This is my response to another poster's concern about co-morbidities. I thought it would be helpful to post it here as a separate post.

Here is a complete list of co-morbidities that insurance companies use in evaluating your case. I got it from

dsfacts.com. DS stands for duodenal switch. Hope this helps. Maybe you will find some you see as familiar. I also provided a heartfelt letter for my packet, which explained why I need the surgery and how my weight and co-morbities were degrading my quality of life.

In that letter, I explained when I started gaining weight and listed the diets and exercise programs that have failed me.

I told them about family members who have died of conditions on the co-morbities list.

I included a list of the medications I am taking for conditions related to my obesity.

I shared info about surgeries and joint replacements and other treatments necessary because of my weight.

I told them about inconveniences and the adjustments I have had to make to function throughout my day, and how how the weight itself prevents me from an effective and agressive exercise program.

Then I closed the letter by explaining how the surgery would drastically improve my quality of life, and thanking them in advance for approving the surgery which would surely extend my life and reduce the need critical medical care in the future.

When composing any good presentation, follow these 3 rules:

1. Tell them what you are going to tell them.

2. Tell them.

3. Tell them what you told them.

Good luck.

Obesity Comorbidities

To follow is a list of comorbidities (additional conditions or diseases) related to obesity which may help you in qualifying for weight loss surgery.

• Family history of heart disease
• Family history of stroke
• Family history of diabetes
• Family history of heart attacks
• Hyperinsulinemia
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Coronary-artery disease
• Hypertension
• Migraines or headaches directly related to obesity or cranial hypertension
• Congestive heart failure
• Neoplasia
• Dyslipidemia
• Anemia
• Gallbladder disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative arthritis
• Degenerative disc
• Degenerative joint disease
• Recommended joint replacement from specialist
• Accelerated degenerative joint disease
• Asthma
• Repeated pneumonia
• Repeated pleurisy
• Repeated bronchitis
• Lung restriction
• Gastroesophageal reflex (GERD)
• Excess facial & body hair (Hirsutism)
• Rashes
• Chronic skin infections
• Excess sweating
• Frequent yeast infections
• Urinary stress incontinence
• Menstrual irregularity
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Polycystic ovaries
• Infertility
• Carcinoma (breast, colon, uterine cancer)
• sleep apnea
• Pseudotumor cerebri
• Depression
• Psychological/sexual dysfunction
• Social discrimination
• Premature death

For more information on the NIH qualifications for weight loss surgery:
Gastrointestinal surgery for severe obesity. Proceedings of a National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference, March 25-27, 1991.

complete list of co-morbidities that insurance companies use in evaluating your case.

Miss Mac

girlfriend you are aces

you took the time to look up all this good info

then typed it out for smart people hoping to be covered by insurance

you've lost 51 lbs!!!

not surprised though

anyone as nice as you can't help but be successful

keep up the good work

kathy

congrats

Edited March 3, 201412 yr by proudgrammy