I am just below the weight requirements, and don't have diabetes or sleep apnea. Yet i have arthritis in my back, a thyroid problem and my weight just keeps going up and up. Help how do I get approved I want it done yesterday!

You should call your insurance company and see what they require. Some insurance companies count arthritis and thyroid problems as co-morbidities. Which means that even with a low BMI you may still qualify because of those things.

Find out which of these common bariatric co-morbidities that your insurance may cover. I never wish for anyone to be sick, but I guess here is where "the more, the merrier" comes into play. When it was time for my bariatric team to submit my packet to my insurance, I had them include a letter I wrote explaining how my obesity was affecting my quality of life and reducing any chance I had at longevity.

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 in the immediate family

Wow what a list.

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