Question:
I was wondering how long it normally takes for Walter Lindstrom to win a appeal?

Also how much he charges and if any won has lost an appeal with him? I was originally denied because I didn't show dedication to be able to lose weight and keep it off. I appealed and have now been denied because " Lack of commiment" again. They feel that because I lost weight and regained it that I am not committed.I am gommitted that is why I need this tool.... HELLO!!!! Sorry, I am just very angry right now. Any advice on if I should hire him or appeal on my own... prices etc.... would be great. Thanks    — Natalie J. (posted on October 9, 2003)

October 9, 2003
Mr. Lindstrom charges depend on what kind of an appeal you want him to do for you. If you e-mail him with the particulars of your denial, he will let you know if he can help you, how he can help you and what his charges are. If he feels he cannot help you with an appeal, he will also let you know. My husband and I hired him, but unfortunately, even though he put up a great fight for me, I was still denied due to an exclusion. They just would not budge!!! They don't see the difference between obesity and morbid obesity and it didn't matter that my doctor wrote a letter of medical necessity to them. However, that does not mean that he cannot help you. E-mail him and let him know why you were denied and he will contact you to advise if he can help or not. Good luck to you!!!!
   — Mari T.

October 9, 2003
I used Walter and Kelley Lindstrom when I was denied in May of this year. My medical insurance said they would pay my surgeon and my hospital insurance denied me b/c I did not diet for 6 months. The Lindstroms faxed a letter 3 weeks after I was denied and 3 days later I was approved. The Lindstroms have 3 different options to use. I would go on their website and email him to see if he will take your case. Obesitylaw.com Good luck
   — Lisa N.

October 9, 2003
Your sugeon should be able to provide all kinds of references that people who have not been successful at keeping the weight they lost off are exactly the ones who the surgery has worked well for. There was a reference in my preauth letter but I don't know where it is anymore. <p>It may be possible that in your eyes you do not qualify. You are a 39.1 BMI and I'm not sure if high blood pressure and newly diagnosed GERD qualifies you to be approved in the 35-39.9 BMI range. That may be the bigger issue. I think usually they are looking for the severe diabetes and sleep apnea to approve in that range, but I could be wrong.
   — zoedogcbr

October 10, 2003
It took Walter 7 months to win my appeal. He has two payment options, and I took the more expensive one because he would fight to the end, and was well worth the money.
   — Robin T.