On January 16th I had revision surgery. I had my first lap band surgery back in Nov 2004. My band slipped about 6 months ago. I was originally banded in Mexico by Dr. Lopez.

I feel like I am in a very small club of those who have had lap band surgery twice. I learned a lot with each surgery.

Here is what I know to be true for me….

1. Surgery in the states rules!!! What I thought was adequate care in Mexico turns out to pale in comparison to the care I received here in the good old USA. I felt such a sense of relief knowing that if something went wrong, I was totally taken care of. Waking from surgery and looking out to see my surf spot was priceless. My dad driving 15 minutes to pick me up was beautiful. Being so close to friends and family was great. Having staff that spoke English was calming. (I speak fluent Spanish but don’t want to have to think when I don’t feel good)

2. The gas pains after surgery are much worse than the incision pains. With both surgeries, I was out of bed 4 hours after surgery and walking the halls. This time, I walked all night long because the gas between my shoulders was so bad. I am now 6 days post op and I still feel some gas. Now let’s not confuse this gas with flatulence! But what a topic that turns out to be this time!!!!!!!!!!

3. Poop and farts……..With a liquid diet and vicodin…..my bowels decided to hibernate. It wasn’t until day 4 following surgery that I was able to poop. 2 bowel movements in 6 days is not my idea of proper function. And the farts! I almost lost my boyfriend this weekend due to my indiscretion. We were in a car for 2 hours and for some reason, I was exceptionally gassy and out of control. He is very old fashioned in that regards and still doesn’t believe that that came out of his precious girlfriend. It made me sick.

4. I am now $24, 000.00 in debt because of this lap band. It breaks my heart everyday to think about it. I have no insurance and this all came out of pocket. I wish Dr Lopez would have done a COMPETENT surgery in the first place so I wouldn’t have had to have this revision.

5. I am expecting to loose my hair in a few months. At least this time I will be prepared.

6. Liquid vicodin is the nectar of the Gods.

Christine

Can I ask what Dr. Lopez did wrong in placing the band? How many bands had he done when he put in yours?

I am just curious.

Dr Lopez has poor technique. I was told that he had done more surgeries than anyone before I went. But who can say with the Mexican surgeons? How can you prove anything with them? If something goes wrong with them, they are not held accountable for their actions. I know others have had positive experiences with Mexico surgery but having had it done in both places......I pick the USA!

So, in conclusion.....he put it in wrong. He also refused to take my calls when I asked him for help. Nice.

I am sorry!! That really sucks. At least people will know not to go to him.

Christine, I hope you feel better really soon. I'm glad you were able to get rebanded. I'm sorry you went through so much with Dr. Lopez. Best of luck to you with your new band.