Thank you for all of the wonderful information and insight. The more I think about it, the more I think that I'll start going to the meetings.  See ya there :-)

I do! I normally attend the first Tuesday (RNY- Dr. Akinson) group. If you haven't been, I think you should definately try. If nothing else, you've already paid for it. I know for a lot of Dr. Atkinson's patients, it feels like the same thing over and over, but I get to see people going through the same things as me, and talk about all the things that concern me, and especially things that I don't feel comfortable talking about with non-WLS friends. It is a good re-inforcement for me. It keeps me on track. But it does seem to be the same issues each month.   I also attend the third Monday (emotional) Group, which, for me, is much more useful. It has the issues that I really am strugging with. It's from 12-1 pm, so it can be difficult to get to.   Dr. Segura is intense, I didn't care for her direct approach the first time I went. I left thinking "where does she get off..." But I thought about what she said and she was right, I have value everything she has said, and I think it has been very helpful! It has been the single best thing I have done since having the surgery! It's a much smaller group normal under 10 people, where first Tuesday is anout 40-50.  I think the group meetings are as helpful as you make them, they are not a one-on-one with the doctor. It is free medical advice, if you are concerned about something, feel free to ask, if you just want to know what others are facing, this is wonderful. I really enjoy keeping intouch with people and seeing their changes as well cheering them through their troubles.  There are some annoying moments, but I think overall, it is well worth it! Hope to see you there! 

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Maleficent, that is such a beautiful photo of you and your daughter. I am very impressed with your attitude about using the pool. It is sad when people who love to swim and love the water stop doing it because of how they feel about their body.  Good for you. I am going to show your email to some members of my weight management group for inspiration. Good luck with your journey!

You are definitely not the only one that has problems with that office staff.  Yes, Dr. Fisher has retired, and I believe that Dr. Cottoman left the practice as well (or is leaving).  That may actually be part of the problem with the office staff. Absolutely, you are entitled to a copy of any and all of your medical records.  Some doctors require that you pay a fee for that service, but in the long run, it is worth it to have all of the information in your posession.  Just call them and tell them you want a copy of your "complete file".  Some offices require that you pick it up in person with a photo ID (because of privacy concerns), but others will mail or fax them to you at your request.  It should only take a day or two for them to make your copies available to you. Let me know if you have any other questions, Good Luck on Your Journey