I was just wondering if anyone has had surgery by this Dr. and would be willing to give me information on him and his Clinic. His site says he is Cert. by INAMED, but I am making sure I am doing all my homework before I decide what Dr. to use. I know there are a lot of good ones in Mexico, so I am trying to decide, and any help would be appre:confused: ciated.

Thanks,

Shelley

Hi Shelley,

I have not heard of this doctor, I called inamed and spoke w/Don Mills (800)624-4261x4546 he should be able to tell you if this Dr. is certified by Inamed. I chose Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Martinez in Tijuana, Mexico. I had my surgery May 13,2005 it was a great experience and their aftercare has been great, I have called Dr. Martinez numerous times with questions after I came home. I have spoken w/Dr. Miranda she is their nutritionist. I hope this information helps you, good luck on your search. TracyW

Dr. Huacuz was my surgeon in March of this year. He was very compentant and I am very happy to recommend him. He also did my first fill the end of May. Andres Betancourt coordinated the entire experience for me. You can locate his clinic info at Betancourtmedical.com.

I also went to Molding Clinic and had a great experience. I am down 106 pounds since 4/15/05. Dr. Huacuz did my surgery. Go check them out at Betancourt Medical.com

they are a great group and truly care about you and your sucess.

Hello,

I'm new to this site and am planning on a lapband around Jan of '06. Did I read it right that you are down 106 pounds since April of this year? How could that possibly be?

Jane

oops... I'll try again... how can you be down 106 since 4/15/05? Was that a typo?

I am not sure why I lost the weight so fast, but I will tell you that Betancourt Medical have been great with support and helping me all the way. I have followed their diet with a few modifacations. I believ I lost fast because I weighed 351 pounds. I am told the bigger you are the faster you lose in the beginning. I go back to the clinic about every 2-3 months to be checked, so my weight loss is all documented. I also have a group of clothes that are huge and I can't wear them so off they go. As soon as I figure out how to attach pictures I will.

The Molding Clinic and Dr. Huacuz have disolved that practice. He can is not authorized to put on the American Lap Band due to a problem with a patient. Andres Betancourt has opened Betancourt Medical who have a great surgeon and staff. Andres has 13 years of experience and is also banded. If you need any more information go to Betancourtmedical.comhttp://home.comcast.net/~terryrohr/Pics/beforeafterShirley.jpg

Here are my befor and during pictures

Just wanted to reply to this last post.

I am a firm believer that if youre not absolutely positive on something youd probably shouldnt say it you could be doing more harm than good. An opinion is one thing, stating something that is false is nothing more than a lie or an obvious misunderstatement. I dont mean to come off so strongly but I realize that there are people out there who will take the written word as the truth. This isnt always the case and we've got to keep in mind that we can only rely on ourselves to investigate and inform ourselves on the actual truth.

I am only concerned that someone who is investigating having WLS would become discouraged after reading a false post.

The allegation that Dr Huacuz is not allowed to operate using Inamed bands provided by Inamed is absolutely false and should be considered heresay. Should you have any questions regarding a particular doctor and his status with the Inamed bands or any other matter - RESEARCH people! Go to the Inamed site, under the section labeled "contact us" and ask your questions on any particular doctor. If the doctor has gone through and met the requirements which include, being formally trained, attending the required seminars and being proctored for approximately 25 patients it will then be determined if he or she can then obtain and use the Inamed products.

Only then are they considered "certified" which is a term used loosely as Mr.Mills explained isnt an actual certification rather a training regime the surgeons must complete before they are allowed to use the Inamed bands.

Regarding Andres Betancourt, one should keep in mind that he is not medically trained or educated and is by admission a patient coordinator. I have personally met Andres and found him quite personable but he isnt the reason I chose to be operated by Dr Huacuz. The problems that arose at the clinic had more to do with the service they recieved at said clinic then with the doctor himself, I have personally spoken with the patient in question and she has assured me of such. Regardless of the situation the doctor believed it would be better for his reputation to remove himself from a clinic whose standards did not mirror his own.

Follow the surgeon, his experience, his patients, check out his testimonials, ask for referrences.

I was banded by Dr. Huacuz 4/2/2005, returned 7/5/05 for gallbladder removal. My experiences with Dr Huacuz have been wonderful. Initially I chose Dr Huacuz because his prices were the most competetive I could find and that was extremely important to me being self pay, however I continue using his services because they exceeded any expectations I could have had. I am down over forty pounds in 4 months, 4 months! This surgery has been the best thing Ive ever done for myself.

