Question:
How often should you have bloodwork completed?

I am 10 weeks post op and I do not go back to my surgeon until Sept.3. I have never had any bloodwork done postop. Should I take it upon myself to have this done by my regular PCP or call my surgeon and ask him why? I do not have any problems and I take all my vitamins. Please let me know how often bloodwork should be done? RK LAP RNY 4-9-02 49lbs    — Robin B. (posted on June 18, 2002)

June 18, 2002
i have post op blood work on my one month check up by the surgeon.
   — mimie V.

June 18, 2002
I go quarterly.
   — Kimberly L.

June 18, 2002
I have my bloodwork done quarterly. There are specialized blood tests that the surgeon asks for that are not normal (e.g., thiamine, folate, iron, etc.). You should contact out surgeon and ask about this. I would certainly think he would want to keep track of your bloodwork at this critical stage after surgery to make sure that you don't have any malnourishment issues.
   — Patty H.

June 18, 2002
It depends on the length of your bypass, but generally, for a proximal, you should have bloodwork done quarterly the first year, then every 6 months the second year, and if all looks good, at least every year after that. Also, ALWAYS get a copy of the results so you can compare each time. Doctors will only look to see if everything is in the normal range, but if you see variations in anything, you will know if something's off-kilter and can adjust accordingly before it's in the danger zone. Watch the trends. This is VERY important! Don't just leave it up to your doctor, you're health is in YOUR hands! Ok, off my soapbox now :)
   — Leslie F.

June 18, 2002
Hi Robin! I had open RNY on 04/10/02 and I follow-up with my surgeon on a monthly basis. A week before I have an appointment I go to get my blood drawn so by the time I arrive for my appointment, my surgeon has all the results.
   — Dona R.

June 18, 2002
I had mine at 6 months and am getting ready to again at 12 months. Every doc is different it seems and I am sure it depends upon the results of your first test and whether or not you are "normal". I wouldn't try t do it more frequently than you surgeon recommends as your insurance might not pay.
   — Molly S.

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