Heard of Dr. Huang at Straub?

Has anyone heard of Dr. Huang who works with Dr. Belfour at Straub? (Her name is said Wong) I spoke with their coordinator (Linda) and have a consultation with Dr. Huang next Thursday.. Dr. Belfour only does open RNY, and Dr. Huang does them Lap... HOWEVER - I'm hearing that she hasn't done very many surgeries?? How does one go about asking those questions, and what to ask? I know she's done a TON of Lap surgeries in general, but not Bariatrics. I mean, do I ask specifically, how many she's done? Should I ask her what her complications have been? What else? Thanks! Cassandra

I would just openly ask away any and ALL questions you have...you need to feel comfortable with somebody who is going to operate on you, and they should be able to answer you honestly.

Thanks Jessica, I guess I better get my research in then.. I've read that someone ought to have done XX number of operations before you consider them, but can't remember the number!! I just always figured I'd go for one of the more reputable surgeons I've heard about here on the boards. I spose I could get my PCP to refer to someone else if I really didn't like these doctors, but what I'm really scared about?? TIME!! I've made up my mind, and I don't want to waste another minute of my life being obese and incapable of enjoying life! *sigh* patience young grasshopper, I know... but that's the truth of my struggle. Also - what sorts of questions can you think of that would be good to establish her competency? I was thinking: How many surgeries have you done? What complications have you had with those surgeries? What was the outcome with those complications? How many times have you had to convert to an open? What sorts of things have caused you to go open? I noticed you have a history in laparoscopic surgery - how long? What kind of experience? etc..? What does recovery time look like in the hospital and at home? What is your aftercare program like? How are your patients doing today? What other questions can you guys think of?? Help me out! lol..

Hello!! I completely understand you time issue...I dealt with a time issue too. If this surgeon is completely new to doing gastric bypass surgery...maybe ask her why she got into it. I wouldn't completely knock a surgeon new to doing WLS...they all have to start somewhere right. You definitely have a good list of questions...just keep the list with you and add to it everytime something pops in your head. You can ask about the death rate, but since she is so new, she might not have a record like that yet....the surgeon I had told me his last person who died was appx 600 patients ago. You can always ask about the aftercare program...especially if you will be going there from a different island--find out if there is anything they can offer you as far as support or who you would need to see on a continuous basis after surgery. I hope everything works out great for you

Hi Cassandra, I just had my surgery with Dr. Balfour on the 7th of April. I have only heard of Dr. Wong who is Dr. Balfour's resident assistant and he is a man but I'm sure someone on here can help you out with the other one. I was just going to add in my two cents about Dr. Balfour's staff and the office in general..they are GREAT!! Linda is a gem she is very sweet and goes above and beyond for the patients. I'm not sure how it works if your surgeon and Dr. Balfour work in the same office with the same staff and all but if so you'll be very happy there. Good Luck and I totally agree ASK ANY questions you want. As a matter of fact they want you to ask and will even say do you have any questions. You can ask about complications, deaths, numbers of surgeries..anything is open for discussion. This is your life in their hands and you need to feel comfortable. Keep us posted!! Jamie

Thank you, thank you, thank you girls!! Okay - so there's a Wong, and a Huang (both pronounced the same) how funny! Linda scheduled me for Huang, although - Balfour had an appt available on the same day.. she actually told me about Huang and then scheduled me and had to call back to check which doctor I wanted because she just automatically went with Balfour since that's who she's most used to scheduling for!! She sounded as though she wasn't sure if Dr. Huang had done more then a few surgeries... ALTHOUGH - the research I did on her shows she's been doing laparscopy for years now. She was trained at Stanford med. Center. I will ask her all the questions I can think of and anything you all mention too! Thanks for the suggestions, I really appreciate them. I'll ask you guys if I can think of anything else.