Dr. Huacuz...but not through Molding Clinic

DEEtermined · July 16, 2005

I am looking for any information and/or experiences that anyone has had with Dr. Huacuz. I am looking into going through his own surgical center (not through the Molding Clinic). I have seen a few posts on him but would love any additional information. THANKS!!

franp · July 17, 2005

I had the band done by Huacuz at the Molding Clinic on 7/4. The surgery was done late that evening. The next morning I could not keep anything down. Betancourt sent me to the hotel that afternoon, but was back at the clinic that same night for more IV's. I was at the clinic until Friday then back to the hotel. I finally flew home on Sunday still unable to keep even Water down. I was told that my stomach and esophagus was enlarged and it may take a few days for the swelling to go down. By Tuesday I was vomiting blood. I was in the emergency room on Wed morning and had to have emergency surgery to remove the band. When the fluro and x-rays were done, my band had been placed in the wrong position. It was in the mid section of my stomach. When Fluid had gone into the stomach, it caused the stomach to twist and was totally constricted. Huacuz had used only one stitch to hold the band. The stitch slipped causing a hole in my stomach. I almost died.Huacuz advertises he is Inamed certified. I found out he is not. The bands that are being used are bands that are not used in America any longer because of a problem with the port leaking. I spoke with Betancourt and asked for a refund. Not a chance! He told me that Huacuz would not refund any money because Inamed would not send him any more bands. There is a lot going on in TJ because of all of this. PLEASE find a reputable doctor and clinic. There are doctors in MX who are certified with Inamed. You may spend a couple of grand more, but believe me, it is worth it! I wish that I had.

DEEtermined · July 17, 2005

Thanks franp for the honest information. I am so sorry to hear about all the trouble you are having... I actually have seen lots of negative things on The Molding Clinic but nothing negative towards Dr. Huacuz until today. How did you go about finding out if he was Inamed certified? I contacted them through their website but have not heard anything back yet. Thanks again and good luck to you!!

July 18, 2005

I was banded the day after fran I was lucky enought to meet her. I also got sick but nothing like fran. Fran I am so happy you are home and doing better but I am so so sorry you had to have your band removed. Please everyone do your research before you go to Mexico for a band. I wish I would have. After you get your band no matter what the out come is they are done with you. The dont care what happens to you all they want is the money. This is very Clear with what has happened to fran.

DEEtermined · July 18, 2005

Thanks so much Cheryl and Fran for your information on Dr. Huacuz. I am now thinking (again) of looking a little closer to home for my surgery. I will still be self pay but hopefully since I won't have to mess with insurance it will go quicker...time will tell.

Thanks again!!

DeLarla · July 19, 2005

I had some negative TJ experiences as well, and my heart breaks for anyone that loses their band. I still have my band, but I don't have a port (thanks to Mexican doctors I've had two ports removed.)

Good luck to you, and thank you for posting your experience to warn others against the dangers that can take place. Good luck.