Question:
When should I have 1st blood test?
I went for my second post-op visit last week (I am 6 weeks out) and asked my surgeon when we would start doing blood work. He told me that since I am feeling fine and everything is going well, and I am taking all my recommended vitamin supplements, that we won't be starting blood work until the next time I see him (which is 3 months, or the end of January). So, I see no reason to be concerned but my spouse is wondering if I should see my PCP and have some work done "just to be sure....". Opinions anyone?? Does 4 months out for initial blood work (assuming feeling fine, etc) sound reasonable to you?? Thanks for any input (I really hate my PCP which is why I didn't just give in and go, I need to find someone else) Thanks.....Renee D — Renee D. (posted on October 28, 2002)
October 28, 2002
My surgeon had bloodwork done at 3 months, 6 months, and at 1 year. I plan
on asking my PCP to repeat those tests very 6 months so I can keep check on
things.
— LLinderman
October 28, 2002
My surgeon does the 1st bloodwork at 4 weeks at which time he starts giving
B-12 injections monthly.
— Mary H.
October 28, 2002
I will be 3 mths post-op on Nov. 12, I will be having my first bloodwork
done Nov. 19..Not quite 4 mths but close..
— Sharon1964
October 28, 2002
My blood work is 3,6, 9 and 12 month's Then once a yr. after that.
— charanewme
October 28, 2002
Renee, I am 10wks post op and my dtr does the first set at 50lbs....Then at
6mos, 9mos 12mos and every sixe months after. I would get some blood work
done, just cause you "feel fine" doesn't mean you are fine...do
it as precautionary and preventative. Good Luck!
— heathercross
October 28, 2002
My surgeon has over 20 years experience with bariatric surgery and he
doesn't do blood work until 8 months post-op unless there is some problem.
I had mine done at 6 months because it looked like he was going to stop
taking my insurance (that changed, thank goodness) and everything was
perfect.
— Patty_Butler
October 29, 2002
hiya! my pcp did mine at 6 mos post op then every 6 mos after that.
good luck!
kate
open rny 6-14-01
pre op: 268lbs
goal: 135lbs
current: 126lbs
— jkb
October 29, 2002
My doctor didn't do my full blood work until 12 mos out, I felt good
everytime I saw him so he saw no need for blood work. recently I had a
check up he said we need blood work , so I was sent to the lab. Well the
next day I was told to go to the emergency room because my blood level was
too low due to iron. I just returned from a three day stay at the hospital
from a blood tranfusion,
I don't want to scare you but keep checking on your blood, I too felt very
good. The hospital told me that I have gone so long with this problem
that my body had gotten used to having low blood level that I didn't feel
any symtoms. My blood level was 7.3 and hemogolbin 19
— Rebe W.
October 29, 2002
My surgeon ordered my blood/lab work for months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and once a
year after that. I'm a little concerned since it takes a while for the
body to show a decificiency - even if you feel fine. Did you call your PCP
and ask his opinion of when you should start?
— Jennifer A.
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