Question:
I want to have wls my bmi is 35 with co-morbids gall stones, high cholestrol,

knee and ankle pain, irregular periods, ect. The Dr wants to take my gallbadder out. Would I still be able to have the surgery if I don't have the gallbladder removed? Should I find a Dr. that will do both at the same time? The Dr. I went to wants to take the gallbladder out then the wls. Can somebody please help?    — Lori T. (posted on December 4, 2002)

December 4, 2002
If you have x number of comords, your insurance may pay with a BMI over 35. I say "x" because each insurance company is different and I believe each one weighs the comords differently or require a different number. As for the gallbladder, you can have it out if medically necessary at the same time as most WLS. Aagin, it would depend on your circumstances and the surgery you have. If you have your gallbladder taken out laproscopically and it leaves scar tissue it might interfere with a later lap surgery (not always but sometimes) and they might have to change the surgery type. But it is possible to have both done at the same time.
   — susanje

December 4, 2002
The gallbladder surger should not affect anything really. Though I think it may be hard to get approved for WLS with a BMI of 35.....your co-morbidities are not that bad. It will strictly up to your insurer. You also will need real concrete documentation of weight loss attempts....my insurance company stuck to their guns about a BMI of 40 even though had had the same co-morbidities as you...plus a few extra....I saw you have an HMO insurer...I think it will be tough, so be prepared. I had to bring my BMI up from 37.8 to 40.3 before thy would even refer me for a consult....lots of luck
   — Keniki B.

December 4, 2002
I don't mean to be mean but a co-morb is a condition that you will die from. such as high blood pressure diabetes or high cholestrol. and something you have to be treated for. your list did not contain any co-morbs. I have severe arthritis all over and was told 'you may think you will die from the pain but you wont so it doesnt count." I have since found out that it does help tho in the approval process.
   — Delores S.

December 4, 2002
YOU MAY HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT, BUT IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH YOU CAN GET APPROVED. MY BMI WAS BARELY A 35 WHEN I STARTED LOOKING INTO THIS AND MY SURGERY IS NEXT TUESDAY!
   — Karen W.

December 5, 2002
Sorry, I missed that you have high cholesterol. That might get your surgery covered. It's a big plus anyway. Good Luck
   — Delores S.

December 5, 2002
Re your gallbladder: All three of the "big" bariatric surgeons in my area routinely remove the gallbladder when doing gastric bypass, the reason being that so many people have gall bladder problems after bariatric surgery and end up having to have it removed anyway. Regarding your BMI and co-morbidities, 35 is the absolute lowest you can have and still qualify WITH co-morbs and, other than the high cholesterol, you'd have to demonstrate that the knee and ankle pain have a diagnosis. Have you seen an orthopedist? Just a suggestion, as you'll want as many medical sources as possible to say you need the surgery.
   — Arlene S.