Hi stacynclare I went to Milton Owens, Coastal Obesityin Orange county, a big advertiser on this website. Not many surgeons charged this ridiculous fee. Just ask them if they have a "program fee" that insurance doesn't cover. By the way, this fee did not include any pre-op stuff. It was for a program manual (he gave the the booklet by allergen that is free), insurance paperwork, access to websites (he told me to got to lapbandtalk.com), like I needed to pay $3500 to come here. My guy was a rip off and the staff isn't particularly good or knowledgeable. Just ask about any other fees. Good luck, feel free to ask me any other questions. I'm one month out. Surgery went fine, but not much restriction and I am starving. I thought it would be easier. Listen to what is said on this website. It can be tough going until you hit that sweet spot. I'm glad I did it, just waiting for a few more fills to make overeating a much easier nut to crack.