Gitana

Lola.. Im so happy for you- YOU GO GIRL.. 10 pounds is TEN POUNDS honey so celebrate! :uwelcome: And take those before pictures, I know theyre painful to take now but you will be so amazed later and proud of yourself! And its true Dr Huacuz is one of the best isnt he? Very inexpensive and easy on the eyes to boot ladies I tell ya what! lol.. Wishing you all the best of success! Gitana Gitanav@hotmail.com

Heya.. I've had my lapband done by Dr Huacuz in TJ and as far as I know he's still the most competetively priced. I only mentioned it because I was a self pay also and understand how important the money was to us. Anyway I know it doesnt help because it isnt about either of your Drs but Im about 8 months out, and 90 lbs down.. If you want to know more about the Dr ask around or email me. But either way, do it! Youll wonder why you waited so long! Best of luck to you! gitanav@hotmail.com g

Hello again and long time no talk fellow Bandsters! And of course all you Bandster wanna be's! I was banded 4/2/05 just about 8 months ago.. Dr Huacuz performed the surgery as well as a subsequent gallbladder surgery. My overall impression of the doctor was phenomenal really. Great bedside manner, the kind we're just not used to here in the states. I wont ramble on about his care as I've stated it was unparalleled and I would and have recommend him and his services to anyone considering the procedures offered. I've sent family and close friends alike to him and they're experiences have all mirrored my own - fabulous!! If youre considering the surgery - DO IT! You will ask yourself after you've had it why you waited so long. Dont put your lives on hold because of fear or the slander of others, do your research contact some of his patients and ask questions.. BUT DO IT.. Youre worth it, the quality of life that I am currently experiencing is out of this world, I havent been this thin or this healthy since I was in high school, I've lost over 80 pounds and Im currently a size 8.. A SIZE 8! Surely most of you dont know me but I can tell you that a size 8 for me is nothing short of a miracle.. Sisters! Brothers! You can do it - you should do it - Just do it!! I am more than willing to answer any questions and or share pics with anyone considering the surgery..feel free to email me at Gitanav@hotmail.com.. The Best of Luck to you ALL~ g

ok... i feel sheepish, the first message didnt seem to take, and now i see apparently it did.. agh. anyway you guys get the point.. atta girl miss g

Missy, Congratulations and *high five to you sister! Im happy you had a great experience and I was certain youd love Dr Huacuz, hes wonderful! Keep us posted on you becoming the Big Loser you will become!!! best wishes, g

Missy! You did it *high five to you sis! Congratulations and keep us posted on your becoming a BIG Loser! g

Wow... you ladies have heated it up in here!! I just would like to take this moment to officially "come out of the closet" and say I am "Grace" the person Gina was referring to in her oh so passionate posts (i love ya G). But its true I was in a panic after hearing what Fran had said about our bands being discontinued and whatever else. I called Don also and he said she was up in the night, the bands werent discontinued or different in anyway. Huge relief. He also added that there did seem to be some vendetta against Dr Huacuz at the time. I just have one question I guess Ive missed something.. Dr Grossberg was a patient of Dr Ortiz? Or is mentioned in some book that Ortiz wrote as a colleague? THAT in itself should speak volumes or atleast give rise to question regarding hidden agendas. I feel bad for Fran, I cant even imagine having to go through all that BS seriously. And then to be used as a ploy agh I cant even imagine.. I would imagine I would feel very angry, confused and used. Not to mention that shes got to start all over again while everyone else is losing the weight and having their lives start anew she's got to have surgery again. If she choses to have it again. Wow.. WOW. Im not offended by opinions, everyones got them like something else we all share. Sometimes we've got to realize that just like that other thing we share, sometimes they stink and should be kept to ourselves.. Im here for support and to give support. If youve got it, give it if you need it let me know and Ill do my best for ya! keep the peace ladies.. g

