$699 for support group meetings?

I have not had to pay for my support group meetings. My experience with them have been good. Donna C.

Donna~ Did you meet with Dr. Washington? It sounds like you had a personal experience with him? I am so excited you are having your surgery in just 2 more days Please know that you will be in my prayers on Monday, I will start praying the moment I wake up YOU are going to do great! Please post as soon as you get home so we know how you are doing. I think lap banders come home the same day, so I will be looking for your post God Bless.. and peace be with you. Michelle

Michelle, Sorry, re-reading my post, I should have been more clear....I've had good experience with support groups in reference to paying for them - I haven't had to and I've been to 3 doctors support groups to do my research. I do not have any experience with Dr. Washington. Yes my surgery is in 2 days and I'm nervous but anxious at the same time. Worried and happy. I'll feel better when it is over and I'm home sipping my water for the next week. My doctor keeps you overnight so I have to be at Overlook on Monday at 5:30AM, surgery is at 7:30AM and I should be home Tuesday. I am a diabetic so sometimes I take a little longer to heal but I think many of WLS patients are diabetics. I appreciate your kind words but mostly your prayers - I truly believe in the power of prayer. Thanks, Donna

Paying money for a SUPPORT group?? I don't think so .. there are enough support groups out there that don't charge any fees that there is no need to go to one that does, in my personal opinion. I'd start my own (volunteer) support group before I'd pay to go to one. It's probably 'legitimate' but is it necessary? Your friend probably doesn't have any other option than to look for another doctor who doesn't charge a patient for support group fees. I'm sure there are those out there who don't! Just my opinion. (it's a pretty strong one, too!) - cbf

Holy Sh**! I can't believe that. Mine are all free and everyone I know who's had the surgery say there's are free! Personally I think she should change doctor's that's ridiculous! I'd rather travel 100 miles to attend a free one that give them $700 up front when I don't even know if I'll like the group! But that's just me.

ok i heard from dr. noyan, who used to work with dr. washington at centrastate, that they do indeed charge that much for the support group. i think patients should boycott that, its way out of line!!!!! i know i wont go there and yeahhhhhhhhhhh i got my surgery date july the 26th, woo hoo jacki

Jacki~ THAT is great news! You finally got a date!! 9 more days until you are on the losing side Maybe you can make it to the Lakewood support group this coming Thursday night? It's from 7-9pm. If you can make it, let me know, I will give you all the details. Michelle

yes i plan to go to lakewood, i put a big note on my puter this time so i wont forget. so please give me the details and thanx in advance. jacki

Jacki~ Consider this your personal invitation to the support group this coming Thursday night at Kimball Medical Center, from 7-9pm. It's not held in the hospital, but in a small little building BEHIND the hospital, it almost looks like a little house, called Center for Healthy Living. We are in the back meeting room. Park in the parking lot right along side the little "house" and you will see us all inside that back part of the building... doors might even be open? They were last month anyway. Any questions, let me know. I have to head up to West Orange for work now. HOPE to see you Thursday night!! Michelle

So where did Dr. Noyan wind up? I had surgery with Dr. Washington and went thru CentraState's mandatory program -- have lots to share. I'll be at the 7/20 Lakewood support group meeting.