Question:
I went to my doctor today and asked her if she could write me a referral to see a

surgeon for gastric bypass...however, she said that she wouldn't because she does not feel that asthma is a comorbidity, as it is caused by an inflammation of the lungs, not obesity. I have others, yet she does not feel that they are "life-threatening." (Others include back and hip pain, feet and leg swelling...) i have a BMI of 40 and i am 124 lbs overweight and have tried EVERYTHING, and I mean EVERYTHING!!!!!! I am seeing a military doctor onbase and it is near impossible to switch primary care managers. In order to do anything in the system, you must have PCM approval. She absolutely will not do this and I was wondering if anyone ha any advice or medical sites I can browse to see if asthma is indeed worsened by obesity. Thank you!    — jenn_jenn (posted on April 29, 2002)

April 29, 2002
JENNIFER, GREAT NEWS!!!!!!! I JUST READ A PCP REFERRAL LETTER TO A INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE PATIENT HAD ASTHMA AS A COMORBIDITY. HER PROFILE IS Jeanne T AND HER E-MAIL IS [email protected] GOOD LUCK! J SMITH
   — J S.

April 29, 2002
I am not a doctor, and I have not had surgery YET! But my PCP says that even though asthma is not from Obesity, it does not help it either. This surgery won't make it go away, totally, but it will relieve the stress of your airways, because there won't be so much fat pushing on them. Also less exertion to just breathe. I noticed my asthma has gotten worse with each additional pound I have gained. My PCP put asthma down as a one of my comorbiditys. Along with a few others.
   — Moma V.

April 29, 2002
My asthma came on when I hit 200# going up. It vanished when I'd lost only 30# off my 262 top. If you asthma, chances are good you have sleep apnea or other lung problems. Sounds like she's just against or afraid of WLS.
   — vitalady

April 29, 2002
FIND A new doc, aSTHMA IN mo IS CAUSED LARGELY BY THE FAT RESTRICTING THE LUNGS FROM EXPANDING. lIKE KEEPING A BINDER ON THEM. Loosing the weight releases the pressure, and the asthma and ;ung inflammation goes away. This from her pulmonologist. Sure did for my wife, severe asthma, 3 bouts of pneamonia in a year. Now down 70 pounds she is active, asthma GONE!!!
   — bob-haller

April 30, 2002
I am a severe Asthmatic, and I will have to say that I agree with Bob. I have been Asthmatic all of my life, but it was not out of control until I gained a massive amount of weight. The difference is like night and day! There is NO doubt in my mind that weight will kill me due to my lung disease if I do not do something. My PCP told me clearly that the weight loss surgery would probably help my lungs for the very reasons Bob mentioned. My DR also mentioned my Asthma will be listed by him as a co morbidity. Maybe it all depends on the insurance company and what they accept as a co morb. I think your Dr may need to do a little more research on this subject. Good luck to you!
   — ScatCat

June 11, 2002
I just read your question today. This is the tri-care handbook online http://www.wpsic.com/tricare/handbook/part9.html Print out the part on WLS and show your doctor, ask to see a different doctor for a referal, or call Tri-care directly. DO NOT give up. The more informed you are and the more you push, the better chance you have. Good Luck.
   — Kimberly V.