Question:
I am scheduled for February 5 with Dr. Voravit Wongsa in Houston....

I am afraid that he will cancel my surgery since I have gained weight since my consult in late July. Can any of Dr. Wongsa's patients who had their surgeries cancelled email me, I am worried about him doing this since I have to travel from Amarillo to Houston - a great distance. Any assistance is appreciated.    — Diana M. (posted on January 8, 2002)

January 8, 2002
My Drs. Nurse said it is very common for people to gain weight before surgery. I would not worry about it, just go to your pre-op and dont say anything about gaining. I gained about 12 lbs from time of approval to surgery date. I think people who have been approved worry about everything, accidents, illness, anything you can imagine that would stop the surgery. Good Luck and Congrats on your approval. Take a deep breath and relax.
   — KAREN T.

January 9, 2002
I was initially worried about this because one of his patients had said that he threatened to cancel the surgery since she had gained weight from her first consultation. I am trying my best, but the whole purpose of this surgery is because dieting doesn't work. If he complains about me gaining, I will tell him point blank that I gained because I was denied and thought it was over. Then, I switched jobs and finally got good insurance and wasn't prepared for such a quick approval and close surgery date. If he cancels it, then I guess I will deal with that. I am thinking of calling his office and seeing what would happen and maybe rescheduling if he seriously would cancel due to weight gain. We'll see what happens.
   — Diana M.

January 10, 2002
I had surgery w/ Wongsa on 12/12/01. I also had gained weight in my 10 months of waiting for approval. When Ruth called me she said she noticed I had gained 7 lbs. she said Wongsa wouldn't operate on me if I was in a "gaining mode" She prescribed me 8 phentermin and told me to try and loose the 7 lbs. I did not take the drug. but I just ate light during the week before, and somehow the weight came off. Call Ruth to verify, don't be scared. He's agreat surgeon. I was in and out in 2 days, and only had minute pain. Email if you have further questons.
   — Cindee A.

January 10, 2002
I went to see him in July also and I was denied by the insurance company. I compiled information to submit in my appeal and finally got approved in Late November. I had gained seven pounds since my initial appointment. When I found out that I was approved I lost about 3 lbs before the surgery. My surgery was schedule for December 11th. He took the fact that I had tried to lose in into account and said that I was okay. He has explained that when people gain weight too quickly their liver swells and it not good to go under in this conditions. He said that this is why he does not like for patients to gain weight.
   — Wendy M.