Wow... its been such a long time since I have had a chance to get on OH and check on everyone.  I've noticed a few of the older post-op are MIA.  However, I totally understand.  Life is busy and we only have one chance. No RE-DO.  Anyhow... I've been doing well... Lots going on personally with school, work, and the kiddo.  Today my 5th grader graduated elementary school *sniff sniff*.  As I sat there I kept thinking of how much my life has changed over the last 5 years and I realized that on July 26 I will be 3 YEARS post-op.  INCREDIBLE is the only word I can think of that describes my life now compared to 5 yrs ago.  Of course I have slacked off from running as much as I used to and from relying on protein drinks and bars as my major source of protein.  Ive also gotten into the habit of "grazing" AND visiting TOO many fast food restaurants, AND I have been battling the "smoking demon", BUT all of that is going to change.  I remember how I used to view my body size... I remember how terrible I used to feel - DAILY... I remember the activities that I was unable to do because of my size and I NEVER want to go back to those days.  So... Im getting back on track.  I still endulge on the "sweet goodness" of the CRAP I used to eat constantly and my old... terrible... toublesome bad habits are coming around again.  I'm the one who has control so I am stopping them NOW.  BEFORE it's too late.  I have maintained a weight between 130-140 for over a year now.  I still can't eat as much as I used to, but I am eating things that arent exactly pouch friendly .  I need to get my focus back before I begin gaining weight. Its so true that WLS is only a tool.  I need to go back to the basics and begin using my tool the way it is supposed to be used.  I'm wondering if I have stretched my pouch a bit.  I have noticed that I can eat larger amounts than I have been able to in the past, but I'm not going to worry about it because I am hell-bent to get motivated again.  I gotta get back on track with my liquid protein, my running and exercise DAILY, MORE water, healthier food choices, resorting to fast food as a last ditch option, STOPPING SMOKING AGAIN, and I think I would like to go to my first ever support group meeting.  I think it might help.  Anyway... sorry for such a long update, but it has been such a LONG time.  I've missed my fellow WLS warriors!!!!

I am about 90 minutes from Chattanooga.  I live in Knoxville and I am currently going through the process with TennCare.  I had Bluecare and I found that not many surgeons would take my insurance due to the low approval rates.  I did find Dr. Greg Mancini @ UT Medical Center and his staff is wonderful.  I have been told that they are no longer accepting new patients with BlueCare, but they are taking new patients with Americhoice.  You are allowed to switch your insurance once a year, but make sure you have a reason.  Dr. Greg Mancini has the weightloss program with his brother, Dr. Matthew Mancini (who does not accept BlueCare).  I have had previous surgeries for other non related issues by Dr. Matthew Mancini and have had a great experience every single time.  Both are great, take time to listen, and they have an incredible PA, Lynn.  About a month ago, I called TennCare and asked to switch insurances from BlueCare to Americhoice so that I can have Dr. Matthew Mancini perform the surgery.  Why mess with a clean record of no problems and switch doctors (even if they are brothers working together). 

Tenncare requires certain BMI levels with comorbidities to qualify.  You have to go through a psych evaluation, blood work, monthly weigh-ins, have tried other forms of weightloss, all of the basics that are required by most.  You do not however have to lose a certain amount of weight before surgery.  Dr. Mancini's office requires additional things such as group session, you can not gain any weight from the time of your first weigh in or you have to start the process over again.  You have to have a 2 week all liquids diet before the surgery.  Then there is also a day long class that you have to attend.  There are aproximately $600 worth of program fees not paid for by Tenncare that you have to be prepared for.  

Every program is different, but if you are able to travel, definitely check it out!

Good Luck!   

Lots of differences b/w RnY & DS.  *I* chose DS over RnY because:
1) DS has the best long term outcome - greater EWL, highest rate of resolution of co-morbids, lower regain rate, especially for those with BMI >50
2) Fully functional stomach with intact pyloric valve (no dumping)
3) Lower risk of ulcers, vomiting, etc.
4) Less dietary restriction - I eat high protein, moderately high fat & low carb

This is all described in great detail over on dsfacts.com

OK, I visited the GA board and saw you got lots of great advice from LaShelle.  Just thought I'd share what I heard about Dr. Houston only doing the DS one day a week.  Although I heard this as an unstantiated rumor, it makes sense.  Well, it makes sense if you look at the hospital's point of view.  The DS takes longer to do.  Centennial has so many operating suites.  Centennial is a for-profit hospital.  If they can charge for 4 RNY's or 2 DS's per day, what makes sense to their bottom line?  It is a sad reality that $$$ make decisions.  Healthcare should be for people, not for profit.  However, it is what it is.  Even not-for-profit hospitals have to use their resources wisely.  If there is any truth to this, it is not anything over which Dr. Houston (or any surgeon) has much control.  I think Dr. Houston is worth waiting for.

I live here in the Nashville Area so I am not sure what it is like to work with Dr. Houston from out of town - but I do remember when Izzy was having some issues - he was always on the phone talking to the doctors at the hospital she as at (not that they listened.. .LOL).   I see you are now researching common channel and bougie size.   I think he has been doing a 40 bougie and a 100 common channel now i think(I have not asked him) but I think he would change that if you gave hm solid reasons.   i had a 34 bougie and had some great restriction but  my starting BMI was over 60 so that could have had something to do with him making it so small.  I also have a 100 common channel - I really like the mix of these two numbers for me .