Question:
Do I qualify for the surgery w/ bmi of 37 w/GERD and depression

I HAVE ARTHRITUS IN MY KNEE AND HIP AND I'M ON CELEBREX FOR THAT BUT I HAVE NEVER HAD AN EX-RAY FOR IT. I'M ON MEDS FOR GERD AND DEPRESSION AMONG OTHER THINGS.    — blank first name B. (posted on March 9, 2004)

March 9, 2004
It depends on your insurance company, but the comorbidities usually qualify people with a BMI between 35 and 40.
   — Good_Courage_Ruth

March 9, 2004
I agree. Of course it depends on what you mean by "qualify" an that can be a tricky area. With a 35-40 bmi and other comorbidities of GERD, depression and arthritis, a bariatric surgeon would pretty certainly approve you. Getting the insurance approval is another thing entirely! Research your insurance provider on this site and check out your policy and call them. Another key to getting in is finding a good surgeon to support your claims and help you go the rounds with the insurance co. if they're unwilling:)
   — christied

March 10, 2004
I do not believe that GERD is considered a life threatening disease but is something that causes discomfort for you to live with. It could cause Barrett's esphogas (sp?) which I do believe can lead to a cancer. Depression also is not life threatening but for some ppl is a problem for them, I myself never have had any depression with my MO. As for your BMI of 37 you would have to check with your insurance company, they are the ones that set the rules as to what BMI they consider as a baseline minimum. Your arthritis is also not considered a co-morbid either. The insurance company would consider that to be a condition that you have due to being MO. Co-morbids are things like high BP, sleep apnea etc. Good luck.
   — ChristineB

March 23, 2004
The more co-morbs you have, the better your chances of getting surgery approved. Before I sent in my paperwork to get approved, if you would have asked me about co-morbs, I might have said I had possibly 11-12. Sharon Brittain has an approval letter you can use and a huge list of co-morbs on her profile. When all was said and done, I had over 50 of them. With these and other medical info I found on this site, when I sent in for approval, my paperwork looked excellent. I wish you the best!!
   — bufordslipstick