I have an amazing story to share. Last July I went to TJ and had LAPBAND surgery.Like most who go to Mexico, I went there because of the cost. My son had LB surgery in December 2004by Dr. Grossbard and was doing great. I thought, "This seems to be a simple operation..........., and so off I went. I had surgery July 4 and when I woke from the anesthesia and tried to drink some water, it came back up. I could not hold anything down. Three days post-op, I was taken for a barium swallow. I was told everything was fine, but my esophagus was inflamed. Seven days post-op I flew back to Florida still unable to hold down even water, but sure I would be OK in a couple of weeks like I was told.On July 12, my son had a regular scheduled appt. with Dr. Grossbard and told him what was happening with me. He immediately started making calls to Mexico on my behalf. He told my son to bing me to the ER the next morning. I came in to the ER extremely dehydrated and vomiting blood. I was sent to x-ray for a barium swallow, I had complete blockage and was told I had to have the band removed. The last thing I remember before surgery was asking Dr. Grossbard to please try to save my band. He did try, but my stomach was too compromised and I left the hospital bandless. I went to see Dr. Grossbard for a checkup about a week later. He told me He was going to make this right. Dr. Grossbard has a band himself. I don't know what transpired behind the scenes, but between Dr. Grossbard and Don Mills at Inamed,I received the FULL amount back from Mexico. Don Mills and Inamed supplied me with a free band. Dr. Grossbard then arranged for my surgery to be done for the amount of my refund. On January 27, I had my second LAPBAND surgery. I am doing awesome!! I could never express how much this means to me. I have NEVER had anyone to go to bat for me like Dr. Grossbard. Not only did he save my life with the first surgery, he has added years of quality to my life with the second.

Dear Franp,

So sorry you had to go through such an awful experience but it is amazing that a Doctor and a huge company actually got together and paid everything in full!

Did you ever find out how you got the blockage? Was it from the band or the way it was placed by the Dr? Would be interesting to know.

After what you've been through I wish you so much success with your new Lap-band,you deserve it.

That's a great story, Fran, except for what happened to you the first time! I'm not sure a refund is really enough to make up for the fact that you had to have two surgeries. What went wrong the first time, do you know? And might you want to share the name of your Mexican doctor?

Congratulations on your banding, however bumpy, and I hope the road ahead is smooth and uneventful.

Congratulations on your sucessful banding against great odds and with big obstacles. It is very heartening to hear of Dr.s and companies standing up for what's right.

That a GREAT doctor you have now!!! He's a keeper!

I would love to know what went on that you got the refund, maybe someday he will tell you.

Like Alex,I would also like to know what went wrong.

Awesome stories. Dr. Grossband sounds like a VERY CARING surgeon! It probably helps that he also had the band and realizes how important of a decision it is for us. He's a keeper. Shawn

Sometimes having a physician who is willing to advocate on your behalf makes all the difference in the world. I'm so glad that you were able to have a positive outcome, even if the road was bumpy. Congrats on your new band!