OH Health Tip: Taking Charge Of Your Medical Care
October 18, 2013You Are Your Best Health Advocate!
Now that you’ve either made the decision to have weight loss surgery or have already had your surgery, you are your own best advocate for your health. Pre-operatively many times we were intimidated by or avoided going to see the doctor. For many of us, it seems as though every affliction or medical issue was attributed to our weight. Sometimes we viewed seeing the doctor as a last resort. Now that we have taken charge of our health, we need to go a step further.
Do you have copies of the medical and lab tests you’ve had? You are entitled to a copy of blood tests, x-ray reports, any medical reports. Many patients don’t realize they are entitled to receive a copy of the report. You are, so request your copy. Compile an organized medical file with the copies of reports.
Many weight loss surgery patients create spreadsheets of blood labs they’ve had done. The spreadsheet lists the test along with the date and values for each of the individual tests performed. If you have labs run, request a copy of the actual lab report.
When you receive a copy of your lab results, check them thoroughly. There is a normal range of levels for each of the tests. When you have your next lab tests done, compare the report for the current testing with the last tests run. How do they look? Are they within a few points of each from one testing period to another? Are there any areas of concern? Is there a varying range of levels that is quite large? If you have any areas of concern, you can call your surgeon or physician’s office with any questions or clarifications you may have.
The next time that you have labs taken, compare the report with the past few testing periods. Even if they are in the normal range, do you detect a trend? Is there a trend that causes you concern? Again, check with your surgeon or physician’s office. Many times by checking the reports that you receive, despite being in the normal range, you can detect areas of concern before they occur.
Many tests such as bone density scans or other periodic checks should be at regular intervals. By having a spreadsheet or a complete medical file, you can give yourself reminders to schedule these tests at the appropriate times to avoid any lapse in testing periods.
The responsibility for taking the best care of your health possible lies with you. We take charge of our health and medical care when we make the decision to regain our health by having weight loss surgery. Continue to protect your health by following these simple steps:
1. Perform a careful review of your medical test reports.
2. Contact your health care professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding medical reports you receive from tests.
3. Schedule annual exams and periodic testing as recommended by your physician without time lapses.
4. Follow a high-quality vitamin regime that you take regularly and consistently.
5. Have a regular physician that knows you and your medical history. Contact your physician with any concerns or questions you have regarding your health or weight loss surgery.
The decision to have weight loss surgery was a positive step forward to regain and control your health. By following the simple yet important steps above, you’ll give yourself the advantage of making your health a top priority.
 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Cathy Wilson, PCC, BCC, had RNY surgery in 2001 and lost 147 pounds. Cathy is a regular contributor to the OH Blog and authored the "Mind Matters" column in ObesityHelp Magazine. Cathy is a licensed pilot and loves flying. She is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC).Read more articles by Cathy! |
