, but according to the surgeons office they have no record of me going the first time, so they will be counting it as my first. After about a year of discussing this with my Husband, he is agreeing to go with me, because he tells me that he wants me around for a long time, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him, but if I continue to be this weight for very much longer, I won't be around for that much time. My question about program fees is, Does every Surgeon charge them, and if he doesn't does that make them a bad risk, or visa versa? Marina

Hi Marina, I am not sure if every Surgeon charges them, but they certainly are worth their wt in gold! I've learned so much from the program so far, and I am not even post op yet! The people who have to be at the 'program' meetings, and what not, work hard long hours so that we can be better educated in our decision making, and all of the things that happen with this life altering process. I know, I sound like a cheerleader for them, but of all of the fees, this may just be the one where you get all of what you put into it, and then some. Good luck to you in your journey, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy date, and a quick healing both inside and outside! Cindy

Hello. My name is Diane, and I live in Viera. I am having surgery on 11/18/03. The fees involved are for administrative costs to keep the seminars and after care programs a-float. After care is the biggest piece of recovery, from what I understand. The fees go toward fliers, handouts, communications, etc. From what I can tell, it is money well spent. WLS is cutting edge (no pun intended.) It is relatively new and the program has to be maintained. Good luck to you and to your journey of decision making! Diane