Question:
Looking for information regaring co-morbidities.

I have only recently heard of bariatric surgery, and am in the process doing research. My BMI is 42 (I'm 5'5", 245 lbs.)and I am physically very uncomforable in my body. I am tired all the time and my body aches constantly. I was diagnosed w/Poly-Cystic Ovarian (PCO)Disease several years ago, I have documented low-back problems/herniated disk/sciatica, I have been participating in a University of WI Medical School sleep study off and on for the past six years,that has documented I have sleep apnea (although not diagnosed by my doctor), I have severe heartburn daily, severe pain (arthritis?)in my hips and buttocks, and I wear medically prescribed orthodics due to problems with my feet. I also suffer from clinical depression (I'm currently on effexor). My first question is, do any of these qualify as co-morbidities? Also, I have an immediate family medical history of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and several types of heart disease. Does family history qualify as a co-morbidity? Does anyone have any idea what the standard list of co-morbidities is? Maybe I, or someone else reading this has a co-morbidity they haven't connected to their obesity. Once you've identified your co-morbidities, what then? What kind of documentation is usually acceptable? Will the university study that documented my sleep apnea fly? Or does all documentation have to come from a physician? Thanks in advance to all who provide ANY information!! This is a great website . . . I don't feel so all alone anymore.    — Gayle H. (posted on December 1, 1999)

December 1, 1999
Your question reads like a list of The Most Popular Co-morbidities. Wow. High BP; sleep apnea, as diagnosed at a clinic; documented back problems; shortness of breath; high cholesterol; gastric reflux; arthritits and the list goes on. The nice thing is, after WLS, you can simply sit down and check them off as they disappear.
   — vitalady

December 2, 1999
Most everything you mentioned is a comorbidity. There are other websites which list comorbidities. asbs.org gastricbypass.com duodenalswitch.com Family history is important but not a comorbidity per se. You might want to go into the question databank on this site and read all the questions and answers submited. There is so much information there. Good luck.
   — Fran B.