I thought it interesting that someone was selling LapBands on Ebay. Recently a seller named "granitegrp" sold 2 "new" lapbands to a buyer named "endoscopic62." The LapBands were still in the original packaging material, but both had expired in 2004. Though I personally believe that the bands are probably fine, and would perform the same as new unexpired ones, I wonder about the ethics of one who would implant them in an unsuspecting patient who paid full price... aside from the fact that doing so would be highly illegal. In case anyone wants to check it out, you can look up the auction id numbers, which are 7577019063 and 7577019163.

Mark Pleatman MD

www.laparoscopy.com/pleatman

I would guess the steralization is exactly the issue, but it probably could be reautoclaved for sterility and not be an issue. It would be the uncertified Inamed AGB docs that could make a deal on this. Just because the US only approves the Inamed doesn't make it the best or mean the others are inferior. The mid-band is made especially to avoid stomach errosion that the Inamed and all other bands can cause.

Back to the topic I wouldn't buy one off ebay! Even to show your friends so they better understand just because you'd be supporting the seller. Don't most surgeons send you home with x-rays that show you the band placement (also makes it obvious what type band you have) and to give to your American doctor for further referrence. Sounds like with Dr's placing other bands when they are suppose to be placing the Inamed I'd want this as a bit of security before heading home. Although I am thinking about getting another mid-band or even the latest the Heliogast (it can be unsnapped and resnapped into position) but finding fills in WA state for the heliogast might be a bit more troublesome.

April