Question:
Co-Morbids not documented..

My BMI is around 37 and my comorbids are GERD, high blood pressure, achy joints, (possible sleep apnea - being tested next week)...my question is...I have gone to the doctor in the past few years and that is how I was diagnosed with GERD and high blood pressure...I was prescribed meds, but am no longer on them...(note- my pcp is a real jerk who is not helpful in the weight loss area)..will this lack of recent documentation of co-morbids affect me being approved by the surgeon I am going to see or the insurance co...my ins. does not require a referral from pcp to see surgeon...please help!!    — Amy S. (posted on July 8, 2002)

July 8, 2002
Do yourself a favor and either confront your worthless PCP or find another doctor. It's my guess that you have enough stress in your life without voluntarily subjecting yourself to his criticism about weight loss. Once you find a good doctor, explain all the problems and get them all diagnosed ASAP. I did the same thing, exact same thing you're describing. What did it get me? I'm now type II diabetic w/GERD, achy joints, back pain, foot pain and possible sleep apnea...being diagnosed in a few weeks ;) Hang in there...and help you help yourself. This guy obviously doesn't care, but you should!! :)
   — Lynda L.

July 10, 2002
Amy- I was in the same place you are now. I didn't have alot of medical documentation on my co-morbids either because I never went to the doctor! The only doctor I kept up with was my GYN for my annual check ups. I recently found a new PCP (the last PCP I had was when I lived in California and had an HMO) who was willing to work with me on getting the appropriate tests ordered to see what kind of problems I actually had. I was surprised to find out that the things that I had put up with for so long were actually considered co-morbid conditions. My advice would be to find another physician that is more open to the idea of wls if possible. I can't tell you what a difference it has made with my experience. If it's not possible I would suggest plugging along with what you have and see if it makes any difference to the insurance about how long you've had these problems. Good luck in your journey!!
   — Janine B.