Ok.. heres a little tidbit I had forgot to add in my long drawn out posts.. lol When I initially started researching for my lapband, and had contacted Andres Betancourt at Molding Clinic I was told another doctor, Im trying to think of his name... would be the operating surgeon. About a month later Dr Huacuz was thrown in to the mix. I was told that because of differences, personality or otherwise that the other doctor wasnt operating anymore at the clinic. I thought this was interesting at the time but opted to go with Dr Huacuz anyhow because of his experience, credentials, etc. My point I guess is that apparently this isnt the first time that "professional or personality differences" have occured where a doctor has decided to stop operating with Andres acting as coordinator. Anyhow, just food for thought I suppose. And to anyone interested, I dont recieve free fills, or any other type of free services for my testimonies or opinions. Dr Huacuz does offer a discount on any related services after youve had initial surgery with him. But most do, Im still a ways away from thinking about cosmetic surgery but will I use him when the time comes? For sure.. Oh and to the comment made that some people have decided to go with Dr Huacuz because he is attractive I would say thats the most idiotic reason to chose any particular doctor, true he is attractive and he is cheap but Im not familiar with anyone chosing him for that particular reason. Are you kidding me here? Wow.. Brad Pitts a hunk but I wouldnt trust him with my life. We're all a bit smarter than that- I would hope! lol -45 pounds and going strong.. Gitana

Fran, I am also sorry that you had to go through such a bad experience. Really does not sound like a great time and Im sure if I had the same experience with a doctor I might be discouraged and want to speak out also. I can however appreciate the manner in which you have done so. There are many of us, like youve said and that have posted and are extremely happy with Dr Huacuz and his services and I believe its VITAL that you pointed that out. I have had two surgeries from Dr Huacuz because I have that much confidence in him. And I have referred friends and my family to him and they have all been quite satisfied and had no complications, any of them. I wouldnt presume to know what happened in your case. But I do believe that when it comes to medicine and surgery in general you take your chances, for whatever reason the band didnt work for you. I wish you the best and hope for a full recovery for you. One last thing that I do find incredibly interesting is that the doctor whom removed your band, Dr Grossberg was trained or is associated with Dr Ortiz who is as we all know a surgeon practicing in Tijuana Mexico, performing the same operations. I work in a hospital and understand that doctors are a very close knit group, its a brotherhood and a kinship. I dont find its a huge coincidence that these same doctors are in same city, competing for the same patients. Many of us have contacted Inamed and spoken with Mr Mills as a preliminary step to the operation. We do it to inform ourselves. The fact that there would be another complaint regarding any particular doctor or clinic shouldnt be suprising people, come on. Im sure the next question asked was, well what about the rest of the surgeons in Mexico, do they have any complaints? How many of our general physicians here in the United States do you figure have "complaints" against them? Why do you suppose our insurance premiums are as high as they are? Because we as a people love to complain, we live in a country where frivolous lawsuits are the norm and people become filthy rich off of getting burned by a cup of coffee.. But I will stand up for what I believe in and this is a doctor with whom I have trusted my life with twice, my mother, my cousin and various friends lives with and would do so again in a minute. Every day myself and others like me as youve seen today consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have found this particular surgeon, Huacuz has made the biggest impact in my life. I am living life again, comfortably and without pain, so yes I am grateful to him. I am honestly sorry for your experience and I dont mean to belittle it in the least. This is not my intention so please dont take offense. You have every right in the world to voice your opinion, please respect mine. Good luck Fran and God Bless. g

Notta problem! I know how hard it was for me initially and how much anxiety I had, but I feel youve really no need to worry this really is an exceptional doctor.. except for what youre going to do with all those "fat clothes"!! and lemme tell you how much fun that is! you know what missy, if youre interested in contacting me personally please do so, we can chat or you could even call me if you like k. gitanav@hotmail.com g

Shirley, You make a great point. Research and investigating is crucial. Its also important to mention that with any surgery with any surgeon minor or major complications can arise. I've got to stick to my guns here and say that I believe that rumors or gossip only succeed in frightening those who during this delicate time in their lives need all the support they can have instead of a downpour of negativity. Fact is Shirley, you and I were extremely lucky and apparently we are one of the many Huacuz success stories. You've lost 106 pounds?? Those results are amazing and should be commended. Its true we need to stick together and use our own experiences to help others, but heresay is just that heresay. I think you said it best when you said (regarding Dr Huacuz) "I love the man, he was great,kind and very understanding, also a great surgeon." I feel the same way. g

Missy, Dont be frightened hon, it simply isnt true. Dr Huacuz is and will continue using the Inamed bands. If youve any concerns or doubts, call or contact Inamed or the doctor himself. One thing I would like to mention though is that while a certain doctor might offer to use other bands, ie Johnson & Johnson, doesnt make that doctor any less credible. Alot of people opt for the different bands for different reasons, mainly financial and the majority have been pleased with the results. The fact that we're offered a choice is refreshing and accomodating to the patient. I chose the Inamed band, but my best friend actually has the Johnson & Johnson and is completely satisfied with it. Choice- a great thing - ok that sounds like a Pepsi commercial? lol.. you guys get my point. g