I feel your pain, and this has been the biggest obstacle for me. In addition to our Dr, we have to attend a mandatory weight loss program. This is different from my Dr, and they only bill the insurance co. after I have had the services.
Get this, I had to pay $600 for the initial half-day consult with Nutritionist, Physical Therapist, and Bariatric Nurse. Then we must go to 4 support meetings before surgery in addition to 8 after. Before my surgery I have to come up with another $600 (1,200 total) for the remainder of services. I will meet with the team other times to plan out my course. I may need to have to put the last $600 on a credit card or borrow more money. Plus, I don't even know yet if my insurance company will pay for the program. This has caused numerous fights/arguments between my dh and myself.
Not only that, but until last week, I only met people who are getting the RNY and the leader has also had the bypass, so I felt a little left out.
Part of me is worrying about paying the price, but I would rather pay for this, than fork out money for more Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, etc.
Almost forgot, I have to pay the Dr. $300 for costs not covered by insurance.