michellecoz

I had a horrible experience with Lap-band surgery! It almost cost me my life! It is not for everyone! I had nothing but infection after infection after i had it placed -the original incisions never healed! I ended up switching doctors after my surgeon left. Dr. Manuele-who was outstanding with my care, he saved my life! He removed my band in Novemeber of 2010 to discover erosion and a leak that was causing all of the problems he was trying to save my band with no avail! After several surgeries and wound vacs as well as losing my job due t the severe pain and discomfort i was in. we both agreed it was time to take it out. when it came out i ended up with many complications that almost cost me my life! I was in the hospital for almost a month then in and out of the hospital for several months. I underwent severe pain for several months was on very heavy duty pain medications. He then refered me to USC to a Dr. Peter Crookes who did an exploratory surgery (6 hours) to find more problems and infection caused by the erosion-He ended up cutting a portion of my stomach out along with cleaning up all the infection and excessive scar tissue caused by the errosion. He claimed that it was probably caused by a knick in my stomach by the surgeon during placement of the lap-band surgery. If I had it to do over again-I wouldnt-But if I were to recomend a surgeon it would definately be Dr. Manuele in the Visalia area or Dr. Crookes at USC. Dr. Manuele took on my Case after my surgeon Left the Area-she did not refer me-But Dr. manuele took on my complicated case when he didnt have too-He is an amazing Physician with a very caring attitude with an awesome bedside manner.He really cares about each and everyone of his patients!! It definately shows! He has taken good care of me for almost 3 years! Thanks for not giving up on me Dr. Manuele!!!