Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Highly Recommend Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy



Recommended Posts

I've been on the road to revision from Band to RNY since October 2015. It's a loooong story. Here are the best parts:

After finally qualifying with my surgeon for revision surgery in November 2016, I was denied coverage by my insurance carrier (BCBS IL) on 11/30/2016. My surgeon did a peer-to-peer review on 2/1/2017 which was denied as well. Since I only had 180 days from the original denial to file an appeal, I knew I had to do something drastic. In April I hired Kelley & Walter Lindstrom from the LINDSTROM OBESITY ADVOCACY group. They're lawyers who have specialized in WLS appeals.

From April to June we had to go through a 2nd level of appeals which was again denied. At the end of July, my case finally went to an external review board. I received my official approval on September 1st, 2017!!

Throughout this whole process, Kelley has stayed in close contact - keeping me apprised of each step and calming my fears. When I first applied to them she told me they would only accept my case if they thought they could make a difference. Both her and her husband were so helpful and caring. They have a real passion for helping people get the WLS they need.

If you're having issues with your insurance company, please consider them. I think you'll be very happy with the results!

http://wlsappeals.com/

https://www.facebook.com/LindstromObesityAdvocacy/

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've been on the road to revision from Band to RNY since October 2015. It's a loooong story. Here are the best parts:
After finally qualifying with my surgeon for revision surgery in November 2016, I was denied coverage by my insurance carrier (BCBS IL) on 11/30/2016. My surgeon did a peer-to-peer review on 2/1/2017 which was denied as well. Since I only had 180 days from the original denial to file an appeal, I knew I had to do something drastic. In April I hired Kelley & Walter Lindstrom from the LINDSTROM OBESITY ADVOCACY group. They're lawyers who have specialized in WLS appeals.
From April to June we had to go through a 2nd level of appeals which was again denied. At the end of July, my case finally went to an external review board. I received my official approval on September 1st, 2017!!
Throughout this whole process, Kelley has stayed in close contact - keeping me apprised of each step and calming my fears. When I first applied to them she told me they would only accept my case if they thought they could make a difference. Both her and her husband were so helpful and caring. They have a real passion for helping people get the WLS they need.
If you're having issues with your insurance company, please consider them. I think you'll be very happy with the results!
http://wlsappeals.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LindstromObesityAdvocacy/


They helped me years ago when I was denied my band. They're great.


Band to SIPS/SA-DI/LOOP DS 8.8.17
HT: 5'6ish HW: 242 SW: 226 CW: 206 GW: Healthy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't know they were still around! I too have BCBS IL. I had lap band removed in July. Now going through process for RNY surgery. My doctor didn't want to do it at the same time. Hoping I don't have an issue getting approved but if I do I may hire them! May I ask how much they charge? Thanks! Did you get your surgery date? Good luck to you, what a long process you have been through!


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

31 minutes ago, sundevilde said:

I didn't know they were still around! I too have BCBS IL. I had lap band removed in July. Now going through process for RNY surgery. My doctor didn't want to do it at the same time. Hoping I don't have an issue getting approved but if I do I may hire them! May I ask how much they charge? Thanks! Did you get your surgery date? Good luck to you, what a long process you have been through!

Hello there! They have a couple of rates depending on how quickly you need something done. I can tell you what they quoted me but can't guarantee the rates will stay the same. To me it was completely worth it to get the Insurance company to pay. It was $900 for regular service (which covers going through all internal appeals with an insurance company and any external reviews) and $1200 for expedited service (which I needed because I was close to the end of my 180 day appeal period).

Again, HIGHLY recommend!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×