Relocated and transferring surgeons

Hi, everyone and Happy New Year -
I was banded on 06/06/08 and am now down 50 pounds. I relocated to the Annapolis/ Baltimore/ DC area a few months ago from New Jersey and posted on here looking for a surgeon with whom to continue my fills. Many of you kindly replied with helpful suggestions. However, in my search to transfer, I have been told several times that I had to pay a fee (several hundred dollars) to sign on with a new surgeon (to cover counselling, etc. -- all which I have had in the past with my original surgeon). Some surgeons I contacted will not even take you on as a post-op patient at all. Worse still, this fee would not be covered by insurance. I've been travelling back and forth to NJ to see my original surgeon (actually, I don't see him but the assistant) for my fills in the meantime but this is very inconvenient. Has anyone on here had a similar situation and found someone in this area who will do the fills without incurring all this extra expense? Thanks so much for your help.

Have you spoken with your current surgeon about your situation? Maybe they could recommend someone in this area? Or write a letter stating you have gone through all the counselling stuff? Otherwise, i am not sure. good luck!

Hi, Nicole,

I have spoken to my surgeon and he said he did not know of anyone to recommend in this area. I will investigate the idea of his writing a letter. Thanks for the suggestion!

Welcome and congrats on doing so great with your weight loss.  Unfortunately i have no idea what can be done. Most doctors do have those type of fees that are paid out of pocket. But Nicole has a great suggestion maybe that will help. It doesn't hurt to give it a try all they can say is no.  right?

Here is a link to the doctors in the area maybe you can call around and find one that is willing to take you with your doctor's letter and no fee. 

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/MD/a,doclisting/type,46/

Good luck finding one.
Keep us posted ok. 

By the way you look fantasti****ep up the great work.

Thank you for the link, Cira---and congrats to you -- wow, 100 pounds, that's awesome!

Welcome to Maryland. (((Hugs))) Dr Kligman was my surgeon and he is AMAZING!!! All the best to you. ~Jilly~