Question:
If I have no well documented co-mobids would it be possible to get surgery?

Ok heres the thing..I have not ever really had insurance except when I was pregnant, during four pregnancy's therefore I only have pregnancy related medical records. I have a new PCP and seeing her on Dec.5th. I know I have co-morbids, but none have ever been documented...for ex. I have knee pain, very irregular periods, lower and upper back pain (due to breast size), I leak urine when I cough or sneeze, and I have shortness of breath when walking malls, or stores and I also had high blood pressure at the end of my last pregnancy (altho not my entire pregnancy). Are any of these 'official' co-morbids and how do I convince my doctor (whom I've never been to yet) that I am truly affected by these? Thank you everyone..your reasponses are truly helpful.    — Tracy L. (posted on November 28, 2002)

November 27, 2002
I didnt have any,so dont worry.I never saw the point of going to the doctor unless I thought I was "dieing".The other stuff all that you mentioned plus some went on forever but I knew it was due to my weight so why should I have went to the doctor when I already knew the anser to what I hyad to do "loose the weight".I didnt need any doctor telling me what I already knew.That is what you tell your doctor and he isnt satisfied with that anser then you go to another one that is satisfied with it.Good luck to you,it is a long path but I know it will be worth it.
   — nicole K.

November 27, 2002
I had the same co-morbids as you. Started at 249# at 5'4". It was enough for my insurance. Good luck.
   — Marti R.

November 28, 2002
I see in your profile your BMI is 38.4. Not knowing your policy and conditions which your insurance will see you as a potential candidate for the surgery, your BMI is pretty low. And you are not on any meds for BP, pain, urine leakage and not under care of a physician for shortness of breath. I certainly can't say what your insurance would do but mine would not have approved me for surgery in your situation. My insurance conditions required me to have a BMI of 40 or be 100# overweight even with comorbs. But it can't hurt to give it a try. Best Wishes.
   — Karla K.

November 28, 2002
Thanx for answering...I am 100 pounds overweight (My weight should be 133-147 I weigh 240 or 250)..and I have these co-morbids, but not documented. Nicole you sound just like me..lol. I never go to the doctor b/c I always knew what they were going to say. I only ever went when I thought I was dying also and that was mostly the ER. All my insurance said to me initialy is that it has to be medically necessary, but I guess I'm going to have to call back and check.
   — Tracy L.

November 28, 2002
It all depends on your insurance company/policy. I only listed weak knees and ankles, shortness of breath and family history of heart disease and diabetes. My insurance company doesn't have the best track record, but I was approved after only one try! And even wilder- they actually have paid! Back to your question- sometimes the insurance company requires doctor supervised diets and/or "proof" from doctors about your conditions. I suggest you call them and just ask that way you will know exactly what you need to do. Best of luck!!!....Karen (lap rny- 9/20/02- down 76 pounds!)
   — karmiausnic

December 2, 2002
Hi - It does depend on your insurance company. I did not have any co morbids at the time documented either. It also depends on your doctor. But my height and weight and my BMI is what meet the qualifications. I'm 5'2 and 370 pounds and my BMI was 65. Talk to your doctor. Make a list of all the diets you tried and how long you were on them and how much weight you lost and do a little research on the surgery to show your doctor your serious about it. Thats what I did. Now I'm waiting for a surgery date. Good Luck to you.
   — CHRISTY P.