Question:
Is my BP bad enough to be considered a co morbidity?

My BP at my last doctors visit was 140/100. I have had high pressure for a long time and it is usually around this reading but I have recently started meds to lower it. I was wondering if anyone knows that since I fall a smidgen under the weight requirements (5-10 lbs) then will my bP be considered bad enough to push me on. I see my surgeon for the first time on Thurs and I am wondering if I might be wasting my time in traveling 3 hours to get there. Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 14, 2001)

October 14, 2001
From what I've learned in my support group, most insurance companies require that you have a BMI of at least 45 without comorbidities or a BMI of at least 40 with comorbidities to be considered for the surgery. So, if you've been diagnosed as having hypertension I would think that's a comorb plain and simple. In my case, my meds will work for a little while before my blood pressure shoots back up. Meds don't always mean that it's under control. I was also told that most of them want you to be able to prove that you've tried some type of dieting or weightloss program for at least a year. Try www.rightweigh.com, they have a lot of helpful hints. Good luck to you!
   — Tiffany A.

October 14, 2001
I have a BMI of about 39. My Blood pressure has been very stubborn and I am on 2 pills to keep it down. You can imagine I feel awful. just like a slug.In my research I have found a few different things about BMI requirements. Some friends of mine had BMI's as little as 36 and had surgery because they had co-morbs.In my opinion I think your BP is high enough to be considered a co- morb. My insurance company approved me with providing any documentation of supervised diets all. They just went on my Docs documentation for approval. I have Cigna PPO and it is based out of Conn.If I had no co- morbs I probably would have needed a BMI of at least 40.
   — garyzgurl

October 14, 2001
If you want HIGHER BP readings to help qualify just quit breathing for a moment when thjey put the cuff on you. Holding your breath will drive pressure readings sky high. Me I would carry a couple rolls of coins in your pockets and slouch when they measure your height.
   — bob-haller

October 14, 2001
Hypertension is a definite co-morb-it is good that you have been put on meds for it. Since your consult isn't until Thursday--do yourself a favor and call the pre-cert or pre-authorization department of your insurance co and ask them to fax you a list of the requirements needed to have a gastric bypass surgery approval. Once you have this info--you will be ahead of the game so to speak and you will know which hoops you have to jump through--(maybe you already have this)--Most insurance companies (not all) require a BMI of 40 with no co-morbs and 35 with co-morbs--If you sit down and think about it-you might have more co-morbs to list for your surgeon--back pain, leg pain, trouble breathing and/or sleeping, problems with walking, stress incontinence, asthma, chronic bronchitis--Now as far as meeting your 5-10 lbs on Thursday--well try eating a large meal before your appointment and also drink at least a liter of water right before you go in--that will definitely tip the scales upward!! Good luck to ya!! Peace and Love-
   — karen D.

October 14, 2001
I think it depends on who your medical insurance provider is. I have Kaiser and they state that if you have a BMI of 40 to 50 you have to have at least 2 co-morb's or a BMI 50 or above without co-morb's to be considered for WLS. I have read so many different "requirements" for WLS from different people with different Ins. Comps. Good Luck!!
   — mastrnservnt

October 16, 2001
It was I who asked this question and I would just like to say thank to all of you who answered. Any information is wonderful and its great to be able to have some different opinions to consider. Thanks again
   — Crystal D.