Question:
Aetna PPO question... Re: Comorbidity Issues

Hi! I have an appt. with my doctor this weds and at the Bariatric Treatment Ctr in Ypsilanti, MI this Thurs. When I talked with the BTC they told me to bring an 85.00 fee, I assume I have to pay this regardless of my Aetna PPO INS. ??? Also, I have very severe back pain due to a bulged disc which may be herniated by now and have been taking Vicodin pain pills for two years because my Dr. won't consider sending me to a back surgeon until I lose the weight. I can hardly get off the couch due to knee pain! I weigh 246 and my BMI is 41.1 Also I have been on antidepressants for the past ten years for severe depression. The woman at the BTC thought this would be good criteria for the surgery... I've not read anything about lower back pain being a comorbidity... Has anyone heard of that or the depression being one? Thanks! Renee Please feel free to email me at [email protected]    — Renee D. (posted on February 20, 2001)

February 19, 2001
If you have severe back pain that cant be fixed til after you lose the weight, that would be considered a comorbidity. I have severe pain in my Groin /hip area that i have had for 2 years and i have also have been on major painkillers for 2 years. the pain isnt going to go away til i lose a good hundred pounds. the pain is so bad that I have to use cruthches to get around. at home i get around in a office chair. But anyway A rny surgeon that I saw at the Mayo Clinic in MN told me that is a BIG comorbidity, as is depression. I have been taking Serzone for 2 years for it.
   — C. L.

February 20, 2001
Hi renee! My Bmi is 43 with co-mor's of depression (1 yr on Zoloft) and back and knee pain but probably not to the degree you are experiencing. I also have Aetna PPO and was verbally approved within 2 days to my surgeon's office and received a written confirmation within days. I am scheduled for surgery April 2(no joke). My Dr office felt that aetna ppo has undergone a significant change in their policy since January probably due to the publication by ncd stating obesity is on the rise and considered epidemic and recommends surgery for BMI >40 with co morb.Goodluck!!!
   — Cara *.