Question:
Is having a Thyroid problem a co-morbidity?

I am in the start of trying to get qualified for this surgery and my bmi is a 39. I went and had lab tests done and it looks like I might have a thyroid problem. Please Help. Thanks. My insurance is Aetna Insurance open choice PPO.    — maryg (posted on August 30, 2005)

August 30, 2005
No, a thyroid condition is not considered a co-morbitity because the problem is not caused by obesity and does not correct itself after WLS. I learned this from my surgeon. I had a thyroid problem before I became obese, and I still have the problem post-op. If you take a thyroid supplement, as I do, you will always need to take it. Hope this helps.
   — buglebird

August 30, 2005
Hi Yvonne, I also had a BMI of 39. My comorbidities included High blood pressure and high cholesterol. History of heart disease in family, and history of diabetes. No thyroid problem. I wish you the best. (we're military, so the insurance is a whole other story! thankfully my surgeon saw the need and decided I should have the surgery) Hugs, ~christi RNY 10-27-04 245 down to 159 so far!
   — christi_in_VA

August 30, 2005
Actually thyroid problems can cause obesity because it slows down your metabolism. Some insurances won't approve surgery if there is an "organic cause" to your obesity. They may require you to take thyroid hormones for a certain amount of time to see if that helps you lose weight. So, no it is not a comorbidity. Obesity can be a comorbidity of hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) but not vice versa. Good Luck to you!!!
   — SteffieBear15

August 31, 2005
Hi, Yvonne. I have the same insurance you do, and they really put you through the hoops! You have to go to the doctor every month for six months and be documented to be unable to lose weight by conventional methods. They also require a psychiatirc evaluation to show that you have the right frame of mind for the surgery and know that it is still difficult to lose weight and not a magic fix. You need to consult with a dietician and an exercise specialist. You need to get letters from sll those professionals and also your primary doctor and your surgeon. Aetna also has a minimu BMI for the surgery, although I do not remember what it is. If you go to the Aetna site, you can access the guidelines they use to determine if you need surgery or not. Reading the guidelines will tell you what you need to do to get the surgery paid for. Good luck!
   — Novashannon