Looking for a way !

jkmom2 · September 27, 2008

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site and would like to know if anyone in this area knows of a doctor that would not charge 2,000 for a seminar fee. I want desperately to have this surgery but I can't afford. Any help would be appreciated.

Fairysaddle · September 28, 2008

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this site and would like to know if anyone in this area knows of a doctor that would not charge 2,000 for a seminar fee. I want desperately to have this surgery but I can't afford. Any help would be appreciated.

Really??? Wow. Is that through CHRIAS? I didn't have to do a seminar first, and the fee for St. Francis was $500, which was paid before the surgery, not even before the classes. So that fee is new to me, but I really have no reason to keep up on that process.

Even if your insurance covers the surgery, consider that you will have a TON of copays - several for your surgeon pre-surgery, and frequently after surgery for fills/checkups, bloodwork, cardiologist, pulminologist, sleep study (poss.), your physician, psychiatrist (which may not be covered), medications, the hospital fees, etc... This is not a cheap or easy process.

On the plus side, once you get past the expensive "Protein supplements" stage, you will be spending a lot less on food. And, once you get down to normal sizes, clothes get a lot cheaper. So, your cost of living will go down.

I don't want to discourage you, but you sound like this is going to be a significant financial hardship. And I wanted to let you know that fee is only the tip of the iceburg so that you can make an informed decision. I'm sorry, I know that isn't what you wanted to hear.

Make the decision to change your life, and then find a way to make it happen! Good luck!!

P.S. If you are self-pay, you may want to look into having it done in Mexico. That's a very popular choice around here.

jkmom2 · September 29, 2008

Thanks, I guess I'm just destined to be this way forever.:thumbup:

Fairysaddle · September 29, 2008

I'm so sorry. :thumbup:

Before you completely give up, call your insurance. MAYBE they will cover the $2000 fee. Also, look into your copays for the other stuff. DH is self-employed, so our insurance stinks. Perhaps I'm painting a much more dire picture than is really necessary.

But, really, think hard before giving up. You ARE worth the investment! Find a way to make it happen.

hopeinapril · September 29, 2008

CHRIAS doesn't have the $2,000 seminar fee, that is the docs downstate. I'd call CHRIAS for an appointment. I think they make you go to their seminar first, but it is free.

If you have surgery at Christiana - they have a $700-$800 fee plus they have a ton of co-pays. St. Francis only charges $550 and they do not charge you co-pays for the dietician and nurse. You can go see the dietician forever and they will not charge you any more. You can also go to as many support group meetings as you want.

Good luck!

Fairysaddle · September 30, 2008

CHRIAS is starting a lower delaware practice. So it wouldn't be too terribly far for you. I'm not sure where it is, though, probably Dover. Check their website.

I think there was a sign saying that they were making appointments for the new site last time I was in the office. So it is probably already opened, or will be very soon. (I didn't pay that much attention, since the current location is about 10 minutes from my house.)