I'm just starting my journey my BMI is 38 I called my surgeon today to schedule my first appt. and they stated that I need to have certain co-morbidities. My PCP told me that I have high blood preasure but he doesn't want to put me on medication

yet because he feels that the weight loss will cure it. I'm also a borderline diabetic, I have 2 herniated Discs in my back and two knees that I have surgery many times and that are not getting any better. Has any one else ran into the questions.

:help: Bill

Bill,

Sometimes Insurance Companies use co-morbidities (symptoms/diseases that are caused or aggravated by obesity) to justify approval for Weight Loss Surgery in those with a BMI under 40. (Especially those with BMI of 35 to 40).

I fell into that 35-to-40 BMI range before banding, but because of my long diet history (I even did Weight Watchers in grade school :cry ), I was approved without co-morbs.

Some common co-morbidities are:

• Diabetes or pre-diabetes (a demonstated history of blood sugar fluctuations)
  
• High Blood Pressure / Hypertension (whether or not it's controlled by meds)
  
• High Cholesterol (whether or not controlled by meds)
  
• Sleep Apnea (diagnosed after a Sleep Study, whether or not CPAP is used)
  
• Chiropractic disorders (herniated disks, spine misalignment, for example)
  
• Orthopedic disorders (knee/joint pain or arthritis from carrying excess weight)
  
• Hormonal issues (irregular testosterone in men; or gynecological issues or PCOS in women)
  
• GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) or severe Acid Reflux
  
• Podiatric issues (Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs, foot/heel pain)

All of these can be weight-influenced, and are often common justifications for approving bariatric surgery.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the answer I also have the Hormonal Issue that is in my chart from a Endocrinologist and I have had acid reflux for years. Again thanks for the advise and info.