Hi Everyone,

I hadn't planned on checking in for a while, then I learned of a rumor floating around about Dr. Lopez in Tijuana. I know some of you have commented that in the past the aftercare service was not up to your standards and that some of you have had problems with healing, acid reflux, even rejection.

The ones who have had to endure these problems are good people I'm sure. Sometimes in the stress of living through it, venting is a healthy part of the recovery process. I want to encourage those who are venting to keep commentary honest and accurate.

Since I have been a patient with Dr. Lopez, there have been staff changes surgery center changes and policy changes, all of which were set into motion to correct the very concerns of those who've had experiences not up to their standards/expectations.

My thought is that if Dr. Lopez responded to these concerns by being pro-active and made necessary changes, does that not show he is concerned? Does that not show he cares about his reputation? Does that not show he cares about his patients? Change is often made to improve the outcomes of things. Is change some sort of admission of wrong doing? Or, Does change arise form a need to improve outcomes? you decide.

From this site, I have yet to hear from anyone who has "visited" his office since June 04. I have been there 4 times since and all of the new systems are firmly in place and working well. I have had a chance to actually speak with--in person, to other patients men and women, who feel the office has provided fine service in a caring environment. Some of these people had their bands inserted 3 years ago.

As far as rumors are concerned, they are merely unverified comments, usually hearsay. You owe it to yourself to see the best, and receive care from the best doctors your money can buy.

Sincerely,

Margret

Thank you for posting Karen. I am so so sorry to hear that your Drs fears were correct. Please do not let this go unnoticed by Inamed. Hugs to you and again, I am so very sorry, but I know you'll do well. Please keep us posted on how you are doing mentally and physically. We'll be here for you.

Yes Karen..Im so so sorry to hear of your ordeal..sending you hugs and prayers. Keeping you in my thoughts..Im so glad you have contacted Inamed and will see this through..something is not right here.

I had a rather long (almost an hour and a half) conversation with Don Mills at Inamed. We discussed the dilemma of Lopez aftercare or lack thereof. We discussed the rash of erosions of Lopez patients, Let's me just summarize the whole conversation here.

Inamed is aware of the lack of aftercare from Lopez. The Inamed Mexican Distributor has already spoken with Lopez. Don said he is planning on being in Mexico in two weeks and will be speaking with Lopez personally. He told me that they know of at least 6 patients that experienced erosion of Lopez patients. He said that Lopez has done approx 1200 surgeries. He assured me that Lopez is qualified to do the procedure and is very adept at the surgery. I asked him about the high percentage of Lopez erosion and he did not have a comment. He tried to reassure me of the criteria that Inamed uses to qualify a surgeon to perform the surgery. I told him the surgery is not the issue at this point but the aftercare is a HUGE issue. He said they do require all the doctors to attend a "Patient Management" workshop. I asked how they or if they do a checks and balance if the doctors are following through on the learned information. He said they do sit in on surgeries from time to time with Lopez as they do with other surgeons to make sure they are still up to speed on the procedure. Don said Lopez was still qualified and proficient. I said what checks and balances do you have for the "patient management" aspect of the training. He said there is NONE. I asked why not? He did not have an answer. Basically they can't dictate a surgeon be ethical in their treatment when it includes aftercare. I asked him doesn't this bother you and the rest of the Inamed staff knowing there is a surgeon they have qualified as proficient in the surgery that is providing sub-standard aftercare to non-existent aftercare. He had no answer.

I had a theory as to why Lopez doesn't provide or has lack of aftercare. Here it is my theory I presented to Don. I said could it be that Lopez is so used to people not expecting aftercare from him since they are coming from the states or overseas that when they leave he doesn't expect to hear from them again so he writes them off? Don said that is highly likely. I said if that is the case then when he does hear from a patient of his he is shocked and decides to ignore it thinking the patient will go elsewhere for the care. Don said he can't comment on that.

Basically I got no where but he did say to call anytime with any questions or concerns. Oh and also one more item. There are 9 patients he said he knows of that have stated the will NOT use Lopez as their band doctor. He did not say the reason but it seemed to be related to what we were discussing.

Just thought you guys would want to know about the conversation I had with Inamed.

Well. The squeaky wheel gets oiled, right? I say that people need to be extremely vocal about their disappointments and their tragic results to INAMED. This one hotbed of what seems to be something less than desireable could taint the whole idea of being banded to many many new prospects, which in turn is definitely going to make an impact on Inamed as the manufacturer of what should be a very positive and helpful tool. I think they'd have to listen.

Very interesting Penni.. I too emailed Don and he replied back telling me to call him this morning to discuss it..I guess I dont have to now. Thank for sharing this info Penni...Amazing how they are aware of 6 eriosion patients..Dam we know 4 right here on this board..Donali, Rita, Karen, Catfanluvr..then there is Kimberely from Yahoo boards so that makes 5..wondering if these 5 are part of his 6??

Seems highly unlikely that the whole of his problems are on this board alone. Sadly, there may be many unsuspecting folks that aren't on ANY support board at all.

It almost sounds like they are well aware of the problems, but arent going to do anything about it. That is really sad!

Michelle maybe you should still call today, every voice does help.

I agree Betty, the more who show concern the better for us and for their company! I will call later today!

