Dr. Patterson/Dr. Cagle......???

Ok, As some of might you know I was hoping to have the Lap-Band surgery with Dr. Hong in Dr. Patterson's office. I was denied 2 times now and of course was approved for the RNY. I am extremely scared but feel better with having Dr. Patterson do the RNY then Dr. Hong since she has done about 500 of them. So here's my dilema. I can have surgery in 2 weeks with Dr. Patterson. She has had 2 deaths I guess out of her 500. Dr. Cagle out of Vanc. has done maybe about 200 and she has none. But her surgery schedule is booked out till Aug./Sept.......Would you wait for a Dr. with 0 mortality or am I being silly? Thanks.....Anyone have any valium please pass on....I am "stressed out".... Nadine

Nadine, As 2 in 500 is significantly better than the national average, I don't think you can go wrong with Dr. Patterson. She did my surgery and I researched exhaustivly to find the BEST surgeon available. She is it. Dr. Hong is top notch as well, he has been my post op contact since surgery and I trust him completely. If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Blessings, -Perry 358/325/288/210 Perry P. Perkins Novelist Just Past Oysterville: Shoalwater Book One Read chapter one - www. perryperkinsbooks (Dot Com)

WOW! What a decision for you to make. I will tell you that as soon as you make a decision you will feel relieve. Personally, I would go with Dr Patterson. I have heard only good about her. I do not know this for sure but I believe those deaths were secondary problems that occured after the surgery and not as a direct result on the surgery. Call her and chat about what happend in those cases. I am sure she would be more than willing to tell you a little about what happend. Also - my friend had the RNY surgery by a doctor who had no deaths BUT he had a high incidence of leaks, infections, etc. She just about died and was in intensive care for 3 months. So look at that too - before your RNY surgery. Talk to you soon my dear and try not to be to stressed about it. Have a glass of wine tonight. XOXO

I would totally go with Dr. Patterson! I plan on having her to mine and feel 100% confident with my choice! I know this may be kind of morbid, but those 2 deaths probably taught her ALOT so she has learned what went wrong, what to avoid, what to watch out for, ect.... With surgery there are ALWAYS going to be deaths if your a surgeon long enough. Good luck! Brandi

I would go for Dr. Patterson. She is one of the best in this field internationally. I don't know the cir****tance of the two deaths, but as a patient population there are many people with life threatening co-morbidities prior to surgery. Those two patients may have been on the very top end of surgery risk, and I am betting went forward fully informed of the risk. Keep us posted of your decision. Good luck to you. Patty