Labs

Has anyone else's surgeon waited until 6 months for their first labs? I haven't had them yet and mine does them at 6 months. I'm concerned that it may be waiting too long but what do I know? My surgeon has been doing this for approx. 30 years so he must know what he's doing. I'd feel better if someone else's surgeon has the same protocol. Fran

My surgeon waits until 6 months for the first blood work-up. I admit though that this made me a bit nervous so I called my primary care doctor and asked her to order labs. So I guess I kind of "cheated" but I took the results to my 3 month check up with the surgeon and he was fine with my primary doctor ordering them.

Thanks for the reply.

My Doctor does them every 3 months but I have noticed that when WLS patients have a problem in their levels it has always been after 3 months. So I don't think 6 months is too long. Loretta

Thanks Loretta. I guess I'll follow what my surgeon says and not worry about it. Fran

Fran my doctor did it at one month, two month, three month...then I go back at 6 month, 9 month and 12 months...and then yearly after that...I think you should have the labs before six months..to see if anything is going on...my iron was low...and needed iron...so check it out...but the doctors in California are sooo different...good luck and i'm sure you are fine... Dennis

Dennis, It's funny you say that the doctors in California is different. My sister lives in San Diego and some of the treatment they've given her is very different from what I get in Indiana. I'm not saying it's bad but it sure is different from mine. Oh well! Thanks for the reply. I'll check with my doctor. Fran

MY PRIMARY DOC NEEDED TO DO LABS FOR ANOTHER REASON, SO I GOT MINE EARLY, BUT YES, MY SURGEON TOLD ME THAT THE REASON FOR THE 6-MONTH LAB DATE IS BECAUSE IT GENERALLY TAKES OUR BODIES 6 MONTHS TO USE UP WHATEVER NUTRIENTS, ETC, WE HAVE STORED UP & THEY WANT TO SEE HOW WELL YOU'RE REPLACING THEM & ABSORBING THEM POST OP. SO, BY 6 MONTHS, THEY WILL KNOW FOR SURE IF YOU ARE REPLINISHING YOUR NUTRIENTS CORRECTLY POST OP. THAT WILL ALSO TELL THEM IF YOUR BODY IS ABSORBING THEM PROPERLY WITH CORRECT AMOUNTS OF FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS AS YOU WON'T BE LIVING OFF ANYTHING STORED FROM BEFORE SURGERY. SO, NOT TO WORRY, MS FRAN. GOD BLESS DAWN & NICK

Thanks Dawn. Your answer makes sense so I'm not going to worry and do what my surgeon says. He hasn't been wrong about anything else so far. Shalom, Fran

I haven't had any done yet, but I see my doctor tomorrow and will tell him I want them taken. Celia