Need a doctor in NY

Hello all,

I had a VSG in April of 2006. Since that time my surgeon has relocated to Miami, Florida (I'm in Manhattan) and although I have been under the care of another surgeon in the practice, I don't feel I'm getting proper care and I'm scared for my health.

My biggest concerns are my vitamin deficiencies. I have very low B1 (thiamine), Vitamin D, and Ferratin. The side effects I'm experiencing are significant hair loss, and memory loss. I will be honest and say that up until now, I have not been as good as I could have been with taking my supplements, but I have really started being good again.

I have a few important questions:

1) Have any of you had these same deficiences with the sleeve, and if so, have you had similar side effects?

2) Would anyone be able to recommend some type of doctor that could potentially follow me and my levels. I've been to nutritionists but at this time, I really want to be under the care of a doctor. At one time, I got a B1 injection which was helpful, but I've called around and can't seem to find a doctor who is knowledgeable on vitamins and deficiences. If anyone has  a recommendation in New York, that would be wonderful. It doesn't necessarily have to be a bariatric surgeon. Could be an endocronologist, hematologist, even a general internist.. I just need some help.

I thank you so much for any support/guidance you may be able to lend. I'm feeling terribly alone in this, and could just use someone who I feel cares for me. Thank you in advance.

Amanda

I can recommend my surgeons office.  They have  excellent nutritionists.  I don't know if they take patients from other practices but it is worth a try.  I was B1 deficient from the time I was 3 months out and I was put on 100mg 3 times per day and my levels have been great since.  I continue to take that level to maintain my good level.  My NUT is very knowledgeable in all the vitamins and minerals, does labs frequently, is knowledgeable on all the suppplements and really helps with the proper diet to follow.  I highly recommend them.

Dr. Marc Bessler = Columbia Presbyterian Hospital 212-305-4000

NUT = Nancy Restusia

Thank you very much. i will contact the office to find out.

Amanda:
Hello...I beleive your original surgeon is back in NY I am not sure where at Mt Saini perhaps? (He came back from FL the word is)...

Anyways you are a ways from Albany but if not too far to drive the bariatric program here does VSG, RNY, bands and revisions and is familiar with outcome and f/up with all. AMC has a multidisciplinary team of providers to care for pts, the clinical nutrition team is awesome several medical doctors who specialize in internal medicine/nutrition/bariatrics and know all about the deficiencies and treatment as well as what labs to order.
Here is info FYI...I see Dr Vanessa Denning she is awesome.
(518) 262-0942
http://www.amc.edu/Patient/services/Surgery/Bariatric/bariatric_home.html

B1 is usually simply treated with supplements as is Vit D (I am deficient and was preop) I use vitaladies D it is 50,000 iu once weekly keeps my levels up *you should be monitored for this though with labs etc
Ferritin is your iron stores and again if iron pills dont work then many get infusions...

what supplements are you taking?

I can help with the vitamins.. I too lost significant hair, energy, etc. You can look to take a multi from a homeopathic doctor. We have trouble absorbing these vitamins and minerals, fillers and non-organic materials inhibit this. I had great success with vitamins from Usana, or a site called www.curezone.com. Take one at night, every night. Do not take a vitamin when you eat etc, our stomachs cannot break it down. Also, pancreatic enzymes as well as other digestive enzymes help digest the proteins we find difficult. During the first stages of post-op life, liquid b-vitamins work. Take iron supplements with orange juice, works wonders. Memory loss is due to insufficient nutrients. I would supplement 1 meal with a shake, they have all the good stuff. Memory loss is also due to the fact that you are overexerting your system with little to no food. Take a small nap, then have a shake, then no less than 75% of a plate of spinach, beets, etc. Trust someone who knows.. All the best, Alexis I have been post-op for 10 years. A  Dr. will tell you to increase protien, not easy. Supplement with a shake meant for weight gain. 150% of all you need. Be patient and always eat protien first, no bubbles.