Co Morbidities Help

First of all, what are the co- morbidities Insurance companies ussually look at. I am aware of hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and joint pain. Are there others? My insurance company sent me information, but just states there needs to be co morbidities.  I have PCOS, which means I have a problem with insulin, but I have never been diagnosed as a diabetic. I am on medication for it. I also know that PCOS is not a co morbidity (which it should be) I have also been told since I have been 16 I have high blood pressure. I went to the doctor last week and she said it was high, but never mentioned that I should be on any medications. So techically I have high blood pressure, but have never been diagnosed with it.  A couple of months ago, I was diagnosed with a psuedotumor and it is effecting my eyesight. I have been put on meds because of pressure in my spine (maybe this is the same thing as high blood pressure?) I don't know if this would be a co morbidity.  I have had swelling in my feet for over a year, have had problems with snoring, and have joint pain. I have never addressed these issues, but may be possible that I could have other things wrong with me. My fiance says sometimes I stop breathing at night-which sounds like sleep apnea.  I guess I don't know where to begin. Should I go to my general doctor and let him know I am interested in having the lap band done and ask him to have all of these tests done to see if I have any more co- morbidities? What about the insulin resistance caused by PCOS? Is that enough to make it a co morbidity even though I am not diabetic.  I know my mom had gastic bypass and went back and forth with her insurance for 4 years. I just want to make sure I have all of the information I need to get started. Thanks in advance. Jamie

Co mobilities can be BMI over 40, heart problems, ashma (sp) or 100 other things. Have you checked with a gastric surgeon yet? Call your insurance company and ask to speak to a weight loss specialist. She should be able to tell you what they consider co-mobilities ajso. Lisa

I had my Lap Band surgery in NY but I did find a new surgeon here, Dr. Rantis at the Kane Center in Alington Heights and Elk Grove Village.  I am sure that there are plenty of people on here who can recommend others with first hand experience.  personally, I would decide on a few different surgeons, make appointments, and go to info sessions.  That is not a bad starting point.  Do some research but sometimes primary Dr's are not too keen on one procedure or another so if you do not already have a close relationship with a primary doc, I would go direct to the surgeon who can coordinate everything including insurance and tests with other specailists like a pulmonary for your sleep apnea (which in itself may qualify you for WLS).  Good luck with whatever you choose.

Jamie,  I just had surgery on Dec 10th and I too have PCOS.  However I have had diagnosed HBP for 8 years(today I am 29, it's my b-day).  I had back pain and problems with my feet.  Once I hooked up with my surgeon and I saw three he ordered another sleep study and I had to meet with a cardiologist and a pulmonaligist(sp?).  So if you do have those conditions they will likely find them then.  Also the insulin resistance doesn't qualify and I will say that there has been mised luck with people and PCOS and bariatric surgery.  Once I was diagnosed I lost 80lbs that was 8 years ago.  I have since gained back 50lbs of it.  He said that it was good sign that I was able to lose weight.  Some women with PCOS can't as you know.  But that is something I would talk to the surgeon about.  I hae lost 64 lbs since last May when I first saw my surgeon. Since surgery I have lost 53lbs.  And I already met my surgeon's goal weight for me.  But I want to lose another 25lbs.  It will put me in the 130's range.  I hope I was able to answer some of your questions.  My journey started with my PCP because she was very supportive of having the surgery.  Oh I forgot the mention too I had RNY.  And I too like your Mom had the ins battle. It took about 1 1/2 years for the whole process (from the beginning to approval). Good Luck to you! Kelly