Dr. Hong??? Good/Bad?

Hello all, It looks as though my consult next week will be with Dr. Hong who works with Dr. Patterson. Has anyone else had him do their surgery, either LAP-BAND or GB??? When you do research on who does LAP-BAND his name never comes up in all the profiles of most of the Oregon people. Dr. Emma Patterson's does all over.......Just wondering. I met him at the group consultation and he seemed nice, but nice means nothing when my life is in someone else's hands. I asked the office how many Lap-Bands he has done and they said about 100 and Dr. Patterson has done about 400-500 I think. I know he works with her and under her so if anyone has heard anything good/bad please let me know.....thanks! Nadine

Before I give advise, I just want you to know that I was a freak about researching my doc. I was fortunate, though, my insurance didn't require a referral from my primary care phycisian. With that said, If I were you, I would ask for his statistics. Of those 100 Lap Bands that he has performed, how many were morbidly obese and how many were super morbidly obese? You want to know how he is doing with patients that are in the same category as you are? Then ask what his complication rate has been with those patients in each category. If the office does not give you this info...then it's your choice as to how to proceed. You can contanct the Oregon State Boad of Medical Examiners to see if he has ever been sued for malpratice. Find out if he has practiced in another state and search that state for malpractice suits. This is definitely a good place to start, as many people are well versed in how to research this stuff. Good Luck!! Keep your options open!! -Mary P

Hi Mary, You look so great btw.....is that your recent pic? Thank you for your input, that is why I am asking the board if anyone knows of him. I had one person write to me the other day that she has had surgery by him and has had no problems. This is her email below: EMAIL FROM PATIENT OF DR. HONG**** just wanted to let you know that Dr. Hong did my surgery last week (April 6) and it went great. He is a wonderful doctor and I had complete confidence in him. He has a quiet serious manner, he will never be touchy feely kind of guy, but he is everything I wanted in a surgeon. He is highly skilled, well trained in this procedure. He had time for me and I felt very comfortable with him when I was at my post-surgery worst. Everything went well and so far not a hitch. Good luck.****** So these are the things I need to hear as well as do the research you suggested....thank you. I think sometimes us women get so caught up in the excitement and anticipation that we forget what we are really considering to do with our bodies maybe because we are so desperate (I hate that word) that we are willing to do whatever it takes to give us back a normal life..........sad but very true for some of us! Thanks for the help! Nadine

Hi, I had surgery last week with Dr. Hong. I can say that I have been very happy with him. I had complete confidence in his skills. He has had exstensive surgical training, and trained specifically for this procedure with Dr. Patterson. To me he is "the kid" compared with Dr. Patterson, but is by no means a rookie. Dr. Patterson allowed him to operate on her. I figure that is a pretty good vote of confidence. He has a quite, serious manner about him. Everyone likes a charismatic, enthusiastic person with great people skills. Dr. Hong may not have all that, but he is respectful, approachable, calm, and just very nice. He gave me plenty of time both in his pre-op appointments and when I was boo hooing about my normal but uncomfortable post-op aches and pains. I think he did a great job with me. Also, he was available much sooner than Dr. Patterson.

Hi Patty, Where are your pictures? None on your profile....get them, they are inspirational....! Anyhow, thank you for your input on Dr. Hong. I did check him out in the Oregon Medical Board but he has only been licensed here in OR since Nov. 2003. Did you get any of his statistcis before you chose him? Did he do surgery's here or also in Canada? Also what kind of surgery did you have? He graduted in 1996 which means most of his work would be in Canada where he was. What surgery did he do on Dr. Patterson? Anyhow, just trying to get all the info I can on him. Call me paranoia!!! Sorry for all the questions....Congrats to you also!!! Thanks again, Nadine

Hi Patty, Thanks for all your info, I just finished reading your profile. I have a date with Dr. Hong on June 1rst. I have been getting uneasy as the date gets closer. I especially worry about the first few days home. Your detailed diary/profile really helped assure me that I have made the right decision in choosing Dr. Hong. Hope everything is still going well with you.