Blood Work Up

Hi everyone...hope all is well My surgeon does NOT order blood work so I asked my family dr to order some...he is clueless as to what to order. Can anyone tell me?? I suggested a protein level as my hair is falling out like crazy (I got sunburned on my scalp this weekend!) But anything else/?

This is what my surgeon ordered for me: Complete Metabolic Panel Complete Blood Count Hemoglobin AIC Uric Acid Urinalysis (UA) Lipids Iron, TIBC Chromium Selenium B12 Zinc I hope this helps =)

Thank you...I will pass your list on to my family dr.

Hi there Lisa, I did not go yet for my 6 month checkup but before I do I will call the surgeons office to see if they want my blood. I had blood done for my 3 month check-up. I sent a copy to my diabetic dr also. I am seeing my diabetic dr next week. He says no blood needed now, so I guess its up to you what to do.I will call my surgeon before my visit in June to see if he wants blood otherwise I am not worried.... and MY HAIR IS ALSO FALLING OUT WHICH I THINK IS NORMAL AT THIS TIME POST-OP. Thinning hair its ok I can deal with that in exchange for the new thinning body ...... LORRAINE RNY 12/15/03 245 LBS NOW.................. 165 PDS DOWN 80 PDS TO ME AND TO YOU ALSO

My surgeon does not feel blood work is necessary unless you have symptoms. I can agree but feel better knowing whats going on inside my body esp since I am not the best at this new way of life (I never get near enough protein or water, I cannot swallow my vitamins so I use chewables or crush them up than throw up what I mixed them with) I realize the hair loss is normal and know it will improve (I actually just found a vitamin for that too, Nioxin) but I am 34 and I swear I now have less hair than my husband! The new growth comes in curly too which is driving me crazy. I deal and am happy with the surgery though...my weight loss has been slower than yours, but that is OK with me. I look and feel great!! I was about 292, today I am 217 and in size 16...I am also 5'9" so according to my surgeon should only lose about 30 more pounds...Good luck on your continued success!!

Hi Lisa, we have the same surgery date and as of Friday (4/23) I was down 71 pounds. I saw my surgeon Friday and he said I was right on target. I started at 311 and am now 239 (as of Friday). So you are doing a great job! Losing at a good pace. Keep up the good work (as my surgeon would say)! I have another 70 to go, hopefully it won't so hard for you to lose your other 30. Jill

71 pounds is awesome! I had lost 10 pre-surgery, so we are actually on the same pace. I lose a few pounds, stay that way for awhile (a few weeks), lose a few more...slow and steady is fine with me, I have NO compliants (except for the hair loss). I had a secondary surgery that set me back for a month but now I am enjoying life. I roller blade with my 4 yr old and help with my sons baseball teams. We are even going to Disney may 27th!! This surgery and the life after may be challenging at times but so life altering in a positive way!

I personally find it unconscionable that any surgeon would not INSIST on blood studies post-op; at least 3 - 4 times the first year, and at least 1 -2 times a year thereafter. There are so many deficiency disorders that can become a real problem, and early intervention is extremely important to prevent possible permanent damage. Only blood and bone density tests will reveal these problems. I cannot for the life of me understand how a medical professional would disregard such followup as "unecessary". To me, that is malpractice. We must all take responsibility for our own health and INSIST on bloodwork, and a proper reading and supplemental recommendations if necessary. This is our life and health we're dealing with, and we can't leave it to people who don't know or care enough to guard it for us. Lisa, you were SO smart to get your PCP to do it. You GO, Girl! Donna

Thanks, now if my PCP can just figure out the right things to order. EVERYONE involved in my health care acts so bewildered when I tell them I need something now. I had to change my heart meds (I have PVC's) and I have been back and forth with the cardiologist since the surgery, she has no clue what to give me. I told her anything that isn't long acting....than I ask for this blood work and my PCP, although glad to order it, called and asked me what to order. This seems so common sense to me...doctors need to be more informed of our limitations and needs.