Looking for help in the Asheville area

Congratulations to each of you who has found this wonderful resource. OH got me through my pre-op, post-op and plastic surgery phases. It is a fabulous resource. My surgery was almost 4 years ago and it was the best thing I could have done for myself.

I am relatively new to NC, living in Hendersonville. I found an internist who did not know much about WLS but was willing to learn. He's been wonderful so far.

This posting is to try to help a friend who had WLS 6 or 7 years ago. She is also in Hendersonville. She had been to the doctor I am happy with but did not like him; it was not a question of his competence, more a matter if personality clashes. She is now using someone here in town as an internist; the doctor is Board Certified but has no knowledge of life after WLS and no interest in learning. Example: She said she saw no reason to take vitamins and other supplements if you ate a proper diet. She did not understand that most of us will be taking dietary supplements for the rest of our lives because we do not absorb many vitamins.

My friend is not a difficult woman, just looking for a good internist who either knows about life after gastric bypass or is willing to learn. Does anyone out there know a good internist somewhere in the Asheville area that fits the bill? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Happy holidays. Wilma

I'm from Asheville and am pre-op.  My surgeon is Dr. Smith in Atlanta and my PCP is Dr. Fred Littleton in Asheville at Carolina Internal Medicine.  I'm not sure he is taking new patients, but I will say this:  he is totally supportive of me to have WLS, although I am interested in the DS, not RNY.  I think most PCP's are not well acquainted with what WLS patients will require, but I think Dr. Littleton is totally willing to learn what he needs to know in order to care for me.  I recommend him without reservation.

mspppants

Thanks for the info. I will pass it on.

I have a friend in NJ who had DS surgery about 6 years ago. It will be very important for your PCP to be vigilant with your lab work. Again, this speaks to knowledge of WLS or willingness to learn since we all need lab work done more than the average person.

The best of luck to you. I appreciate your prompt response. If you have any questions about life after WLS please let me know. Wilma

My surgeon is in Atlanta as well but my internist is nearer in Bryson City. I am her only WLS patient but she had two cases in residency. As of today I am getting a kick out of her seeing all the improvements. My Sleep Doctor that I see for apnea is using my data for other patients that she has that are morbidly obese and advocating WLS as a supporting factor to my weaning off the Diving mask. I guess we are rural enough even though Hendersonville is for sure urban as it can get that there are not as many WLS patients as we would like. If you find a good doctor that is pretty strict on doing your lab work any needed diagnosis will be alot more easier to get in my opinion. I still have to send my blood work back to Atlanta but it sure beats driving there every so often. Welcome to Asheville and Hendersonville.