hey everyone! i'm currently living in pa and looking into getting banded. i'll eventually be moving down to the wilmington area in the next few years. does anyone know of a doctor that would do fills on someone they didn't band? thanks

Hi Trish, I live in Jacksonville which is 45 min from Wilmington I literally went through the phone book of all bariatric drs in Wilmington, Jax, and Greenville seeking dr's that would fill. There was one in Wilmington who said that they did accept patients that they didnt band but at the time I called (6 months ago) they were not accepting new patients. I was banded in Mexico and could not find another local one that would accept patients that were banded out of the US. I use US FillCenter and drive 5 hours for my fill in Huntersville and Denver. I make it a day trip with some shopping and a good fill. It doesnt bother me to drive that far because I know its worth it. I make my appt early in the morning so I can have fun and get back before it gets dark. Hope this has helped

thanks so much for all the info! yeah, i don't mind driving a few hours but it would be nice to not have to. thanks again!

Hi I believe that Dr, Voellinger in Charlotte is now filling MX bandsters.

It's not 5 hours away so you may want to consider looking into him.

Since he is my Dr let me know if you'd his address and phone #, I'd be more than happy to help you.

I would love the information! If you don't mind me asking, how much does he charge for a fill? Thanks for info

Hi fellow N.C.ers! I've got so many questions my head is spinning. I'm trying to weigh all my options. I'm in process of getting a job as a state employee and hopefully it will be soon. I am currently being tested and having physicals required for the job process. So although it looks like the job is in the bag, I'm not on the payroll yet. Before all this came about, I was contemplating going to Mexico for the surgery.Now that this job is on the horizon, I may take the insurance route. The only thing about that is the anexiety of all I may have to go through with the ins. co. : diet documentation, testing etc. I've read so many post from people that have problems and delays from ins, so much so that it makes the Mexico deal seem more appealing. However, if I go with the Mexico, then theres the aftercare delimas. Bottom line is I'm as ready as I'll ever be physically and emotionally right now. I have been sorting all that out a long time. My biggest delima is that I want to do something within the next few months. I struggle with weight gain, it is hard just to maintain and not gain. I want to do something before they have to make my back door bigger so I can get out and go anywhere for surgery. Yes, that is an exaggeration of the situation, but that is how urgent it feels to me. Anyone with any advice or information would be greatly appreciated. thanks for reading and Happy New Year to all.....and God Bless

There are 2 surgeons in Wilmington, NC that do lap bands but I don't know their policy on filling pts they didn't band....Drs Harris and MIles.

I was banded in Mexico in Oct 07. I was unable to find ANY doc near Jacksonville who would fill a patient they hadn't banded. I also go to Denver, NC for my fills. I always spend the night in case I am too full. I don't want to have to drive back the next day. Never happened, but better safe than sorry. I knew this before I was banded, so I was prepared. But I do wish I could find a fill doc closer. I have had 3 fills and still have pretty good restriction, but I think I could use a tweak. Not gonna spend the money for the trip OR the fill for just a tweak, however. My DH is going through the process to have Medicare pay for his band at Pitt Memorial. Two hours from home for his fills, but better than 5 or 6.

There are 2 surgeons in Wilmington, NC that do lap bands but I don't know their policy on filling pts they didn't band....Drs Harris and MIles.

Do you live in the wilmington,nc area?