Kinda Bummed

I went to the information seminar that was required to go to in order to become a patient of Dr. Howard Simon or Dr. Kim. I saw someone say that it was a $50.00 application fee. Well last night when they gave us the paper work for the application and some literature on WLS the application fee was change to $150.00. Now I am going to pay it because I want to get this done badly. I understand it is to cover the nutritionist and the fitness program they offer but I am not going to drive to syracuse everday which is about 45 minutes to go work out. I can do that at the ymca here. What if I don't get approved for the surgery? Thats $150.00 that is non refundable. I have 2 small children so it is worth it in the end if I am approved for the surgery but it just like "wham" $150 bucks out the window. I hate money lol. For a few minutes I considered going checking out another physican. I have seen a lot of people on here that work with a Dr. Desimone. Can anyone tell me what the application fee is for this physician?

I am having surgery with dr. desimone on the 28th of december at community general hospital and i paid 315.00. But you do not pay until after you are approved and have your last nutritional visit right before surgery.

I appreciate the money concerns. One way to think about this could be how much money have we spent on wt loss in the past, pills, potions, exercise equipment etc...How much money does being obese cause in loss of work, cost to see medical providers, meds, the cost to our self esteem (NOT MONETARY) etc now and in the future.

WLS is an expensive endeavor that will cost us indefinately to be healthy, getting exercise, eating nutritionally, taking our supplements for life, seeing specialists for life and copays, gas etc. I tell folks in my support group if you can not afford the time off or the $150 seminar (or whatever the cost) then you won't be able to afford to get healthy...stay healthy...the investment in ourselves in money and time is imperative.

I also think how can we not afford to do this? I wish you much luck in working this all out...Yup accepting and letting go of uncertainty is certainly challenging! Be well on your journey.

Most if not all WLS surgeons require nutritionist visits - and if I recall I paid $175 for pre-surgical nutritionist appt. plus another $250 for presurgery psych consult.  So your fee does not seem too out of line. 

My two cents...as being 6 months out from surgery and down 115 pounds I would have spent much more to make this a possibility...

I have Dr Simon and I had to pay the $50.00 too ( they put out in the November support group that it was going up). I was upset because they will not even schedule your first appointment until you pay. I tried to get out of it because my insurance pays 100% of the cost but they said no I still had to pay. I also live 2 hours away so I do not use any of there programs. The thing that gets me is I have only seen the dietitian once at my initial visit, then she went out on maternity leave and have not seen her since. I think it is crap but what are you going to do.

I know what you mean. I only live an about an hour from the office. But like you said what are you going to do. So I guess I just wait til I have the money. Ugh. If only you could pay in installments haha. Would be so much easier. :) I am still excited and can't wait for my first appt. I am hoping that by this time next year I will have had my surgery!

I am in the Buffalo area and am seeing Dr. Pham - I had no application fees.  Maybe it is my insurance? 

wow my dr never charged me either?? can ya go to utica??

 ...I am going for a Lap Band next week... I have not paid anything either...
I do know the seminars at my hospital are free.  Anyone can go...