Question:
6 month supervised diets

i was told i only needed a medical neccesity letter and now they tell the surgeon i need 6 months consecutive. i am missing 2 months. should i hire Walter Lindstrom? i have arizona foundation ppo.what are the turnouts for him?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 17, 2006)

October 17, 2006
I think most insurances now require a 6 month monitored diet. I'm not positive about there but i live in pa and thats how they are here. They changed that about 3 years ago when the doctors started doing more and more of this type of surgery. You can call your insurance company yourself to find out what their criteria are. You might also have to do a psyche eval and a dietician consult. I did.
   — jan0859

October 17, 2006
It's just two months. Perhaps if you do the two extra months , it will get you approved hands down. I went thru the exact same thing in Michigan.I had to see a doctoer for 4 extra months. I took that time to mentally prepare myself. My letter was submitted to my insurance on Oct. 9th,06 and I was approved in 4 days. My surgery date is November 6th,06. At least if you give it two more months, you'll be past the holidays and can start the New Year on your journey. Good Luck.
   — purnellj

October 17, 2006
I was denied by my insurance company. I decided maybe I can do this on my own-wrong I gained even more weight. I went through the entire process all over again with even more co-morbidities than the first time they denied me. Luckily, for me I was working with the Barix Clinics and they forwarded my material to Walter and Kelly Lindstrom. When I spoke with them I advised that I still had the material from the first denial and forwarded that too them also. Within a matter of months I was approved and scheduled for surgery within the month. I have since lost 130 lbs and my life is totally changed for the better. You have nothing to lose by consulting with them. I would first try and see if you can work something out with your doctor and if you have additional co-morbities then go for it. I thank God everyday that they took my case and follow the rules when I think they can be broken for all that Walter and Kelly did for me.
   — 1968 Loser