I am considering so many things... here they are:

- use a lawyer to help with appeal with unsurance

- self pay with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver CO

- self pay with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana

I called the lawyer that posted on this site (Viscio) but have yet to heard back... not sure if I can take another disappointment in this process. Anyone use this lawyer or another lawyer with success?

Obesity Law and Advocacy Center

Thanks WHeetsin.. I submitted a request to them

Has anyone had any experience with using a lawyer? I would like to hear them.

I also used the Obesity law and Advocacy Center. It was the absolutely best thing I ever did. The lawyers are husband and wife, Walter and Kelly Linstrom. He became an advocate for the surgery when his own insurance turned him down. They fought my insurance,well actually they explained to my husbands company what it was all about and they changed their policy!! I was thrilled. I had the surgery and have lost just about 90 lbs, so far. They come highly recommended, and the price was unbelievable, not expensive at all.....They are in San Diego, I live in Rochester NY.

nice to hear about your experience.. hopeing to hear from them soon and also about some other success stories.

I feel so beat up, family is claiming to be "supportive" even though they disagree with surgery and just say I HAVE NOT TRIED HARD ENOUGH

I am exhausted and tired of figthting and battling for something I feel is right for me, why I am trying to convince everyone else?

I almost feel like if they are not with me then they are against me

I am considering so many things... here they are:

- use a lawyer to help with appeal with unsurance

- self pay with Dr. Kirshenbaum in Denver CO

- self pay with Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana

I called the lawyer that posted on this site (Viscio) but have yet to heard back... not sure if I can take another disappointment in this process. Anyone use this lawyer or another lawyer with success?

I also used Obesity Law and worked with Kelly. She was awsome and told me about a program where the makers of the Lap band would pay their lawyer fee. It worked although it was a long process. I was banded 03/20/08. Don't give up the fight.

Thanks WHeetsin.. I submitted a request to them

Has anyone had any experience with using a lawyer? I would like to hear them.

I am an attorney. I was scheduled for surgery on 7-14-08 and had started liquids. 5 days before my scheduled surgery date the insurance company denied my surgery. I appealed and sent them a letter. I used my letterhead and miraculously in 1 day I was approved. I firmly believe that is why I was approved so quickly. I am now scheduled for 8-11-08. I am however nervous about the surgery (even thought I had to fight for it).

Teri, surgery was nothing compaired to what I expected, it was a breeze. It gets tedious the following weeks when you have to consume only liquids and mushys. I had surgery in March so I have moved to solids. My husband grills THE BEST pork chops on the grill....and now I can't eat them because they get stuck. I have to chew, chew, chew, chew,...then chew some more! Not worth it. Don't sweat the surgery, you will not regret it.