Hi everyone, I'm getting banded 12-29-06 by Dr. Richard Benavides in Dallas, TX, and would like to know if anyone has any knowledge/experience with him? It seems nobody has seen my previous posts asking about him, and it's probably something I'm doing wrong on the posting? If anyone can help me-please jump right in!! (smiles) Thanks in advance, and have a great weekend.

Hello, I was banded by Dr. Benavides on Wednesday (12/20). I did a lot of research into who would be the best doctor to perform my procedure. I am a healthcare professional and have access to certain industry/regulatory quality databases that allowed me to compare complication rates (in a rudimentary, rule of thumb type fashion) for various surgeons, anesthesia groups and facilities.

I chose Dr. Benavides because I believe he is very competent and knowledgable. In the event my surgery was uneventful and I was d/c'd home after three hours. My experience tells me that he is indeed an excellent surgeon.

Many Surgeons are not as knowledgable about medications as Pharmacists or their Internal Medicine and Family Practice colleagues (in the same manner that these specialists are not as knowledgable about Surgery). If you are on any medications, I would visit your pharmacist asap and ask him/her if there are any liquid alternatives for any of them that you could use after lap-band surgery. Next, get the necessary prescriptions from your doctor. When you see Dr. Benavides the day before surgery ask him which meds he wants you to discontinue that day and when he wants you to continue them post-surgery.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

I was referred to Dr. B by my cardiologist because of previous health problems - he felt he would be a good choice for me altho he works with several LB surgeons. He is one of the more experienced in the lapband field and has a good track record and reputation. He is comfortable to talk with, his office staff is friendly and helpful. My surgery was a great non-event.....not even a gas pain, no complications of any kind at 10 months out. I'm due to see him in a few weeks for routine follow-up. My surgery was at the Wise Regional Hospital in Decatur....they are very experienced there and was the only place my insurance would approve.

DFWRph-thanks so much for that info. I will be seeing Dr. B. on Tue. (26th) and I making a list of quedtions for him. I'm also in the med. profession (LVN) but am not privy to the info. you are. I am on Maxzide 25, Labetolol and just started Synthroid 25mcg. 3 mos ago. Also am taking Iron 65 mg daily. I stopped taking my Premarin last Friday until after the surgery. Not sure if I'll have time to get new RX's for liquids for any of my meds at this late date (Xmas week too!) But I will see what I can do. I'm glad you had an uneventful surgery and hope you continue to do well.

GayleTx I was referred by Dr. Maese 3 yrs ago but insurance did not approve it at that time. I was told then that Dr. B. was one of the more experienced band surgeons-but it's been difficult getting info on the lap band forums about him so I appreciate yours and DFWRph's responses. By the way you're doing a WONDERFUL job with your band. Keep up the good work, and I just hope I can be as succesful!

Myrna