Dr. Hong anyone know about him???

Hello, Dr. Hong is working with Dr. Patterson out of Portland and I have talked with only 1 patient who has had him. Has anyone else or heard anything about him? Thanks! Nadine

Hi Nadine, I went to Dr. Patterson's seminar back in February and it was conducted by Dr. Hong. I spoke with him for a few minutes and he was extremely nice. I don't know anyone who has banded by him, but I know that Dr. Patterson is very well respected. I cannot imagine that she would be working with Dr. Hong if he was not also very skilled. I hope someone can give you some more info!! Marcie 5/14/04 Dr. Ortiz 280/155 P.S. Just so you know why I didn't work with Dr. Hong--well it costs around $24,000 to self-pay at Legacy and I just couldn't do that. I am going to Mexico to be banded. (Money wasn't my only concern though! Don't worry! Dr. Ortiz has conducted teaching seminars for Dr. Patterson and other Oregon surgeons, so I know he is just as skilled as the surgeons here in the Pacific Northwest.)

Thanks Marcie, Yes, I met him also a seminar, though Dr. Patterson was not there he was the one giving it. I have also met him for my consult. He said he has done approx. 50/50 Lap-Band and Bypass so I am just wondering why no one on this board has had him do theirs? With the exception of one person and she loved him as well. I know he has only been with her practice I think since Nov. 03 but still you would think there would be someone out there who he also did their surgery.......anyway...Thanks! Nadine and best of luck to you on your date.....it's coming soon Lucky You!

Hi again Marcie, I think I will only have Dr. Hong do the Lap-Band if my Insurance approves it, if not I will switch over to Dr. Patterson. She has done almost 1000 surgeries and has done about 600 RNY's and 400 LAPs and Dr. Hong has done only 50 of each. Don't you think the RNY is more dangerous surgery so you would want someone who has done more? The Lap is not as intricate so Dr. Hong should be fine with that......I am so confused what to do. Nadine

Hi Nadine, I have a date (June 1rst) with Dr. Hong! I only met him twice, but he was very nice, personable. He is oriental, but American, and speaks good eniglish, so he is easy to converse with. He was very open, took plenty of time with me and listened & answered my many questions. I had wanted Dr. Patterson to begin with, but he only recently (Nov?) joined her office. Patterson has a huge waiting list and It could take months to get a date. So, I decided to take Hong, as he is building a patient list. He has done mostly banding, but has done many RNY-LAPS too. Of course, not as many as she has. I want the RNY, and still decided to go with him. Patterson highly recomends him, and he has been trained by the best, and worked also along side with her. The thing is, The Oregon Clinic puts you through many hoops to get to this point. They don't just do surgery for surgery's sake. They are very careful , and have even turned people down, for one reason or the other. So I am okay with it. Iam nervous, but that is normal at this point. I have only 3 weeks until I go in. AHH!

Hi Joan, WOW, you already have a date? How long have you been in the process? Also, do you have BCBS of MN Insurance? I am awaiting my approval too....read my profile if you get a chance. That's awesome if you got approved....I am preparing to get that denial, but I have been in touch with a very nice lady at BCBS who just had the RNY last year, and I am hoping she will help pu**** through...... So which surgery are you having Dr. Hong do? Lap-Rny or Lap-Band? I met with him once now just for the consult and he was pushing me towards the RNY but I want the Band so I hope I will be OK with him doing that. I also may ask to have Dr. Patterson assist him in the surgery. I know she will be on vacation soon, so I am hoping my date will not be far from yours. I hope to keep in touch with you after your surgery and you can let me know how your experience with the doctor and all went. I wish for you the best success... How come no pic's online? Talk to you soon....thanks for the post~! Nadine

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you Nadine. Well, it is a tough decision. I guess if I was going to get the RNY, I would probably prefer Dr. Patterson to do it, even though I think Dr. Hong is probably just as competent. I think I would be comfortable with either of them doing my lapband. No one can tell you what to do, but I do know the wait to get into Dr. Patterson is LONG... Good luck! Marcie 5/14/04 Dr. Ortiz 280/155