Question:
I have my first visit with Dr. Wongsa, what should I expect.

What things will they ask? What things can I bring to expedite the procedure. I have Aetna HMO insurance. I have poor memory, but could find the answers now, before the appt., if I knew what to expect. Help from all the previous patients of Dr. Wongsa would be appreciated. Thanks.    — Tracy S. (posted on July 12, 2001)

July 12, 2001
I met Dr. Wongsa, and will have my surgery at the end of Sept. (I'm a teacher, otherwise I'd do it sooner, but want to start at least 6 weeks of school) Dr. W is a vey straight to the point kind of guy, no fluff! He is an expert in LAP, he not only does obese patients, but other type surgeries. He is Chinese,his nurse, Ruth is very sweet and tries real hard w/ the insurance companies. He was my choice after doing research w/ neweigh dr.s I like his "no nonesense" attitiude. He's not all that friendly but he treated me very respectful. I can't answer your questions about insurance. If I can help any further E mail me.
   — Cindee A.

July 12, 2001
Hi Tracy, Dr. Wongsa performed my Lap RNY on 5/16/01. You can expect excellence during your visit. He is very very thorough and straight to the point. He is a personable man and his staff is the best. His followups via visits after surgery are often and timely. He has outstanding bedside manners and you will need that with this surgery. To expedite your approval: Be sure to have notes of any and all medical problems you have due to obesity such as sleep apnea, asthma, bad knees, breathing problems, diabetes, etc. If you have tried under a physician's care to lose weight before, bring that doctor's name and address and phone number. Aetna needs two doctor's. This can be those doctors that prescribe diet pills that are well known in Houston. Just have that info. This is what will speed up the process. Hope this helps. Karen
   — Karen B.

July 12, 2001
I noticed your question about going to the DR. I also noticed that is the same doctors name on the profile of the girl who just died. Please check into that. I am not sure that was her doctor but when I looked up the profile for the girl in Houston that died, (they had said her name was Karen Reyes) it said the same doctors name. You can read more about her in the posting from today 7-12-01. I am not trying to worry you just please check and be safe.
   — Tawnya R.

July 12, 2001
please make sure that was dr. wongsa that did her surgery. i read her profile and she had little to post. her original surgery date was in march but it must not have happened. it is possible she changed surgeons. please do not imply that was dr. wongsa unless you know forsure!
   — [Anonymous]

July 12, 2001
I agree with the previous anonymous poster. You shouldn't assume that just because a doctor's name is on her profile that that is the doctor she used. Her last post on her surgery page was around 3/23 saying she would be having surgery on 3/26. She might have decided to go to another doctor in the last 3 months so until the name of her doctor comes out, let's reserve our judgement and hysteria for the proper time. If she used a different doctor and you told people it was the doctor on her profile that was the one who did the surgery, you could be held liable.
   — [Anonymous]

July 13, 2001
Don't assume Dr Wongsa is a bas surgeon even if he did operate on the woman who died. We don't know any of the issues involved, this is a risky surgery, as is ALL surgery, people die. We don't the co morbities, the shape she was in before the surgery or anything else. As to your original question, first, ask blunt out if this happened and decide for yourself if you will feel comfortable continuing with this Dr. Take your diet history if they don't already have it. Know any drugs you are taking, the miligrams you take and how many times a day you take it. Know your co morbities, from rashes to diabetes and everything in between, don't forget aches and pains that are weight related.. like bad knees or back pain. Good luck!
   — Becky K.