Been denied. Anyone have experience with appeal letters?

So I've been denied on my first attempt. Read my profiles last update and you'll know on what basis. If you've appealed your denial I'd be interested to know both good and bad what your experience was with it. How you went about it and what you said differently to show the insurance medical directors that they should qualify you for the surgery. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Andre

I was denied with United Healthcare. Written exclusion. I put my surgery plans on hold for over a year. Then my hubby lost his job, got his company stock payment and viola I paid to have my lap band done. It cost me $12,900. I would of sold my firstborn...or maybe leased him out to have this surgery. Appeal, appeal, appeal. If there isn't a written exclusion for surgery, then don't take it sitting down. It's their job to turn you down. If you have the cash, about $1000, consider hiring Walter Lindstrom, the Obesity Lawyer. He's good, he's honest, and he completely understands what you are going thru. And he will tell you up front before you pay him if he can win your case. If you do decide to use an attorney, make sure you get him involved BEFORE you exhaust all your appeal options. Good luck. Tammy