Hi all, (update)

I have gotten so many answers from those of you on the Indiana board,I just wanted to say THANK YOU once more. I had my first vist with my pcp yesterday. Found out that I have high blood pressure. she drew blood and called with the results today and I am also in the early stages of Diabetes. Oh joy. So I was wondering since I now have high blood pressure, diabetes and pcos,im also pretty sure I have sleep apnea also. Would I be able to get my surgery approved sooner instead of having to wait the 12 months? Melissa Hope everyone is having an awesome week so far

Requirements have changed to 6 months with most insurance co's but yea, the more co morbites the easier it is to get. What insurance do you have?? Linda

Check with your ins company and ask for their requirements in writing. Comorbidities can only help your case that you need the surgery. I'm sorry to hear though that you're having those problems. I had high bp before surgery and was on 2 meds. I left the hospital off them. My blood sugars were running high too, and my lastest fasting sugar test was 73. So it really can help. Linda Vicory

Yes, call your insurance company & let them know of your conditions. Even write them a letter with a photo of you & tell them how you're scared of dying from your conditions. Really play on their heartstrings if necessary. I had Blue Cross & Blue Shield insurance. I was approved in two weeks. I have a friend who was told she'd need 18 months of a supervised weight loss program. Then she provided documentation of sleep apnea & diabetes & was approved in about 3 months. So, definetly call your insurance company. I'd also go ahead & schedule a surgery consult. The consult is free & alot of times their insurance specialist can provide advice to get you approved sooner. Best of Luck. Don't forget about our support group meeting Monday night in Terre Haute. Some people there might have some ideas for you as well.

My insurance is PERSONAL CARE PLATINUM PPO.

Just wanted to let you know...talk to your pcp and ask them to write a letter for your insurance company stating the co-morbids and that should greatly increase chances of getting your approval. I have sleep apnea, high bp and sugar issues as well and I got approved in 2 weeks for my surgery. Also, don't let the sleep apnea go. Get tested! I had my tests done and my oxygen sats were down in the 60's!!! At that level you are losing a lot of braincells. I have been on CPAP for almost a year now and it has really helped. I sleep much better and sometime hate to take it off. It was difficult getting used to it at first...but I'm glad I got it. Hopefully the WLS will help get us to where we don't need it, but for now...it is a better alternative to not having it. Good luck with your WLS and hopefully getting your other health related issues in line as well.