Dee from Dennis Smith Office
Now, Dee explained that they started the seminars to accomidate peoples schedule for 2009 the prev woman said they didn't so I am excited. So I have 2 suregeons to choose from now and I will let you all know how it goes even though I love Dr. Steinberg and would refer him to anyone I need a surgeon who does all 4 surgeries. 
Dr. Maynard only does open. Why woud anyone choose to do open surgery when they could do laproscopic? To me it would be like choosing between a typewriter or a laptop... a no-brainer.
There are only 8 doctors in the country that do DS that are covered by Cigna. I don't have a lot to choose from. Since most of those 8 are in California or way up north, my choices are very limited.
Even if another Cigna Surgeon started doing the DS I would't use them because they would lack experience with the procedure.
I got an e-mail from Dee at Dr. Smith's office yesterday and she said they are still not in network with Cigna. I am less hopefull they will be added anytime soon. She didn't give any indication they would be.
Dee is very nice by the way. Roxy, if you choose Dr. Smith I will be very jealous.
**** I AM AN OH SUPPORT GROUP LEADER ****
WHY I CHOSE DS: No dumping. Highest percentage of weight loss, Best long term results, Won't regain weight! Eat normal sized meals, 96% diabeties, 90% high blood pressure, 80% sleep apnea cured. I 
MY DS!
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four unless there were three other people. ~Orson Wells
I agree with you about the open vs. lap. I was scheduled for surgery with Dr. Maynard a year before I actually had it, but Dekalb Medical, where he was on staff decided to no longer allow it open and Dr. Maynard had to go about getting on staff at Atlanta Medical Center which took longer than I wanted to wait. I originally went to Dr. Maynard because he was in network for my insurance. I went to Dr. Smith's seminar and realized there is more good about having it lap than just the scar! He said it is actually easier for him to see what he is doing when he does it lap.
I must say, however, that Dr. Maynard was the nicest, most caring and personable doctor I have ever been to!
Lookingup 
Pre Weight Loss 337
Pre Op 319
DS Surgery Oct. 23, 2008
I have tried, jumping over, crawling under, and breaking through all the barriers, ans haven't found any loophole. I even asked if you can appeal if there aren't any surgeons in the state that do the surgery and was told no. Now, I guess technically I could appeal, they can't stop me from writing a letter right? But, I figure why bother if they're not going to approve it anyway. Besides I will have wasted time and a program fee for Dr. Smith, just to be denied.
I feel like a wimp for not being more of a fighter for this surgery, but honestly I just don't have the time, patience, or money to be bothered. This surgery process is already scary and confusing to me. I don't want any more stress or negativity added to the process. I would rather just go to NC and get it over with.
I would like to find a local surgeon who would work with me for follow up. If anyone knows of someone, please let me know. It does not have to be a DS surgeon (Smith and Maynard already said NO) as long as they are knowledgeable about the procedure.
**** I AM AN OH SUPPORT GROUP LEADER ****
WHY I CHOSE DS: No dumping. Highest percentage of weight loss, Best long term results, Won't regain weight! Eat normal sized meals, 96% diabeties, 90% high blood pressure, 80% sleep apnea cured. I MY DS!
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four unless there were three other people. ~Orson Wells
Lookingup
Pre Weight Loss 337
Pre Op 319
DS Surgery Oct. 23, 2008
**** I AM AN OH SUPPORT GROUP LEADER ****
WHY I CHOSE DS: No dumping. Highest percentage of weight loss, Best long term results, Won't regain weight! Eat normal sized meals, 96% diabeties, 90% high blood pressure, 80% sleep apnea cured. I MY DS!
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four unless there were three other people. ~Orson Wells
on 1/30/09 9:18 am
It looks like Dr Smith is starting to be in-network for some plans. I copied this from his website.
Insurance Plans:
***We have special rates for out-of-network patients that makes it much easier to come to us for your care!*** Please call or email our office for more information about this.
We accept all PPO and POS plans with appropriate out of network bariatric surgery benefits, whether we are in or out of network. We are now in-network with the following plans:- Evolutions Health Care Systems
- Galaxy HEatlh Network PPO
- Health One Alliance PPO
- Humana Health Care Plans of Georgia PPO
- Humana WellStar Employee Plan
- Lifewell Health Partners PPO
- Nova Net/Special Net
- PHCS EPO/POS/Open Access
- PHCS PPO