First of all, Karen, I am distraught about having your band remove. You were the perfect bandster. I know how strong you are, but just know that your in our/my thoughts.

Money talks, Maybe Inamed just wants to wash there hands, they claim he follows their rules??. It really is sad.

I had several conversations with Larry from Inamed yesterday and this morning. He is standing firm that erosions happen 1% worldwide, and Lopez rates are much lower. He told me a long time ago Dr. Kuri's patients were all complaining - almost like there's always one doctor on the hot seat. He said Karen and Chrissy, who were both banded on the same day and both eroded, were coincidental. He still says Lopez is the best of the best. And on a completely different note, I'm trying a new protein shake right now and GAG. Advant Edge - YUCK. Damn, I bought a whole case. I'd rather drink barium.

Karen, you forgot to tell me how you are feeling physically. Are you sore, sick? Do you have any ghost restriction? I'm here for you (duh, but you gotta call me.) xoxo Love you bunches.

"How can that be? Thats strange since Ortiz just told me he does 4 to every 1 of

Lopez's"

Michelle, in response to your post, I don't know how it can be! It's hard to trust anybody these days. Inamed says Lopez is the best and does the most surgeries. It sure would be nice to get to the bottom of it. I wonder if Inamed is quoting recent activity. I'm sure Lopez was way ahead of Ortiz in the beginning when Ortiz went solo, but maybe Ortiz is now in the lead and Inamed hasn't collected current numbers???? How can we know for sure who's telling the truth?

Hi Everyone,

Penni, I'm glad you had your conversation, with Don Mills. It seems pretty clear that Dr. Lopez is "within normal limits" based on INAMEDS research into erosion rates. I feel for those who've had to endure that. I read that Nexium can cause aspiration Pnuemonia if used for prolonged period of time. It's a documented side effect. I guess what ever medical care we receive or surgeries we elect have potential consequences. I guess we need to be aware of those potential consequences before agreeing.

In the case Lapband surgery, erosions will occur in 1% of patients. Also I think aftercare can best be delivered in person. I know some of you are upset because you feel neglected by not getting a phone call etc. But health maintenence is much more than that. Before 9-11 I used to be able to call in to get a cough syrup Rx re-filled. Now everytime I want an Rx I have to go in and be seen by my doctor or his associates.

I think we owe it to ourselves to have aftercare set up with a doctor and be prepared to be seen at least on a bi-monthly basis. So, weather it's here or in Mexico plan for it and figure out how much it's going to cost and fit it into your budget.

I figure that to maintain aftercare with Dr Lopez my cost is as follows:

Gas $65.00

Fill at office $95.00

Rx refill if any $30.00 (30 day supply of Nexium)

TOTAL $190.00

That should be an average cost from anywhere in SO.CAL

I read that someone had to pay $800 WOW!! If thats an average cost in the U.S. think about it. You could add air faire from most big cities in the Western U.S. and still spend less money.

The statements about Dr. Kuri and Dr. Ortiz were revealing too. One thing that comes to mind is that Mexican surgeons perform more lapband surgeries then American Doctors. So their 1% erosion rate might be higher as a number than the American surgeons.That may change since acceptance by the American surgical community is growing.

Love, Margret

Wow. As a fairly new bandster this is all very disturbing news to me. I feel so badly for those who are needing to or who have had their bands removed. I also feel so bad for those who paid to have aftercare services, only to find that their doctor completely ignores them like they never even existed! Shame on him! He ought to have his liscense revoked!!!! And if not for that, then for the simple fact that a lot of his bands are eroding!

I am so thankful that my surgeon and her assistant are there for me each and every time I call their office with questions and concerns. They should be, as I paid them for that service. But they went above and beyond the call of duty when I was re-hospitalized here in my hometown hospital when the CO2 went up around my heart. They called 3 different times to check on me, to see what was wrong with me, to talk to my attending doctor, and to make sure that I was going to be OK. I not only didn't pay for that "service", but that REALLY showed me how dedicated my surgeon is to me and my care, and how much she genuinely cares about me as a person too. I truly wish that each and every single bandster could have a doctor like her to care for them before, during, and after their surgeries.

And even though I know it's not my fault for what has happened to all of you who have had problems, I will say it again, I am so sorry for all of your pain and suffereing due to the negligence of an unfit and uncaring doctor. SHAME ON HIM!!!!!!!!!

Best Wishes to all of you in your future. ~Kelly

I have a really silly question, so humor me, folks, willya? I think it's all well and good that Larry is so supportive and good about getting back to you. But my question is this: Is the information Larry's getting based on what the Doc is reporting? In other words, are surgeons on their honor to report these complications? And if they're not (which it sure sounds like is possible, if not probably, in this case) then how does Inamed truly know what the complication rate is??? What incentive does a doctor have to report complications, if that information is going to translate into fewer referrals from Inamed?

Okay so it's more than one question. Sorry about that. But as much as I'd like to rely on a surgeon's better nature to be honest in reporting, in this case -- given the poor after care (and Inamed's knowledge of such and their lack of ability to do anything about it) -- I wouldn't believe that he truly had a 1% erosion rate. Besides, if he's not staying in touch with his patients post banding, how the heck would he know???

The whole thing makes my head spin...