TabathaPhillips

That was my response too..LOL.

I definitely did not wait 4 months. I was in the office, I believe within 6 weeks. The only requirement for fills, as far as time restraints, is that you have to wait 2 weeks in between fills.

I'm too chicken. Go to YouTube and type in Brazilian Way for the search. It will give you an idea of how uncomfortable they are.

Switching doctors will not look bad. The doctor is pushing her personal opinion upon you. It's not her decision. It's yours. If she does not want to help, there are plenty of doctors out there that will.

I've done great. 60 pounds and counting. I have had 3 fills so far. The hardest habit that I've had to break is eating too fast. I have had some difficulty with the protein shakes. They have started making me gag. I've had to be careful about choosing the right foods so that I can get the recommended amount of protein in per day.

Don't worry about him trying to make your life miserable. He can only do that if you allow. There are so many doctors out there now doing the procedure that you can choose any number of well qualified physicians. According to the state board of medical examiners (I work in the medical/dental professional), they have to release your records to you within a certain amount of time. They can not withhold your records at any time due to a balance on your account and they can not charge an excessive amount to make copies. They are very limited on what they can charge. Good luck!

Hi Lucy, Yvonne and Jennifer. I am in Conroe as well. Dr. Wilkenfeld did my surgery in June 07. It's one of the best things I have done. Good luck with your surgeries!

I would double check the 6 month diet plan because it usually has to be within either 2 or 3 years. I had my records from Weight Watcher's from 2 years prior so I didn't have to follow the 3 month preop course that the insurance company requested. I have herniated disks in my lumbar spine so I didn't have to do the exercise program either. My Chiropractor had records and I had MRI results so the insurance waived that as well. Peggy Rainey is a great dietitian. She's very knowledgeable but is difficult to reach sometimes.

Dr. Wilkenfeld did my surgery on 6/12/07. He's wonderful. His wife is the RN in the office and gives you her cell number for any and all questions that you have. She provides you with an email address as well. Most of his staff has had lap-band surgery as well so they are very sympathetic. Good Luck!

Congrats on the banding. I work for a dentist. You've been through the worst part. The rest will be easy. I agree with SFeiner. Ask for the gas. It works well!

My doctor said that the band is generally between the breast area. Was that where you were feeling? If I feel the lower left side of my abdomen, I can feel the actual port.

Are you using the carb control Slim Fast shakes? The regular ones are very high in carbs, which turn to sugar, etc, etc.