what are some co-morbidities besides sleep apnea,diabetes,heart disease.I have knee and back pain,history of depression due to bipolar disorded,

age-37

bmi-40.3

weight-248

waiting patiently for first seminar on May 12,2010

Hi there. My understanding is that at 40.0 BMI and higher, co-morbidities are not required to qualify for banding. I'm at about 37.5% right now and am actually hoping to test positive for one of the less serious co-morbidities so that I can qualify. I was told that if I were at 40% I would be immediately approved no questions asked. Maybe it varies by state or insurance carrier, I don't know. One thing is for sure, if I don't lose weight and get in shape I will almost certainly develop "co-morbidities" given my family history. Sadly they don't consider family history when determining eligibility. :thumbdown:

Osteoarthritis, maybe acid reflux?

PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS) counted as one for me, as well as being borderline diabetic (another symptom of PCOS).

If you have ANY family history of weight-related health problems, make sure your Dr puts it down in the paperwork he sends to insurance. Mine put down my dad's diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which helped form my "case" for surgery.

My starting BMI was 38.5. Years of acid reflux (GERD) and a sleep study which said I had very mild sleep apnea got me approved on the first try. But no co-morbities are necessary for approval if you're over 40. With my insurance at least.

High Blood Pressure, Hypertension