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A Los Angeles woman went down to Tijuana to get a lap band thinking she would save money and it nearly killed her. If you think going to Mexico is a good thing for you I beg you to watch this news segment on NBC Los Angeles. It's also on Telemundo. Dr. Carson Liu in Santa Monica got the referral about this woman who had the band literally sticking out of her abdomen after pressure from excessive vomiting due to severe infection caused it to burst outside. Dr. Liu is well known for his skill in not just placing Lap-Bands, the FDA approved version, but in fixing botched surgeries performed by other physicians. He saved her life and now has this important story for you. Beware and make smart decisions. Good luck to you. Dr. Liu sits on Allergan's board for approving physicians for the Lap-Band, is a former assoc. professor at UCLA and started their minimally invasive bariatric department before starting his own practice. He also has proper after care programs. http://www.drcarsonliu.com/

Dr. Liu has another procedure called the I band. It's amazing and worth your time to check it out.

Dr. Carson Liu in Santa Monica is working with a father and son who together have lost 260 Ibs. CNN was so impressed with the case they did this great story. Dr. Liu is that quality doctor you may be looking for. Going through this with family members is always a positive. He has another family of four going through it. Take a read: http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/14/health/father-son-bariatric-surgery/index.html?iphoneemail Dr. Liu's site: http://www.drcarsonliu.com/

Dr. Liu is on a roll. You have to see this CNN story with him. He's that quality doctor you are looking for: http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/14/health/father-son-bariatric-surgery/index.html?iphoneemail

Just be sure you don't suffer the plight of this poor woman. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/topic/147621-mexican-lap-band-gone-wrong/

Just thought I'd report that additional press have picked this story up and you will be seeing it in La Opinion newspaper soon. Here is a photo of the patient and Dr. Liu. She is doing great, and keeping the weight off. Dr. Liu's website is: www.DrCarsonLiu.com He is very generous with his time to help guide you. Certainly there are good doctors, but what has been learned here? The band is called an adjustable band for good reason. It needs adjusting from time to time, and also that band on this patient was not an FDA approved band. It cut into her stomach and nearly killed her. Buyer beware. And work with competent people. You'll need someone who can see you on an on-going basis.

Thanks Mis73. This is a "'buyer beware" issue and I can't think of anything someone should be the more aware about than one's own health. As was said in the segment, some docs are fine, but there are many issues that can go wrong and be wrong, so go down or go anywhere at your own risk. How can you be sure the band is not out of date, not FDA approved, or of the finest quality? It is your health/life. And when you come back, you still have to have a local doctor to you who will make the adjustments that having the band requires over time. And the best doctors have proper programs to help you stay on course after the surgery. Seeing this segment is just one more important topic to keep in mind. Knowledge is power. And knowing Dr. Liu is a bonus.