Do I really need to find another surgeon?
Hi everyone...I hope someone can answer this for me with a reason as to why I need one? I am 1 year post op...my surgeon moved out of state last week, so I am either left trying to find another surgeon on just continuing on my own. I have contacted 2 so far...1 doesn't take my insurance and the other isn't taking new patients...The rest of the surgeons are about 45 minutes to 1 hour from me...What would you do?...Thanks!
Hi Wanda. The surgeon I saw has been out of the picture since 3 weeks post-op. My follow up is with Endocrinology, Dietary, Psyche, and bariatric coordinator for the first year and then care reverts to my primary care provider. Did you have a VSG? If so I would ask your primary how to follow up. I think Endocrinology is a great resource.
Sheila
Sheilarae VSG 12/16/14 by Dr T. Kellogg Mayo Clinic
HW 352, SW 317, CW 298.5 (1/4/15)
PTH is one of the few things you want LOW, not high. High PTH means you aren't getting enough calcium, and your body is leaching it from your bones. I would increase calcium and get a bone density scan (DEXA scan) to check on bone loss.
6'3" tall, male.
Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.
M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.
I think you will be fine. Just make sure the PCP knows about your VSG and checks your vitamin levels yearly. That is basically all my surgeon's office will do. In fact, I have not seen my surgeon since 1 week post op. All the follow ups have been with a PA or another MD on their staff.
Surgery Date 04-22-14 HW 2011 388(lost 60lbs on WW, regained 40) Surgery Consult Weight 1/10/14 - 367 SW 357 - CW 9/15 210.
Stalls are your body's way of telling you not to get too cocky.
5K - 1st 59:00(9/14) PR 33:45(9/15)
10K - 1:14(10/15) 1/2 - 1st 3/20/16
Some surgeons have programs with dietitians, etc, that can be helpful. But really, if you don't have a surgical issue, you don't need a surgeon. What you really need is a doctor willing to keep close tabs on ALL your vitamin levels, and possibly to make adjustments in PPIs long term for sleevers. If you have a PCP able and willing to do those things, you may not need a surgeon again.
6'3" tall, male.
Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.
M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.
I have not seen my surgeon since my 1 year follow up. Blood work is done at the bariatric center and I work with the docs and nuts there as needed. The surgeon is just the cutter :)
Surgeon: Chengelis Surgery on 12/19/2011 A little less carb eating compared to my weight loss phase loose sleever here!
1Mo: -21 2Mo: -16 3Mo: -12 4MO - 13 5MO: -11 6MO: -10 7MO: -10.3 8MO: -6 Goal in 8 months 4 days!! 6' 2'' EWL 103% Starting size 28 or 4x (tight) now size 12 or large, shoe size 12 w to 10.5 150+ pounds lost
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It couldn't hurt to establish a relationship with a surgeon, even if it's 45 minutes away, in case of emergency. You may end up doing annual check-ups, and it would be helpful for him/her to have your case notes and such in advance.
Otherwise, as others have noted, you can find a GP or internist familiar with bariatric patients and he/she can handle regular bloodwork and such.
Sparklekitty / