de-banded and feeling better!

the best me · March 18, 2006

There was a time, about three-and-a-half or four years ago or so, when Inamed...then BioEnterics...changed manufacturers for the port and there were lots of problems. I was never TOLD exactly what the situation involved, but I was able to figure out from observation that ports were being replaced, and the patients were not paying for the surgeon or replacement port. And I also noticed that patients were keeping track of mileage and even going for the port change-out to doctors who did not do the original band. There was even a Yahoo group for people with screwed-up LapBand ports.
But the problem went away, and I suspect, that in the then relatively early life of the band in the US, the problems were resolved without fanfare but with a confidentiality clause. Betcha!

When I had my surgery with Dr Kuri almost a year ago, there was a gal there getting her port replaced. From what I was told, she was the last of Kuri's patients with that model of port to finally fail and need replacing. For her, it was a matter of time, and the time had come. She flew out to TJ and had her port replaced the day I got my band. From what I understood (fresh out of surgery anyway) was the surgery didn't cost her a dime. Not sure about her airfare, but the port was taken care of. Dr Kuri knew it would happen, expected her, and took care of her. That made me feel good about my surgeon. I don't know what went on "behind the scenes" though with who pays for what...or what deals were made with Inamed? Anyhow, this gal had been banded for several years and looked GREAT! BTW. so I'm assuming she's one of the "group" you are referring to, GeezerSue.

DeLarla · March 28, 2006

I guess the difference between having the band removed before it gets eroded makes a hell-of-a difference than after erosion. I was eroded, and band removal and stomach repair was awful. I'm so glad you're back to normal!