comorbidities?

[millie26 1]

Is having high cholesterol levels considered having a comorbidity? If so, is it bad that I am hoping to have high cholesterol, since my BMI is 37? Apparently a BMI of 37 isnt enough on its own to be approved for lap band...

[TKW 501]

My only co-morb was high colesterol. I was approved withing 2 weeks, no other questions asked. My BMI was much higher than yours though.

[54Shirley 105]

How's your knees? Do they hurt you at times? Like if you were sitting for a while, and went to get up, and you find yourself rubbing those sore knees?

Just asking,,, because that is a comorbidity.

[millie26 1]

thanks for the help! Its not that I really want something to be wrong with me, I just really want to qualify for the surgery and Im not sure what types of things they consider while deciding whether or not to approve you. thanks again everyone

[Cocoabean 430]

Often your insurance will state what co-morbities they are looking for. Mine says: BMI between 35 and 40 with a co-morbid condition such as a life-threatening cardiopulmonary condition, severe or uncontrolled diabetes, or sleep apnea. The "such as" leaves a bit of negotiating room for other conditions.

Check with your insurance company and see what their requirements are.

[mkfearnow 0]

Just read about gastric plication. It's like a gastric sleeve, but uses stitches instead of cutting. Qualifies with a BMI of27!

[KeMiHaLo 0]

I am in the same boat as you...well...sort of. For my insurance to cover the surgery 100%, I have to have a BMI over 40 and one comorb. My BMI of just over 40 and when I was doing my at home sleep study, I PRAYED that I had sleep apnea, as I thought that would be the least severe of the comorbs. I havent got the results of my sleep study yet, so IDK if I qualify yet.

Of course you dont ACTUALLY want high cholesterol, but when you ave been dealing with weight issues your whole life, you just want a tool that is proven to aide you in getting back control of your life.

I TOTALLY understand.

[Cocoabean 430]

Just read about gastric plication. It's like a gastric sleeve, but uses stitches instead of cutting. Qualifies with a BMI of27!

Lap band has been FDA approved down to a BMI of 25 now. I believe this question was related to having insurance pay. A surgeon can place a band whenever he feels it is medically needed. Even for 'off label' use. IF the patient is willing to pay for it.

[mkfearnow 0]

Lap band has been FDA approved down to a BMI of 25 now. I believe this question was related to having insurance pay. A surgeon can place a band whenever he feels it is medically needed. Even for 'off label' use. IF the patient is willing to pay for it.

I understood the post just fine, thanks. Was trying to be supportive and offering more food for thought if there isn't a co-morbidity.