My name is Anita, I will be banded by Dr. Huacuz on 4/26/05 in Tijuana, MX. I am currently about 230lb. I really don't have a goal weight I just want to see what weight I would look good at and feel my healthiest. I do think I want to be in about a size 7 to 9 before I stop losing. I am somewhat apprehensive about have the surgery done outside of the U.S. Thus, I would like to know:

Has anyone else had there surgery done by Dr. Huacuz?

Where do you go to get fills in the Orlando are, preferably flouro?

What are the regrets of having the surgery?

What brand of band do you have? Which is considered the best?

Any feedback you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Anita,

Hope that you are feeling better day by day and that all went well yesterday. Please keep in touch and know that we are thinking of you. I will be having my surgery in St. Petersburg with Dr. Rehnke and Dr. Grossbard so will get my fills there. I live one hour of busy traffic north of there. I'm sure it will be well worth the drive. I have several favorite stops that I make along the way, like costco, a friend and her pregnant daughter and even one of my sons is living somewhere near there. If you can't find an Orlando doctor let me know. Dr. Grossbard has an office in Zepherhills but he might not be taking outside patients because he is so swamped. He travels around to different states and teaches the procedure to others. He has a band himself and is quite the character. You know the type, you either love him or hate him. He is an exceptional surgeon from what I've heard and read.

Excuse my asking, but what made you decide to go so far away for surgery? One thing for sure, we are in this together through thick and hopefully THIN. I'm not the one with answers because I'm still waiting for my date.

Again, best of luck and keep in touch.

Denice

There's a Dr. Kim who used to be in practice with the surgeon that did my band. I'm told he's now in the Orlando area but I don't know where exactly. He may be willing to do fills...???

I think Dr. Kim is a she, but I don't have her info. I tried getting fills with Dr. Grossband, but he doesn't take Mexican banded patients, (atleast when I called, they said no). I've been driving to Coral Gables with Dr. Eddie Gomez (aka sweetie pie, he's so super fine) to get my fills, he does my fills without flouru and its no problem, he gets my port everytime, and my port is flipped, so that tells you he knows what he's doing. He is super nice and does a really good job. The fills are $300 w/out flouru and if you want flouru $600. I would rather save the additonal money, since he is very experienced and get me right everytime. Let me know if you need Dr. Gomez info.

I was going for this Dr. Kim....

http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bariatric+surgeon+profile+Keith+Kim+fpf.html

Dr. Fusco in Melbourne, FL did my banding surgery he may do fills? Not sure. He can be contacted at 321-725-4500 ext 420 to find out.

David

Dr Kim is located in Celebration ( in Orlando ). I spoke with his office and they request 1000.00 up front. I was told Dr visits were 150.00 adnnurse visits were 75.00. apparently you have to pay cash up front. I am relocating to Orlando this summer and was looking for a fill Dr. My dr here in Maine has sd they will halep set this up for me. once I have one, I will let you know. ( Also I did call the Ocal Bariatric Center..very nice people but will not do fills. If you are currently in the process of lap band approval they will work with you so that you do not have to " start over". ). thanks, Michelle

There's a Dr. Kim who used to be in practice with the surgeon that did my band. I'm told he's now in the Orlando area but I don't know where exactly. He may be willing to do fills...???

DR. Kim put my band on last month. He is with the Bariactric Center located at Florida Hospital in Celebration. At one group meeting, a woman who had the surgery in Mexico was there to start being treated by Dr. Kim. I don't know what he charges her, but I'll bet a phone call could give you an estimate. Debby.