Hi Folks. I'm new to the board and planning on having the Inamed lap band done in Mexico since my insurance company considers it experimental. Andres Bettancourt is the patient coordinator - I've seen his name mentioned here in prior posts - but no information about this clinic or the doctor who performs the surgery - Dr. Huacuz. Any information would be very much appreciated.

Dr. Huacuz is a newer surgeon. I personally would not go there, because they use bands other than Inamed, and they do not use a hospital with an ICU, it's more like an outpatient surgery facility, and in a not very nice part of Tijuana. I have heard other horrible stories about Andres misrepresenting himself, and people not getting the Inamed bands that they wanted, but I do not know if these stories are true or rumors.

I did a lot of research before I had surgery, and chose Dr. Lopez Corvala. He has more experience than any of the other band surgeons in Mexico except Dr. Rumbaut. You can call his patient coordinator, Diane Beck at 866-716-4660. She has helped me SO much these past 6 months, and she always returns my emails & calls.

B. Johnson

I had surgery with Dr verboonen and Dr Ponce de leon. Andres was my coordinator at that time. I have nothing but good things to say about the above mentioned people. Not trying to start a flame or anything but please, what you see posted on whatever board you frequent is just that, post by other people.

I am not going to say insurance fraud is a good thing but Dr Verboonen is a great surgeon and has helped many people battle with their weight problem, I am living proof of that.

Every doctor has it's good and bad. I have "heard" of cases with the other doctors in Mexico where the bands had to be removed or no communication etc.

p.s. I don't know dr huacuz, so I can't say nothing about him.... :rambo

I had a great experiance with belighter 800-679-5377

I got banded last Wednesday by Dr. Pedro Kuri. What a sweet sincere man. My sister and I both did it and are so excited. He has done over 1300 and only uses the Inemed band. We both feel great and are optomistic. We willl be returning to Tijuana for our fills, cuz they are included in our cost of surgery.

Have horibble pain in my left sholder, as warned, but feels it's gonna be worth it!

Can't wait to get some weight off!

Lori

Please do a search on Mexican surgeons. There are several threads here. You can save a lot of $$ by going to these surgeons direct. A referral company is not necessary. Just be sure that you research the surgeon you choose very carefully - his/her banding experience, the hospital used, aftercare. Be sure that you have your aftercare in place BEFORE you are banded. Especially if you are planning on using an American fill dr. Contact that dr. direct and verify that he/she will accept you. Research carefully, don't make hasty decisions, and be healthy.

I know nothing of this doctor. What I DO know is that Inamed includes any doctor who has (I hope) taken their training...even if they have not yet placed their first band. That list is essentially a list of doctors who want Inamed referrals...and that's about it.

I cannot coment on this Dr as I have had no personal experience with him, however I did go to Tijuana and saw Dr Ortiz and Dr Martinez. They were the most referred and respected in all of the research I did. My experience was excellent.

Don't be afraid to ask specific questions, and do your research so you will know who is giving the right answers.

Hopeful

banded 9/24/04

Dr Ortiz

Lost 45 lbs

Hi yall. I have seen so many choices and ads I am about to explode..lol Ho wdo you know who is the most referred doctor? Seems to me Dr.Kuri is.I see his name EVERYWHERE. But I am also considering Dr.Voobeten (sp) Please help I am ready like LAST YEAR..lmaooo

Dr Kuri has an impeccable reputation and his patients adore him!

Do a search on Dr. Verboonen, there are mixed opinions here and around other boards about him. I have heard nothing but great things about Dr. Kuri

Hi guys, I am having surgery this month in Monterray, Mexico with Dr. De La Garza. Has anyone heard of him or his reputation?

Dr. Huacuz is a newer surgeon. I personally would not go there, because they use bands other than Inamed, and they do not use a hospital with an ICU, it's more like an outpatient surgery facility, and in a not very nice part of Tijuana. I have heard other horrible stories about Andres misrepresenting himself, and people not getting the Inamed bands that they wanted, but I do not know if these stories are true or rumors.

I did a lot of research before I had surgery, and chose Dr. Lopez Corvala. He has more experience than any of the other band surgeons in Mexico except Dr. Rumbaut. You can call his patient coordinator, Diane Beck at 866-716-4660. She has helped me SO much these past 6 months, and she always returns my emails & calls.

B. Johnson

I had a wonderful experience at the Molding clinic in Mexico. The facility was clean, people and Dr. Huacuz were very professional. I am a registered nurse and the day I had my band placed, there was a Family Practice Dr. from California having a band placed also. I would certainly recommend the clinic to anyone who is interested in banding. I wish I had done it years ago. Andres is great. He has had surgery, so he is well informed. I am surprised about the complaints that someone apparently had with the clinic because my experiecne was much better than I could have hoped for. AKeepers RN

Just can't emphasize enough, please do your research BEFORE banding...check several different resources on your choice of drs., hospitals, aftercare plans. Don't just base your decision on the cheapest price. You have the final say in taking care of your health! Research, don't make hasty decisions, and regain your health.

Well, to start off with, my experience with Andres and Dr Huacuz was wonderful,

you will not find a better Doctor or staff coordinator. One word discribes them and that is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!all the way. The service and hospitality you receive is found no where, i know!!!. I had my Lap-band surgery on January 13th 2005, yup!! just a week ago. Everything went well and i went back to work on Monday the 17th. i am a little sore but nothing more. I am down 9 lbs. if any one needs help or has questions please e-mail me @ Tiara@metrovalley.com .

I am from Mesa Arizona

Good luck to all

Tiara

Have you tried contacting Anna and seeing if she can help you get the info.? Did you get a fill by an American dr.?