Question:
Dr. Jay vs. Dr. Wongsa --- Lap RNY???

Okay --- so I put the cart before the horse. When I first started considering having this surgery, I searched various sites on the web, and contacted several offices which specialized in WLS, including Neweigh, BTC, and some individual surgeons. I was not yet familiar with this web site. As my surgery date approaches, I have been reading over everyone's various experiences. I am scheduled for a Lap RNY with Dr. Jayakumar on 1/14/02. It is very important that if any way possible barring complications, including death that my surgery be Lap not open, if possible. Several of you have posted that Dr. Jay frequently converts from Lap to open. I am very curious about why he converted to Open vs. Lap. Likewise most of you that are criticizing Dr. Jay for this refer to Dr. Wongsa as being the best at Lap. I would like to hear from those of you who have had your wls performed by either of these doctors, especially under what conditions Dr. Jay converted to open from lap. I sure would hate to switch surgeons, but I really need the Lap. Thanks!    — Terri R. (posted on December 19, 2001)

December 20, 2001
I had a LAP last Wed. w/ dr Wongsa. Wongsa is not a braiatric doctor he is a laproscopy surgeon speaclialist. He performs other lap proceedures, not just WLS. He's not too friendly, but is very professional, and knows what he's doing. I had a great time in the hospital meeting his other patients, We walked and talked. It helped pass the time away. I was also going w/ Dr. Jay originally, but I heard the same hing as you, he often reverts to open, becasue he's not as skilled w/ LAP, but he's a good bariatric dr. Wongsa says if there's a complication he also will open you up I think all LAPs can trun to open. Email me if you want.
   — Cindee A.