Question:
IF MY CO MORBS ARE CONTROLLED BY MEDS CAN I STILL HAVE SURGERY?

I HAVE A BMI OF 37. I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, HIGH CHOLESTERAL AND PCOS. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF MY CO-MORBS ARE CONTROLLED BY MEDS, I'LL BE DENIED THE SURGERY. I DON'T WANT TO BE TAKING PILLS EVERYDAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! HELP!    — pamela B. (posted on June 16, 2003)

June 16, 2003
Hi, Pamela. I also have some co-morbs that I take medicine for and was worried about it too. I have high cholesterol, for which I take Lipitor and it has brought it under control; depression, for which I take Zoloft and has brought it under control; osteoarthritis, for which I take Vioxx and it barely manages to ease the pain. I also have hyperglycemia AND hypoglycemia, but my fasting blood sugars have all been normal and my A1C shows excellent control. I was approved after a psych eval, which the insurance co. asked for because "co-morbidities appear to be mild" and they wanted to test me for my "motivation and compliance." I simply told the psychologist that I wanted the surgery because I am in pain from the time I wake up til the time I go to bed, every single day of my life. A few years ago, I at least had a couple of good days a week...Now there is no such thing. I told him I felt like this was my last chance at having a somewhat normal life. I was approved less than a week after they received his report. So, I don't think they would deny if your co-morbs are being managed by meds. Good Luck and God Bless!
   — Moysa B.

June 16, 2003
I would say , yes for surgery. The whole idea is to live a healthy lifestyle. Taking meds for conditions that could be controlled by losing weightis a huge benifit of this surgery. Good luck and just relax.
   — Maggie M.

June 16, 2003
being on meds for your co-morbids will probably help you get approval rather than hinder it. i was on 11 medications for all my co-morbids right up to the day before surgery. since the day of surgery i have not taken one single medication because all my co-morbids immediately started to recede. i am 18 mos post op & down 120 lbs. my pcp asked me last thurs... 'so, would you have the surgery again?' (he is NOT wls friendly) my answer...'IN A HEARTBEAT! its the best thing i have ever done for myself. good luck hun & god bless you!
   — sheryl titone

June 16, 2003
I also had a co-morbidity with hypertension. I was on three meds to make sure it did stay controlled. I was actually under the 40 BMI but because of the hyptension (whether you have meds or not, its your diagnosis) i was able to qualify. Also, its good to check with your insurance company to see what they consider their criteria. Good Luck! LapRNY, 4/22/03 -45lbs
   — Kerry R.

June 17, 2003
It will depend on your insurance company's criteria. In my husband's case, his BMI was 38.2, less than the insurance company's required BMI of at least 40. We appealed and the denial was reversed, as well as getting the criteria changed to include those with a BMI between 35-40 and co-morbids "and so forth". My husband had surgery and is off one B/P med and being titrated off another. Taking meds ofr control of your conditions will not hender yourcahnces for having surgery approved. Best of luck!
   — koogy