DSers in GA!

 I would love to hear from you!  I am apprehensive about having it open with Maynard (my insurance doesn't cover Smith), but I am still going to start the process.  I would love to hear about everyone's experiences or where they are in the process to get their DS!  Thanks!

I have been to both Maynard and Smith.  Dr. Smith did my surgery.  I originally went to Dr. Maynard because of the insurance issue.  When my surgery got canceled by the hospital (read my profile for that story) I decided I was willing to pay the extra to go to Dr. Smith.  It cost me $2650 for Dr. Smith and his assistant.  He has a special rate for people who have out of network benefits.  My experience with Dr. Maynard was very pleasant.  He has the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever been to.  The educational aspect of Dr. Smith's program is far superior.  I did decide that the difference between open and lap was important and that is why I decided on Dr. Smith, but there are lots of people on the DS forum who have had open surgery and have no complaints.  I think both Dr. Maynard and Dr, Smith have good reputations.

 thanks!  My insurance won't cover Smith at all -- not even out of network :(  I have been reading on the DS board about how open isn't that bad...and how some of the best surgeons do it by choice.  That was my initial hesitation with him.  I'm off to read your profile now.

 well, apparently they won't cover Maynard either.  Looks like I'm headed out of state.

I had open with Dr. Maynard. I too first went to Dr. Smith for the open/lap aspect, but couldn't afford the out of pocket costs. I didn't realize he had a special rate for this sort of thing.

Either way, I like Dr. Maynard a lot. I do think that you should research them both and do what is best for you. But I am gald you found out about the DS and are exploring that option! 

 oh, I am so excited about the DS!!!!!  I am just working on this stupid process!  I am going to have to go out of state thanks to my stupid insurance but at least the DS is covered!  I would get this done today if I could!

I am going out of state too because of my insurance. I am making a trip to Dr. Voellinger's seminar in Charlotte on the 16th if this month. let me know if you'd like to meet me there.  There will be other GA people travelling that day to his seminar.

 hey!  United sucks!  Well, I am glad they are covering the DS, but I am still trying to find a surgeon that they will agree to...I've looked at who they will cover in NC and I can't find any DS surgeons...but I am still trying to figure it out.  I expect that I'll be traveling somewhere like MD or MN.  Hopefully when I call tomorrow I'll get more info.

I had mine open with Dr. Maynard 10/30/07...I have lost 94% of my excess body weight and now have a BMI of 27.2 and I'm still losing.  Dr. Maynard also did my emergency hernia repair last valentines day (07) and I would not trade him for the entire world.  He spent more time with me than any other doctor I have ever seen...and when I was rushed to northside for my hernia I was getting test results and so forth from him on my cell phone quicker than the hospital staff was giving them to me.

I love my DS and thank heaven every day for it...and tell everyone that will listen about it!  I recommend to most people going to a support group meeting, that way you can meet people that use that doctor, ask questions, meet the doctor, etc and not waste money on the consult if you don't like them.

 congrats on your weight loss!  I can't wait to join you!  Great idea about the support group.