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 Yay :)

Well, for those who don't know...here's what's been up with me.  I was ready to have the DS with Dr. Houston.  Then life took some turns.  One, I found out August 2009 that my husband was a candidate for a federal job that would move us up to the DC area.  And that would give us good insurance unlike what we had in GA.

He didn't end up starting the job until March 2010.  So we were kept waiting for 7 months, not knowing when we would get the call that would have us moving within 30 days.  It was NOT a good time to schedule surgery.  

So in the meantime, we decided that we did want to have a 3rd baby.  And amazingly enough, we conceived on the first try.  So there wasn't too much time to ponder that decision!  We are expecting baby3 in August 2010.

I'm hoping to work on picking out my surgeon over the next few months and to shoot for surgery early 2011.  I want to give my body a little time to recover from my 3rd c-section in 4 years :)  I also want to make sure I am happy with my insurance choice between now and then.  And I'll just switch during open enrollment this fall if its not the best one for getting the DS.

I hope to write more soon!

 Dr. Houston called me last night and I think I learned more about the DS in that one convo than I have the entire time I've been here on the DS board.  I am so excited about him being my surgeon.  I still have questions for him, and I haven't met him yet, but I am very very hopeful about going with him!

After having some time to marinate on Dr. Maynard, I decided that he wasn't the doc for me.  I am now looking into my options including Dr. Houston in TN and Dr. Smith...if I can magically find a way to make my insurance take him.  I'll let yall know how it works out! 

 Met with Dr. Maynard today.  It went surprisingly well.  He calmed all my fears about open surgery.  He has a great program and follow up care.  I feel confident going with him as my surgeon.  He has a lot of extra requirements about meeting with a nutritionist and a physical therapist, but I'm going to work on the math and see how I can get this done.  He says he usually schedules surgery 2 weeks after approval.  For me, that could mean as early as Sept 1.  How exciting!!!

 one more thing to check off of my list!

 Schweitzer (MD)
Ikramuddin (MN)
Buchwald (MN)

I'll add more as I find them out.

 43845

United Healthcare HRA and HDHP with the state of GA:
To initiate the process, you must call 1-888-936-7246 and ask to speak with someone about the bariatric program.
1. Complete online health assessment at myuhc.com
2. Meet BMI requirements, 40+ or 35-40 with 2 co-morbidities and be over the age of 18.
3. 6 month physician supervised diet. 
For 6 consecutive months, you must meet with your PCP. At each visit, your dr. MUST make notes about your 
current diet and exercise and must record your weight. They should also note that you visiting in order to monitor your diet and exercise.
4. You must complete a psych evaluation and psych testing. You will be required to either attend support 6 group sessions, or attend 6 counseling sessions, per the drs. recommendation. You should be referred to the behavorial health people, but if if they do not call you within 5 days of your initial call, you can call 877-702-6342. This requirement seems to be changing everyday!

In regards to the drs, right now NO DS SURGEON IN GA IS ALLOWED. They aren't even out of network. According to Maynard's office, he is working on getting on board with them, but it has not happened yet and I have no idea how long it will take. You may have to travel to get your DS.

Drs that I have confirmed are at Johns hopkins and University of MN.  I'll make a better list when I get to this step....and if Maynard isn't on board by then.

 5 to go!