This may sound strange but since I found out about my erosion it has gotten me thinking......

Almost all of the erosion cases I have heard about here and on other boards have all be from MX surgeons. There is something to be said about that. Could it be their technique in placing the band? Could it be the band itself? I know Inamed has a MX Inamed site with a MX distributor. Could they be made differently? Think about it ..all of the eroded bandsters here on LBt that I know of..Donali, Francesca, Karen, Catfanlover, myself and a few others I can not recall their names were all banded in Mexico. I even know of a few who are not on this board but were banded in MX and have had erosion. I can not recall one bandster that I know of who eroded and had surgery in the U.S.

Are there any bandsters here who have eroded that had surgery in the U.S. ? If so please post

I do have to say that I have noticed this. And to be honest, I am scared shitless! I am not at a point where I could be at peace. Losing my band would devastate me. I would lose it completely right now. But I am scared, scared, scared!!!!!!!!!

Scared here, too. The only reasoning that makes sense is that MX bandsters find out about MX docs on the boards, so they are tied into online support and that's what you see posting. US bandsters are not always on the boards...that makes no sense. We have a TON of US bandsters here. Is Inamed selling a substandard product to MX surgeons? Hmmmmm...

Also, I do know that Kuri used the Pars Flaccida Approach on me for my surgery. This is apparently the way US docs are trained now, it lessens the chances of slippage. Dr Pleatman explained it but I couldn't repeat it without looking it up. The technique seems to be up to par. Perhaps the product isn't.

Could it be that banding in Mexico began before it was approved in the U.S. So it's a length of time with the band issue?

I thought of the same thing after reading your post Michelle. I wonder on some of the other boards how many might be from US. This might be something to look into. It just makes me want to cry everytime I hear of someone who loses their band.

As you know I came on here dead set against being banded in Mexico. I still feel strongly that it isn't what I want, but everything here is beginning to take it's toll on me.

I do know one thing. The lap bands used in Mexico are not FDA approved. I learned that from my own dr. who has researched it.

Now, once again I'm rethinking my options, but they seem so limited. I'm glad you posted this though. I was thinking of Dr. Rumbolt in Mexico and talked to his person here in the states. She has been banded for 5 years with no problem, but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot that get eroded.

I'm right back at square one in my thinking.

It seems like anytime I say anything about banding in Mexico it gets removed from the board..........not sure why. They are merely questions that I have, and they are legitimate.

Could it be that banding in Mexico began before it was approved in the U.S. So it's a length of time with the band issue?

Good thought, but Michelle was banded what, a year and a half ago? And the other folks a bit longer, but certainly not 10 or so years ago when MX first started doing bands. I don't know.

tomorrow's dream: are you sure stuff is getting removed from the board? That is just so odd around here, no kidding! Unless the person who started the thread also deletes the thread for some reason, the moderators certianly don't delete stuff. It has to be for some legal/ethical matter, not an opinion or question about Mx, for sure!

Crapola. I hate this. Here are the strikes against me. 1)banded in MX 2)super-tight post-surgery with reflux and esophogitis, although resolved within the first 8 or so weeks 3)the smallest band there is. Could I have more against me but time?

How many foks with the VG band have ever eroded that we know of?

Could it be that banding in Mexico began before it was approved in the U.S. So it's a length of time with the band issue?

If you really wanted to do some research on this, don't forget that banding has been in Australia around 10 years and I'm not sure how long in Europe. My surgeon definately said that there has been big changes in the way the band is applied that has greatly reduced the slipping and eroding (however, it does still happen). He mentioned it is put much higher now than the early days and more stitching.

I would love to Google this...I'm sure there would be heaps about it. Unfortunately, I'm sitting uni exams atm...and really should be studying lol.

Good luck

I do know one thing. The lap bands used in Mexico are not FDA approved.

I think it's more accurate to say that not ALL of the bands used in Mexico are FDA approved. Some people banded in Mexico do get the Inamed band with the 4cc capacity, which until fairly recently was the ONLY type approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. Whether any Mexico docs are using the Vanguard band or not, I don't know, but that one is now approved as well.

As for whether there have been U.S. erosions, of course there have. My doctors' practice has had two, I believe (out of several hundred bands placed in the last four+ years). It does seem as though the proportions are skewed, Michelle, you're right.

I wish I knew the answer.

You know I was wondering the same thing Michelle. No lie, I woke up at 3 am thinking about you.

Good luck on your research but mostly your in my prayers.

Hugs !!

MAybe the US FDA has higher standards. I would ask Inamed and the FDA????

God I hope not.

Michelle, I think everyone must have thought about you and Jon before or after they drifted off to sleep last night. You're such a wise and strong woman. Thank you again for all of your knowledge and support.

please Note Definition of pars flacida approach: In the pars flaccida technique, band placement higher on the stomach results in the formation of a smaller pouch and lower rates of gastric prolapse, and it may contribute to greater weight loss and a better quality of life. This article describes the technical aspects of the pars flaccida approach in the laparoscopic placement of adjustable gastric bands.

Here is the rest of the article.

http://thinforlife.med.nyu.edu/assets/REN%202.pdf?RCD=J53039&NAME=Christine_J._Ren

I think erosion is a result improper technique rather than inferior Inamed band products being released in Mx.

Again, I am very sorry to hear about your erosion.

Wow, that was quite informative. I assumed the tummy was stitched all the way around the band.

I thought the same thing. It does seem odd that Mexico has a lot more erosion than US. HHHMMMM

I think erosion is a result improper technique rather than inferior Inamed band products being released in Mx.

Here's what DrPleatman posted about the pars flaccida techniques...cut/paste

When they first started placing these bands, they used the "perigastric" technique, whereby the path behind the stomach went directly along the wall of the stomach. This led to may band slippages of the back wall of the stomach. The pars flaccida technique was developed to prevent posterior slippage or prolapse. The band is placed higer up, actually above the peritoneum. This makes it almost impossible to get a posterior prolapse.

This has nothing to do with the anterior sutures which are always placed to prevent anterior prolapse.

Mark A Pleatman MD

So it seems that the technique has more to do with preventing slips than preventing erosion. Still, I need to hit your link. I'll do that...don't worry!!!