Post-op Problems 7 years out

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to get suggestions for a good practitioner to help me with my postop nutritional deficiencies.  I've HAD it with UNC Internal Medicine clinic - they truly have no clue about postop bariatric surgery management.  I've ended up hospitalized with pernicious anemia, severe iron-deficiency anemia, you name it.  I'm back feeling absolutely, positively AWFUL and need a WLS-saavy doc to help me here.  I'm in Chapel Hill.   Have had trouble reaching my original surgeon (he might have retired) so really welcome suggestions.  I'm in tears writing this as my quality of life, frankly, since my WLS in 2002 is abysmal. 

Sorry to be such a downer in my first post but this is unreal.  I'm on Medicaid now as I no longer work (I used to be a full-time attorney in my "old" life) so my options are limited by that, too.

Sigh,
Kate

I am sorry Kate.  That sounds terrible.  I don't know what to suggest to you except maybe the Duke program.  The program there seems to be so comprehensive....  Good luck.

Kelly

I agree with Kelly, you need to try Duke... I've had some experience with both Duke and UNC... Duke has a MUCH more comprehensive program.  And Nuts that are extremely in tune with bariatric patients.

Kate,

Have you tried the folks at Duke? They have an active, effective nutritional program. All programs have clay feet in one area or another and sometimes Duke's administrative issues have been enough to drive a sane person wild; that said, they have made a number of changes and their clinical, dietary and psych components are all relatively well-rounded.

You guys are amazing.  I'm blown away by people jumping to offer me suggestions.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I think I'll call Duke in the morning and try to get in the bariatric surgery clinic.  My problem, I think, has been I'm just in the general Internal Medicine clinic at UNC.  Unless a physician has a special commitment to and understanding of the post bariatric surgery issues, the patient can really get lost.  The internal medicine residents I've seen haven't ordered the proper lab tests ever - even when I'm in the midst of an exhaustion crisis.  I end up in the hospital for a Staph infection or, one time, pernicious anemia - at which time it's discovered I have every ailment possible - hypocalcemia, severe iron deficiency, etc.  It's gotten to where I've just felt paralyzed, you know?  I'd go in, see these doctors, and they'd just run a CBC.  It's been so frustrating.  I'm a well-read patient but I just could never get heard.  My doctors have always, always been chalking it up to the fact that I've got a history of depression.  Then I end up in a real medical crisis, get IV nutrients, etc., get better for a time, and then spiral back down. 

Thank you for listening to my ranting and raving.  My whole family is devastated that I even had the surgery as my life has been one hospitalization/operation/complication after another.

Kate

Kate first I want to welcome you to the NC forum we have some great people on this board and have lots of knowledge to share with others.
I had my RNY in 07 at UNC and I  have been very happy since.
I am probally my surgeon's #1 fan.
I agree the NUT at UNC is not the best and I know there are ones with much better advice like Patrick at  Duke's wls center.
My surgeon was Tim Farrel at UNCand is loctated on the first floor at the main hospital at UNC in GI surgery.
You can reach his nurse named Karen Coltan at 843-1258
I have always felt that Dr Farrel really does care about his patients.
I hope that you will find the help you need and start to feel better.
                                                                    Annie

Thanks so much, Annie!  My hubby is from Pittsboro so I smiled when I saw your post!  I've heard great things about Dr. F at UNC so I just need to find a way to get in there.  Regular UNC internal medicine docs have been worthless.  I've been patronized so much, treated like I'm some idiot, and generally they like to just blame everything on the fact that I've had (well-treated and stable) depression.  It's like I'm a leper or something b/c I have a routine psychiatric diagnosis.  I've had zilch in necessary labs from internal medicine.  Am going to call UNC in a few minutes as that would be convenient for me.  I really appreciate your help (and my husband, Johnny Baldwin, thanks you too!)

Kate

Kate,

Sorry you're having a problem...  I'm also 7 years PO and I find it harder and harder to find Doctors who are WLS savvy also.  My GP is pretty good, but she's here in Richlands (Jacksonville area).  I usually go back to my WLS surgeon when I have something out of the ordinary going on. 

I hope you feel better soon!  Keep in touch, it's nice to see someone as far PO as we are.

Hug,.
Sheryl