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Dr. Richard Wilkenfeld - Office staff is TERRIBLE. Find another location.



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Dr Wilkenfeld is alright, but his staff is the WORST! I had two appointments with Tina (pre-op and post-op) she was 1.5 hours late for the first one because they had to call her in and let her know she was seeing patients that day. She didn't show up at all for the 2nd appointment for the same reason and I had one of the office staff conduct my appointment. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL.

I paid cash for my procedure, but I also provided all my insurance information, as requested, FOUR times (3 times to Dr. W and once to the surgical center). I was assured that if they discovered and repaired a hernia, that my insurance may be billed for that particular procedure, but that I would not incur any additional charges. So why do I keep receiving invoices for $700 and $500 from the anesthesiologist and surgical center?? When I call Dr. Wilkenfeld's office, they just take messages for "Betty" who never returns my calls.

Choosing a surgeon is a big part of having this surgery, but the office staff is what makes a good doctor a great doctor and it's what we, as patients, will remember most. Get it fixed, Dr. W, or you will lose the confidence of your patients and potential new patients. I know I have already advised people against having the procedure at your location.

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I hate to hear that you have had such a bad experience with Dr Wilkenfeld's office. He is my doctor and I have had an excellent experience with him and his office. Betty is usually very helpful and has helped me through some blood work issues with LOTS of calls back and forth! I hope your experience improves! Good luck!

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Hey I hate that you had a bad experience with his staff but I thought his staff was very friendly Dr. Wilkenfield is a bit on the quiet side but so far I am happy with him as my sergon. I am 7 days post op and so far so good :)

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I agree, I went to Dr. W. I didnt have trouble with the waiting however His wife that assists him chastizes you when you mess up a little...she doesnt seem to understand how difficult the process is..so I havent been back. Now im looking for another Dr. That will work with you instead of making you feel like you have been spanked every time you have an appointment..Does anyone know of another Dr. In the area?

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Yes I agree, his staff definitely are not the brightest, with the exception of the older nurse who is banded herself. She is a total sweetheart! Great motivator!

The office staff have been very rude from the get go.. Such a shame cause he's an excellent surgeon. I'm going for my post op visit this week, and if the office women talk down on me as they have through out the process, I will express my concerns and ask for his recommendation on another Doctor cause I won't tolerate the b****iness any more! Just cause I am overweight doestnt mean I don't have a heart or feelings.

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I am using Dr. Wilkenfeld also. I haven't had any problem so far with the office staff. They have been very helpful. They sent me to be checked for a hiatal hernia since my insurance wouldn't pay for lapband surgery. They have answered all my questions. You are right about the doctor though. He is pretty quiet, but he was very nice. I just hope my experience continues to be good after my surgery.

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I am also using Dr.Wilkenfeld. I do not have anything negative to say about his office yet. I go for my first appointment in two days. I will update later :)

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You won't have any problems until after your surgery, then you will stop receiving courteous treatment or help.

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    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
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    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
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      1. This update has no replies.
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