I'm so sorry your doctor has abandoned you like that (sorry but that's exactly what he's doing). I hope you can find another doctor who's willing to work with you. Obviously he doesn't understand the word "preventive" because that's what our labs are - to keep us from getting deficient.

Is there a hospital that might be able to recommend someone? When I was shopping around for doctors (I'm fortunate to live with tons of doctors to choose from) I would actually make an appointment and interview them. I always made it clear that I had very specific needs and didn't want to waste the doctor's (or my) time if they weren't willing to work with me (at least to learn and understand my needs). I'm so thankful that my current doctor was willing (and almost excited) to learn all about the DS.

If only it were that easy!!!!!!!!!

He doesn't understand the DS and sees no reason to order so many labs. When the results come back good for normies, it reinforces his contention that the labs aren't needed. He doesn't need to interpret the results... I can do that and always have vets to help me if necessary. I have been able to convince him to order the labs until this time. He refuses to order the complete DS labs. He told me to find a doctor that specializes in the DS. He feels that I'm not deficient, so he's not justified ordering labs for deficiency. I'm getting upset talking about it!!! He said that he'd write a referral for any doctor that I wanted that specializes in the DS. I have insurance that doesn't need referrals. He's been my doctor for 35 years and tells me every 6 months that I was as he says, "circling the drain" and wouldn't be alive today without the DS. He saw me go from 367.5 pounds to 160 pounds. He has been there for both my parents deaths, my car accident, my DS surgery.....I could go on and on and on. I taught his kids and go to his church. He refers to my surgery as Gastric Bypass. ?. I have shown him tons and tons of research, pictures, testimonies and diagrams. I've physically brought in my cases of vitamins packed for the month, so he can "actually see" how many vitamins that I take to keep my labs appropriate. I say, you didn't tell me to take these vitamins. I know to take them. I take them to keep my labs as they should be!!! As I became frustrated this last time, he agreed to order the labs for the last time. He said that I was getting too upset and he wanted to take my blood pressure because he thought that it was skyrocketing. By the way, I no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea or any other condition. I take no medication. I'm a success. (I've had setbacks due to noncompliance a couple times. I'm not perfect!). The doctor and I are the same age and care about each other. This is unfortunate in many ways. I live in a small town and our paths cross in some wonderful ways. "This is just a painful reality that has been coming to a head for about 3 years."

Soooo.... That's my story in a nutshell. There is more history between us that has been wonderful. I love his family. He's wonderful.... except for this!!!

Thank you both!

I imagine it's this article, although I haven't read it yet.

Merz AE, Blackstone RB, Gagner M, Torres AJ, Himpens J, Higa KD, Rosenthal RJ, Lloyd A, DeMaria EJ. Duodenal switch in revisional bariatric surgery: conclusions from an expert consensus panel. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 2019 Mar 21.

There is Dr. Ayoola in TX, or Dr. Dennis Smith in Fla, or Dr. Sudan at Duke in No. Carolina. These are the closest ones to you that I can think of.

The DS is the same whether done open or lap. It's the same surgery on the inside, just a different way of getting there.

Larra