I am officially pre-op...

Hi Chris.......Just a short note. I live in Salem, but started my journey before I knew Salem Hospital was performing the surgeries.. I am going thru Legacy Good Sam in Portland and they are AWESOME.....
I am not quite scheduled for surgery yet, but have met with the surgeon. I have BCBS PEPP insurance and they are requiring a 15 lb weight loss before they will approve. When I met w/Dr. Houng I had lost 9, so hopefully in about 2 weeks I will be scheduled....HooRay...
What I wanted to tell you is that Salem Hospital has started a support group. You may already know this....They meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month and anyone can go, whether you've had your surgery, or are just learning about surgery. I have not gone yet as I have a current conflict engagement on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, but I have a friend who had surgery w/Dr. Houng on Jan. 10 of this year who is attending and she has enjoyed the group.
Hope this helps, and best of luck to you.
Terri
Well, I happen to know a lot of people who have been treated by this doctor, or know him from working with him - i.e., the surgeon doing surgery at Salem Hospital, and it does not inspire confidence! Two surgeries under one's belt is FRIGTENING! I would run - FAST - the other way.
I worked in health care for quite a while before pursuing WLS for myself. One thing that was driven home again and again is the fact that you want a surgeon who has done a MINIMUM of 100 of a procedure - and the guy who has done 100 is considered a rank amateur by a lot of standards!
If it were me - I'd look elsewhere. But, that's just my opinion.
Best of luck to you!
Blessings,
dina