Please understand I dont mean to be aggressive in anyway nor do I wish to offend. I just realize how much this surgery has done to enhance my own life and I would hate that someone should become discouraged after reading a negative and false post.

Regardless of the doctor you chose, be informed and be well.

Gitana

Gitanav@hotmail.com

feel free to write with questions

He did my surgery also on 4/15/05, and I am down 106 pounds. I love the man, he was great,kind and very understanding, also a great surgeon. I was told that a patient had filed a complaint with the band company and they will not sell the band to him. This happened several weeks ago. You also said you had gall bladder surgery, that is not a band. His license to practice to my knowledge is still intact, except for applying the band. He could be doing the french band, not Inamed. I am not out to hurt him by any means, I told you what I was told. I was in Tijuana last weekend, where this was the topic of discussion. I am not sure why you think Andres is anything more than what he is.He is a very intelligent business man in the medical field. I do not think you have to be a Doctor to know about this subject since he is also a banded patient.

Are you saying that Dr. Huacuz is not able to do the Inamed band anymore? WHAT? I am scheduled for surgery with him on August 30! Now I am scared because they said I would be getting the Inamed band.

http://www.huacuz.com/2_gastricband.htm

I think he is still using the Lapband.

That is what I was told by several people from Molding Clinic. I guess the best bet is to call Inamed to see if he is still certified.

He did my surgery also on 4/15/05, and I am down 106 pounds. I love the man, he was great,kind and very understanding, also a great surgeon. I was told that a patient had filed a complaint with the band company and they will not sell the band to him. This happened several weeks ago. You also said you had gall bladder surgery, that is not a band. His license to practice to my knowledge is still intact, except for applying the band. He could be doing the french band, not Inamed. I am not out to hurt him by any means, I told you what I was told. I was in Tijuana last weekend, where this was the topic of discussion. I am not sure why you think Andres is anything more than what he is.He is a very intelligent business man in the medical field. I do not think you have to be a Doctor to know about this subject since he is also a banded patient.

This... is exactly my point.. You obtained your information regarding Dr Huacuz from a clinic where he no longer operates because of personality conflicts between himself and others at the clinic. Lets just assume for a second that you and a girlfriend didnt get along anymore for whatever the reasons are - do you consider it a possibility that the same girlfriend just might say something untrue about you to hurt you or get to you somehow?

If theres a question regarding a particular surgeon, his practice, ethics, education, then INVESTIGATE dont assume any particular thing is true simply by gossiping. Two women have responded to this last post now afraid because of it. This is where the harm comes in. Because of gossip.

I was banded first in April at the Molding Clinic with Andres as acting patient coordinator. My experience with Andres? Great! He was everything I could have hoped for, others have had worse experiences but personally for me everything was great. When the practice was dissolved, via decision of the doctor I decided to follow the doctor not the patient coordinator. One would think that would be a no brainer?

And true Andres was banded also, but were you aware that he was banded only after failing with the gastric bypass, and wasnt even banded in Mexico, it was in Europe because it was such a risky surgery. But as far as Andres as a person? He was great, funny, and very accomodating in general. Ive never said and would never say anything derrogatory regarding Andres, Ive no reason to.

I only said he was a patient coordinator, which is what he is. Dr Huacuz is a surgeon. I would value their opinions on different scales is all.

And as far as you losing 106 pounds since April, Id like to take this moment to give you a Great Big High Five sister - you go girl. Thats a huge accomplishment! And seriously, Im not out to make anyone feel bad or annoyed. We're all in this together and we should unite in fight to beat off the chub, ok?

Friends?

g

Missy,

Dont be frightened hon, it simply isnt true. Dr Huacuz is and will continue using the Inamed bands. If youve any concerns or doubts, call or contact Inamed or the doctor himself.

One thing I would like to mention though is that while a certain doctor might offer to use other bands, ie Johnson & Johnson, doesnt make that doctor any less credible. Alot of people opt for the different bands for different reasons, mainly financial and the majority have been pleased with the results. The fact that we're offered a choice is refreshing and accomodating to the patient.

I chose the Inamed band, but my best friend actually has the Johnson & Johnson and is completely satisfied with it.

Choice- a great thing - ok that sounds like a Pepsi commercial? lol.. you guys get my point.

g

Thank you Gitana, you have made me relax a little! It is scary enough going to another country to have surgery, let alone to start having doubts about the doctor you have chosen!

Missy

North Dakota