Question:
i have PCOS, joint pain, and type 2 diabetes and my bmi is 46.

would that possibly qualify me for surgery?    — hartnell (posted on January 30, 2006)

January 30, 2006
Hi Tracy, Yes, the type 2 diabetes will qualify you. I have PCOS as well. I don't think the insurance companies look at PCOS as a concern, but they really do for the diabetes. I was approved because of diabetes. Having a BMI 40 and above will qualify you. Who do you have for your insurance? I have Blue Shield of California PPO. Best wishes to you, and hope all works out for you. Go to this website for information: www.LapSF.com Kristy-RNY Jan 3, 2006 down 25 lbs.
   — Kristy

January 30, 2006
Hi Tracy!!! Having the two co-morbities of high blood pressure and diabetes should qualify you for surgery. It is a plus for me so far. Check with your insurance policy to see what their criteria is. I did. Good luck!!!!
   — Julie F.

January 30, 2006
Any comorbisities help you qualify. Contact your insurance company by phone, or go to their website. Get the clinical guidelines for the surgery. that will tell you exactly what is needed to qualify for the surgery. Some insurance companies require a six-month doctor-documented diet. You can start everything at once, so you get done faster. first, find out what you need to do to qualify by getting the clinical guidelines. Next, get an appointment with your doctor (if you need to do a supervised diet) so you can begin that. then, go to the surgeon and get a date for surgery. If you have to do a 6-month diet, then set the date for about 7 months away. that will give you a month to play with. (You can always change the surgery date, but it often takes a while to get one, so it is good to already have one). Do anything else you need in the six months while you are dieting. Your insurance might require a psychological evaluation, a sleep study (for sleep apnea), and want you to see specialists for any problems. this is good, because the specialists can write letters for you saying that the surgery would help. Your primary care doc may also need to write a letter, in addition to keeping track of your dieting. It is best to have everything lined up the way the insurance wants, because then it is easier to get approval. Good luck!
   — Novashannon