Hi, I just wanted to know if anyone here has had the Heliogast band and if so what was their experience.

Thanks Bernadette

It's a French manufactured band not available in the USA, isn't it? I don't have one, just wondering.

It is not approved in the US but Mexico Drs will use it. The fill place that Im going to use will do fills on it too. Im just trying to get more info on it.

You've probably already tried this but if not you might try entering "heliogast" under the search bar (you have to click on "search" to get the box...it's not very user-friendly! LOL)

Is there anyone out there that has this band??? I would love to get some info.

I have a heliogast band. I was banded in Mexico a little over a year ago. I asked them why they used a heliogast and they really didn't have an answer for me. I wasn't aware that they were putting that in until it was done. You hear differring stories, some say they are better, some say no. Who knows.

I am having problems at this time and don't know why? So I'll reserve my judgement cuz I'm not sure what the problem is, could be the band could be something entirely different.

Per online study:

Method

From January to May 2001, a prospective randomized study of 60 LAGB procedures was conducted: group I (n=30), the Lap-Band system (INAMED); group II (n=30), the Heliogast band (Helioscopie). We implanted the devices using the 2-step technique (pars flaccida to peri-gastric) by laparoscopy. Port systems were placed on the rectus sheath and were fixed by non-absorbable sutures. Follow-up of all patients was a minimum of 12 months.

Results

There were no differences in operating-time, intra-operative complications, or weight loss during the first 4 weeks after surgery. However, with increasing time, more complications with the Heliogast band and differences in weight loss favoring the Lap-Band became significant.

___________________________________________________

This band is not FDA approved. You may find a doctor who is willing to fill it, but if you run into any issues at all, you will not be able to be helped by a local hospital, and you will have to go back to Mexico. Also, if you move, relocate, or your fill person does, you will have to find someone else to provide your aftercare, which will be NOT be easy. I **highly** suggest you choose an FDA approved Lap-Band for ease of care within the US. You will have a hard enough time getting aftercare as a Mexican patient as it is.