Sorry I didn't reply sooner...guess I got caught up in other things.

Consult went well. I am tenatively scheduled for surgery on June 4th. As long as we don't run into any insurance snags everything is planned to go!

I had a minor set back when I was leaving the office and found out the doc had a $1000 dollar fee. Not covered by ins. and of course non-refundable. I was NOT expecting that. She also charged $200 dollars for their protien shake mix. :rolleyes2:

Anyhoo...all I need now is my pysch eval and we can submit to tricare for approval.

Hi,

I was reading that she charged you 200.00 for your protein shake....thats crazy. My doctor put me on amazerx protein (amazerx.com). Its around 40.00. I am glad everything went awesome though!! Whats the 1000 dollar fee for ?

They said the 1000 dollars was for "Administrative fees" when I asked what exactly that was they said things like vitamins, support group costs, and something about the doctor's fee for some bariatric program. Can you tell I am confused? It really wasn't a straight forward answer that I understood...

It just doesnt make sense. My doctor didnt charge me for admin fees it was all included in the cost i guess. My insurance paid for 90% and i paid 10%. If my insurance falls through i get my money back though. Hmmm that just doesnt make sense. So do you have a date set for the surgery? Is everything set in stone?

Mandi Jo

I agree with you...I feel like I am getting ripped off or something. I thought it was going to be covered 100% too. I am gonna call tricare in the morning and ask some questions. I do have a date set...June 4th. I have found myself worried this weekend though. Not so much worried about the procedure but worried it will work. How do I know I will be able to control my eating habits once I have the band in...ya know?

I am worried about my eating habits too but i also know if i dont stop eating so much and eating bad things then im going to be depressed and my life wont mean as much. I want to go do things and have all my energy back. I want to have kids and watch them grow. So if i dont atleast try this then i would be giving up on my future and i cant afford that. Try to do some research about your doctor online...look for reviews...Call your insurance and ask about her...You can do this!!

Mandi Jo

Thanks Mandi Jo. I have googled my doc and can't find anything bad about her. Dr. Tiffany Jessee is her name. I understand about being depressed and live not meaning as much. I want my life back...I wasn't always this big. I used to be a very thin person until I got pregnant 12 years ago. Since then it has been a constant battle trying to lose the weight. I hope this band is the one thing I will finally have success with.

Hey there, was reading through the website today and came across your posting. For what it's worth, my doctor's program charges a $500 administrative fee. Mine includes all support group meetings, the post-operative appointments, and the testing appointments--no co-pay required for those. I've had 4 post-op. appointments thus far, one for check up, three fills, and have yet to pay a co-pay. As far as the protein shake goes, is it required that you buy one directly from your doctor? If so, I'd be hesitant. I know this has been a long journey, but if you're committing to having someone cut you open, wouldn't you want it to be someone you can trust? My program nutritionist gave me a list of about 15 different protein shakes to choose from, all of which are available at local stores.... Good luck. :rolleyes2:

My Doctor "Admin Fee" was $3500. It's because the insurance doesn't always pay what the doctor charges, so we paid the difference and they call it an "Admin Fee".