Question:
I haven't seen a doctor since my surgery 4 yrs ago.
My surgery was out of state and I don't know where to start. I need to get labs done but should I find a baratric surgeon to check me out and will he check me out? I never got to my goal weight which was 135, I stopped at 143 and have since gained 15 pounds. Should I find a PCP thats familiar with weightloss surgery. Only DR. I have seen has been my GYN. So I guess I'm asking which DR. do I need to see. I would love your input and if you know of any physicians in SF bay area let me know. I live in Vallejo, Ca — TTT (posted on July 27, 2009)
July 27, 2009
I had my surgery when I lived in Massachusetts, but moved away from there
at one year out from my surgery and have always just gone to my primary
care physician for all my followup, testing, etc. I've experienced no
complications and because other than a slight weight gain since your
surgery (I'm assuming no complications, because you mention none), your PCP
should be adequate for all your followup. Although I'm in California, I'm
not familiar with any Bay Area physicians. However, I would find one
associated with UCSF if I were you. Teaching hospital doctors are going to
be more up to date on the latest research and methods and be better trained
in my experience. My surgery was done at Brigham & Women's Hospital in
Boston, which is a teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School and all my
doctors were there, including my PCP. My father had his hip replacement
done at UCSF and the quality of care was top rate. Just my experience with
teaching hospitals . . . :). If you live near one, avail yourself of their
care.
— rebalspirit
July 28, 2009
I live in SF and had my surgery with Dr.Greg Jossart at Cal.Pacific Medical
center. He will give you a list of all the post op labs you need to have
checked.Most pcps don't know all the tests that you need.I'm a nurse and
work with post-op WLS patients and we don't get the complete testing needed
post op-when we are followed strickly by their primary care MDS.I frequenly
call primary care MDs to educate them. So see a surgeon at UCSF or Dr.
Jossart at Cal Pacific.Either would give you good care.
— gay_
July 28, 2009
Hi, I agree with Gay. As a primary physician myself I know most docs are
unfamiliar with what wls patients need (and that includes those in teaching
hospitals), but any of them willing to listen and put forth the effort to
learn from a bariatrics surgeon, nurse, or nutritionist should be able to
succesfully assist you. I suggest you start with a bariatric surgeons
office and if they won't see you since they didn't do the surgery then try
to find a pcp that is open to learning. Kevin
— hapkidodoc
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