Thanks everyone for your responses!  I'm scheduled to go to a seminar at the U of M on Dec. 23rd, and to meet with Dr. Ikramuddin.  I loved the staff at Unity, and this will be a hard decision to make, however the more research I do, the more I lean towrad the DS, which I would then head to the U of M for sure.  I know Dr. Ikramuddin does surgery at Abbott, but I really have a great deal of respect for the U of M as my son was there at the pediatric hosptial for gastroentestinal issues that Children's wouldn't even talk to his doctor about.  The U was the only one to offer to take his case.  So I really trust them.  ANYWAYS,

I have a sleep study scheduled for Dec. 26th and am sadly hoping that I have sleep apnea as I have no other "severe enough" co-morbities to qualify for insurance coverage. 

Hope everyone is doing well!!

Jen B

 Well, after 1 day of researching, I'm now leaning towards DS.  That would mean I would have to choose Dr. Ikramuddin, who I believe does laproscopic DS.  Dr. Buchwold only does open DS.

The real question now is whether my insurance will cover it.  From their medical policy, it seems like they will, but I'm right at that 49/50 BMI range...so maybe I just scrouch down when they measure my height???  I'm 6'2" male, 385 lbs., 29 yrs old.

BCBS of MA medical policy #347 covers:
Open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic bypass (i.e. the Scopinaro procedure) with duodenal switch for treatment of morbidly obese patients with BMI of 50 kg/m2 or greater that has not responded to conservative measures.

I wouldnt say that RNY has the best results and track record. Every person I personally know who has had it had struggled to keep their weight off after about 2 years. If I were you I would do research on all the types of weight loss surgery minus the lapband. After seeing everyone one I love deal with regain and other issues from RNY I knew that I couldnt do it. Thankfully I found out about the DS and am going to be having Dr. Buchwald do my surgery. Check all the surgery boards, look at the failed surgeries board as well. Check www.dsfacts.com for info on the DS

Might be the new year before I get back.  Have a great Christmas and New Years everyone!  I'm not sure I'll make my goal of onderland by 2012, but I'll be close enough to still be happy.  :)

I'll be there too!