Dunatl

Had my Band install by Dr. Huacuz on Oct 21st ,2005. Have lost 100 lbs. My experience was excellent and would recommend him to anyone.

Does anyone know the typical symtoms related to Band Erosion?

What are the symtoms related to ot leading up to Band Erosion?

I wander if this came off some stiff.

How do they do the test? Is it through analysis of your blood work?

Do you mean a Productive Burp by itself or a Productive Burp followed by a slime?

ANEWVUE - I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience but I can assure you that I am not receiving any compensation regarding my comments about Dr. Huacuz. My experience was absolutely wonderfull and I stand by my statement that I would highly recommend him to anyone.

dizfan - Great hearing from you. I'm scheduled to get my first fill from Dr Romero on Jan 5th. Do you know the amount of fill you received? Have you noticed any difference in restriction since you had the fill?

I was banded on October 21st and every thing was going super. Lost 42 pounds, scheduled to go for my first fill on Jan 6th, was able to eat anything. Then Friday night, I had a pork chop and I while I was eating it, a piece got stuck. Since then, I can drink liquids but I have a hard time keeping anything hard down without PBing. I figure one of three circumstances has occurred. 1. There is still blockage from the meat. 2. The area around the band has swollen 3. My band has slipped. Any thoughts or suggestions? Also, if my band has slipped how can I or the doctor tell and what is the procedure for correcting the problem when a patient has yet to get their first fill? Anyone who has gone through a similar experience, your thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sure there must of been a misunderstanding because I specifically ask Dr Huacuz the question about stitchs removal and he directly stated they should be taken out at 20 days post surgery. He did mention that if I choose, I could take them out myself. My experience with Dr. Huacuz and Dr. Romero has been nothing short of superior.

I was banded on October 21st and every thing was going super. Lost 42 pounds, schedule to go for my first fill on Jan 6th, was able to eat anything. Then Friday night, my wife made me a pork chop and I while I was eating it, a piece got stuck. Since then, I can drink liquids but I have a hard time keeping anything hard down without PBing. I figure one of three circumstances has occurred. 1. There is still blockage from the meat. 2. The area around the band has swollen 3. My band has slipped. Any thoughts or suggestions? Also, if my band has slipped how can I or the doctor tell and what is the procedure for correcting the problem when a patient has yet to get their first fill? Anyone who has gone through a similar experience, your thoughts and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

For those postes who suggest the INAMED bands distributed in Mexico are inferior to those distributed in the US. I just received the following e-mail from Don Mills who represents Inamed regarding this subject. Hello , There is no difference in the production of the LAP-BAND or the band itself between those used in the US and those used elsewhere in the world including Mexico. The are all made to the same high quality standards. There is one difference. Bands in the US have a larger port while the band used internationally use a smaller port. Functionally there is no difference. It is a matter of surgeon preference in the US. We do not know why a small percent of patients have their bands erode. I would be happy to discuss some thoughts on this if you care to call. It is true that patients banded in Mexico seem to have a higher percentage of issues with the band when compared to US patients. I am sure that this is due to less frequent follow-up care and motivation from a near by surgeon's office. Regards, Don Mills INAMED Health (800) 624-4261 x4546

Being from Atlanta, I went to my local doctor who is a general Internist take them out. I never even considered having Dr. Huacuz taking them out due to the distance involved. As a side not, my experience with Dr. Huacuz and his staff has been absolutely wonderfull.

La Madam - When you had the band removed, did you have the option of replacing it with a new one? If not, can you have one installed at a latter date or do you have to wait untill your BMI reaches a certain level?

Was there a reason why the Doctor could not install a new band or was it your choice?

I was banded in Mexico and would like to know if anyone knows any Doctors in the Atlanta area that will provide fills at a reasonable cost. I've found several Doctors that require upfront money in the range of $1500-$2000 which to me is excessive. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

edazul - Can you share with me the doctors name & number and which city in Texas they are located. Please let me know how your first fill went.

I have posed the quality issue of Inamed bands distributed in Mexico directly to Don Mills from Inamed. When he responds, I will post his respose.

Like wise, Dr. Huacuz performed my surgery and I would use him again in a heart beat. Both Dr. Huacuz and his assistant Dr. Romero are fabulous.

EDAZUL - Can you give me the Doctors name and number you found in Texas and do you know if they accept patients who were banded in Mexico?

I was banded by Dr. Huacuz on Oct 21st and would recommend him to anyone. I have nothing but praise for Dr. Huacuz and his entire staff.

I'm from Atlanta and scheduled to have surgery in Mexico October 21st. I'm trying to plan ahead for the fills. Unless I want to pay a $2000.00 consultation fee and then $500.00 for each fill, it looks like having fills in Mexico is the only viable options. If anyone has any other alternatives, I would love to hear from you.