As with any health or wellness issue, the relationship you have with
your doctor is of utmost importance. The The gastric banding procedure is
a surgical procedure and your surgeon must be qualified to perform the
operation. Not all doctors are surgeons. Your family doctor may
recommend a surgeon. In any case, you will want to do your own
research to find out about the surgeon and meet him or her personally
to find out how comfortable you are with them — their credentials,
their experience, their personality, their long-term commitment to
your ongoing health, etc.
Ask these questions:
- Do you have a comprehensive preoperative criteria?
- Do you have a comprehensive postoperative program?
- Do you emphasize long-term care and goals? If so, how?
- Are you a member of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery or Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons?
- Do you have support for nutritional and exercise counseling, psychological counseling, general medicine and radiological support personnel?
- How long have you been performing laparoscopic surgery?
- How long have you been performing laparoscopic gastric band surgery?
About Richard S. Wilkenfeld MD
I haven’t always lived in the beautiful Woodlands area but I’m certainly
glad I found this beautiful place!
I began my residency in 1977 after receiving my Medical Degree from
the University of Louvain in Belgium. I left Belgium for St. John’s
Hospital in Detroit, Michigan where I completed my residency. From
here, I was fortunate enough to discover Houston and the very talented
and famous Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. From him I studied vascular
surgery and completed a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, right
here in Houston.
I moved to Montgomery County in 1983 and established my own
practice. I’m proud to say that I was the very first general surgeon in
Montgomery County to perform laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. I
was very enthused and supportive of the laparoscopic technique and I
learned all I could. I knew this would be a much better way to help heal
people. It’s so much less stressful on the body. Over the years, I’ve
performed thousands of laparoscopic surgeries and hundreds of
adjustable gastric banding procedures, helping people reach their goals
and lead happier, healthier lives. You cannot imagine how good it feels
to see the hope and gladness come back into the life of another human
being. I am honored and grateful for every opportunity I get.
Throughout my career I’ve been active in the medical
community:
- founded several programs and several outpatient centers in Montgomery County
- serve and chaired many committees — I’ve also served as Chief of Staff and Chairman of hospitals and surgery centers
- numerous honors — I’m especially proud of being named Physician of the Year from the Montgomery County American Cancer Society
My training is ongoing and I’m blessed to have access to the best methods, experts, technology and tools:
- Fellowship in Bariatric Surgery — University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas
- Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston (Conroe Family Practice Residency)
I am a member of:
- Texas Medical Association
- American Society for Bariartric Surgery
- Texas Association of Bariatric Surgeons
Our laparoscopic gastric banding practice
We’ve been working with our Woodlands neighbors to help them
manage their weight and live healthy lifestyles. As the Woodlands and
Montgomery County have grown, so has our practice.
Our staff is world-class. Our culture is one of caring, empathy,
education and results. Our focus is on long-term. This is one of the
main reasons we prefer the laparoscopic lap band procedure to other
surgical weight loss procedures. It is more of a natural process for your
body. There is little trauma and the weight loss is gradual and healthy.
Our Tru You aftercare program is something we are very proud of. We
take great care to ensure that your entire experience with the
laparoscopic gastric band procedure is successful... from day one to
day 1001 and beyond. We attract the best patients. You will be among
the most motivated, happiest, results-driven individuals who are on
the same path as you. Our aftercare program is designed to teach as
well as encourage.
You are among friends and neighbors when you come under our care.
Call us today for an appointment or visit with us at one of our free
Woodlands seminars:
Reserve your place at an upcoming Woodlands seminar>
Call us for an appointment: 936-441-3133 |
