Frustrated wtih the $ thang!!!!

I made my decision...I want the surgery. I'd like to live, ya' know? I liked Dr. Bour and all his staff so I'd like to go with him. I've got Aetna insurance and they assure me Aetna will pay but now I've gotta come up with the $2000.00 program fee. Unfortunately, we're paying 2 mortgages right now (bought a house before selling the old one) so I'm all out of extra money. I'm so frustrated! I know I should be feeling really lucky that my insurance will pay so I have a chance to have the surgery at all. I feel stupid because I'm in such a hurry now that I've made up my mind. My husband bought me a new engagement ring and wedding band when my daughter was born. It was actually the third solitaire he's bought me. I'm thinking about trying to e-bay the 2nd one to come up with at least some of the money. It's a hard decision because it does have sentimental value to me but I'd rather my daughter have me than a diamond ring to remember me by.

When i enrolled 7 mths ago, it was 2,500 bucks .. so at least they lowered it some. even at the informational session i spoke at dec 8th it was still 2,500 then.. but its well spent i know that! And they let us put 750.00 down to get started on the program.. and u had to pay the rest off before scheduling surgery(after u get insurance approval).. Maybe if u can come up with 750 and save up for the rest , bc it might take a month or two for approval depending on ins. im a sentimental person.. so it would be hard to auction a ring for me.. maybe if u have alot of clothes u cant wear that are too big , or out of season u can auction those. i dunno? im not very good at the come up with money quick thing.. hope it works out for you! all in God's timing, remember that ! jen

I know you want to have your surgery in the upstate because of the convenience of where you live and everything. I had surgery in Myrtle Beach with Dr. Balder/ Dr. Anderson at Advanced Surgical Associates. I was a self pay patient and paid the whole thing up front. If you aren't "married" to this surgeon, why not try to find one who will do it for less program fee. I didn't have to pay a program fee and without any insurance, I paid 12, 500$. I know a lot of money, but it's worth it to get on track and feel better. Something to think about. Skinnyladyinside

Dr. Byrne here is charleston does not have a program fee. I knew before hand my insurance was only going to pay 90% so I had to pay the 10% upfront, which was only $1053. check out this website if you want more information http://www.muschealth.com/weightlosssurgery/index.htm

I'll go ahead and put my 2 cents in. My surgery was done by Dr. Ross in Spartanburg. He is a very good Christian man and I couldn't have been happier with him or his staff. He also, does not have a program fee. The only thing that I was responsible for was the out of pocket amount that my insurance required (mine was $1000). If you are interested you can call Dianne Smith at Spartanburg Regional at 560-6935. Hugs, Dianne

Here's my two cents: I went to 3 different seminars before I made my decision. I too liked Dr Bour, but the program fee thing did not set well with me. After attending Dr. Rowitz's seminar... I knew he was the one for me. He is so kind..so caring..and answered all my questions...plus..I didn't have to pay any program fee's.. and paid nothing up front. After all was said and done, I paid out of my pocket a total of $1,060.59 ... my insurance paid over $71,895.00 ... I can't speak highly enough about Dr Rowitz's and his staff... Do your research... go to more then one seminar.. each Dr is different with what they have to offer.

Billie, I certainly understand where you're coming from. Two years ago, when I started considering WLS, learning about Dr. Bour's fee was all it took to send me back to Weigh****chers to "try again". (Of course I gained back the 33 pounds I lost there.) But after attending his seminar last February, I knew I wanted Dr. Bour to do my surgery. And miracle of miracles, my husband gave his "ok" and handed over the $2500. We have a $3000 deductible on our insurance, so that had to be paid, as well. That's a lot of money in our life. (We're still paying 2 Clemson tuitions, and our kids graduated in 2004 and 2005!) I said all that to say this: If you haven't investigated the other surgeons in the area, you should. I have friends who are patients of Dr. Ross in Spartanburg, and Dr. Rowitz in Anderson ... and they are all very happy with their surgery experiences. That might be your answer! If, on the other hand, you decide on Dr. Bour ... go ahead and start the process. It may take a few months longer than you want it to, to get that money saved ... but I believe everything happens in it's own time. Have faith that your answer will come when it's supposed to. Best of luck to you! ~ Dawn

Ok...Time for my spill.... I chose Dr. Bour because I also had AETNA. Aetna requires a 3 month pre op program or a 6 month weight loss history. Dr. Bour's pre op program satisfied Aetna's 3 month pre op program requirement. I was approved within hours of Aetna recieving my packet. Another reason I chose Dr. Bour is because of his outstanding reputation. He has one of the lowest Mortality rates that I have seen. ALso the program fee includes all Psychological counceling with Dr. Russell for life, all nutritionist visits, all support groups (one every week), all cooking classes, etc. It is well worth the $2000. Aetna paid 100% of my surgery and I had a great experience with them. I even got refunded my co-pay because of overpayment from Aetna. So essentially my surgery cost me nothing. I wish you the best. Good luck in your journey. Rachel

amen sista! lol.. i think 2k is well worth it for LIFE long psychological counseling(even marital!), nutritionist, support groups, and cooking classes.. everytime that ive needed any of the above, its readily available for me. which i think is priceless knowing that if i need it its there.. no matter what. everyone has their opinions about their doctors, and im sure theyre all great. You just have to make your own personal decision and go with your gut. Just like everyone else has done! Good luck! jen

Thanks all! I definitely will check out some other doctors. I think what I really liked about Dr. Bour was the life long counseling, support groups, cooking classes, etc. I'm OCD and chronically depressed so that psychological counseling sounds like a necessary thing for me...especially since food is one of my obsessions! I'm going to love being a part of this group. I can already tell you guys are incredibly supportive and helpful! Thanks again!