Well, I am 95% sure I know all my insurance requirements now (thanks, Sean!). I need the following:
- typical age and BMI requirements
- "Documentation of successful completion of at least 6 consecutive months of supervised conservative weight loss program...Successful completion means weight loss or at least maintenance of initial weight prior to participation of the program..."
- "Documentation of participation in an organized multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen in order to improve surgical outcomes, reduce the potential for surgical complications, and establish the member's ability to comply with post-operative medical care and dietary restrictions. The regimen should provide guidance on diet, physical activity, and behavioral and social support prior to and after surgery."
- "Documentation of pre-operative psychological evaluation..."

And so, I am now into my second month of my required 6 months of dieting with my physician. I have attended 2 information sessions (offered by 2 different practices). My inital colsultation with Dr. Schweitzer is scheduled for October 27. I have met with a group of fabulous DSers in MD and VA. I have joined a local WLS support group. That "organized multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen" has me a bit confused, but hopefully the surgeon's office will know what that's all about.

So, I'm on my way! Assuming I get approved the first time I submit for insurance approval, I am estimating a surgery date in May or June 2009 (possibly later if appeals come into play for any reason).

Yup. Waiting. Fun, right? I think my insurance requires 6 months of medically supervised diet, though I'm not 100% sure since I can't seem to get any answers from my insurance company. If so, I would like to set up my first appointment with either my doc or a nutritionist. But I won;'t do that until I am sure it is required.

The more I read and ponder, the more excited I get. I'm very confident that this is the right decision for me. That says a lot since I can be very wishy-washy about a lot of things!

Well, I talked to my doctor, and she is completely supportive. I read about some surgeons, and I think Michael Schweitzer in Baltimore is going to be my first choice since he has a great reputation, low rate of complications, and performs DS laparoscopically, which I'm really hoping for. I checked with my insurance company, and he is considered an in-network surgeon, and Johns Hopkins is an in-network facility (which is where he practices).

I also found a form online from my insurnce company that outlines the requirements for qualifying to have the surgery covered. I called a doctor from a few years ago to get my medical records to show that I have been obese fr at least 5 years since that is one of the requirements. I will also be working with my doc to show 6 months of attempted weight loss on a specific plan (South Beach, which I know she knows I was doing since before I even started seeing her, so hopefully I can start the 6 months counting from my first appointment with her, which was about 2 months ago).

My sister's husband said I should do the band instead of a full surgery. I quickly spouted off MANY reasons why the DS is a better choice for me. I'd rather start with a surgery that is more likely to be successful than have to go back for revisions later on. I also want the surgery that offers the highest chance of curing my diabetes. Oh, AND the DS has the best chance of maintaining the lost weight long-term.

I registered for an information session with Johns Hopkins in early August. Jeff will go with me, and his cousin has expressed interest in going with me as well. Hurray for supportive family!