My name is Jessica, and I am planning on having the sleeve done by Dr Chua in Milwaukee WI. My first visit with the surgeon was in July, but couldn't get started with the nutritionist until early September. I have now had 4 nutrition visits with the follow ups with GP. My BMI is 54, and my insurance requires a co morbidity.... However, I don't have one of the major ones.... Insurance also denied a sleep study because I don't meet all of the criteria. Somewhat frustrated and unsure if insurance will approve surgery. In the meantime I have lost 15 lbs since I saw the surgeon.

Good morning. What insurance do you have? I thought that usually insurance will require a co morbidity if your BMI is under a certain number like 40 (mine does). Check to make sure that's the case because I thought the same thing.

Good luck on your journey and congrats on your loss thus far!

Edited December 18, 201411 yr by laurenella82

I have Molina healthcare (obamacare) in WI

That's odd. I would definitely look into it. I've only heard of the comorbidity requirement with a 40 or less BMI as well.

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. The list is from the National Istitute of Health, a government agency www.nih.gov. Maybe this will help if your insurance is really pushing for co-morbidities. Mine (BCBS Federal Employee) only required co-morbids if the BMI is under 40.

• 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
  

Thank you for that information about the co morbidities. I will also discuss these with my Dr. So that the ones I experience are documented. This has been very helpful.