The Serotonin-Plus Weight Loss Program and costs

This morning I read an excellent comment yesterday concerning the fees for our program and I thought it would be a good idea to address this in my blog this morning.

There is absolutely no question that our program costs more than many commercial programs such as Weight Watchers. However, a number of these commercial programs have "hidden" fees such as the selling of their foods, vitamins, bars, shakes etc. Moreover, our program is much more aggressive than these programs, and our 12-week weight loss rates are much greater. Our services include the availability of a fulltime registered dietician, body scanning even when finished with our program and other supportive issues that persist (such as this blog) even past your program visits.

Concerning other "medically supervised" programs, our fees are quite on level with these and we do not administer HCG shots, B-12 shots or sell foods to patients. Moreover, I know that our level of support exceeds by far and away other physician programs out there. Many doctor programs are little more than dispensing diet pills, giving B-12 shots and collecting your money. I know this from hearing the experiences of many patients who went to these programs before finding ours.

We started this program 7.5 years ago and it cost 1000 dollars for 12 weeks. Now, we charge upfront 1200...that is a 20% increase in 7.5 years or about 2.7% increase per year. I know that our expenses in the office increase more than that per year.

I do realize that this is a very bad economic time and money for everyone is precious. I have previously discussed the concept of "investment in yourself" meaning that when the stock market tanks, our portfolios decrease, it becomes apparent that we have to work more years and if God forbid we became ill, we may lose the opportunity to work. Staying healthier ensures the abiliuty to work longer and generate more money. Also, as wrong as this concept is, studiees habve shown that people in better physical shape have better chances of employment and advancement. Investing in your inner heath and outer appearance is the best investment you can make.

One way to conserve to conserve funds is come to us every two weeks. We will use phentermine at half dosage, serotonin at full dosage, feel free to come in and use our scale once a week and we will see you (and you will only be charged) every 2 weeks. This would apply if you have been in during the past year. If it has been more than a year we do need to do the medical clearance and begin the process again to assure safety.

We will always do our best to help our patients but we also have to establish a "fair" system where people are not paying varying rates. Also, we do have a "referral program" in which you get free visits for every patient you refer into our program. Please stop by for the referral cards that ensure our tracking of this.

Weight loss should not only be available to people who can afford it. We also have the Adam Katz Memorial program that is placing two patients in the program for free per month.

I want to thank all of our patients for being a part of our program and on a daily basis you provide the staff and me the opportunity to be a part of your improving health and confidence.