Out of province surgery...follow up?

Heya

I have recently relocated to Alberta from another province, having had the RNY last summer.

The program I was in does follow-up monitoring for up to 5  years following surgery (where they monitor your levels and you have access to a dietician). 
  
I have spoken to the AWMC in Edmonton and was advised that they only do follow up with patients who had surgery with them, so that I would have to go to the Revision clinic for follow-up.

To be clear, I don't want a revision, just more specialized monitoring follow-up than a GP could give. 

So my two questions are:

What are the long-term, post-surgery monitoring standards in Alberta?

From your knowledge of the  Edmonton Bariatric program, does it sound normal that I'm being directed to the Revision clinic for bloodwork/dietician monitoring follow-up?

Thanks for any input!

I can't answer your first question, but the answer to the second is yes. The focus of the WW clinic is lifestyle change and preparing for surgery. The Revision Clinic is closer to your situation (besides revision, of course) in that it's dealing with people who have already had WLS, who have very different needs than a pre-op. I had my VSG in Mexicali and will be seeing a dietitian at the Revision Clinic if I need help in that area.

To be honest the Weight Wise clinic is wonderful but they don't do follow up's that far out of surgery unless you are a band patient. I was discharged after having gastric sleeve at 18 months post-op. The clinic is moving people through their programs faster these days and I do believe that it's because of them discharging post-op patients earlier than what the patients expect.
Most GP in Edmonton are very familiar with gastric surgeries and able to do follow up. If they have concerns they can always do consults with the Weight Wise team.

Kee.

Good morning I just had a revision RNY through the revision clinic. They are a fantastic group of professionals and I would suggest calling them and they can answer your questions. It's always the best to get the answers directly. Also, if  you contact Alberta Health Services they may also be able to direct you in the right direction. and finally once you have your family doctor in place let them know what you are needing and they will be able to refer you in the right direction.

good luck and have a fantastic day!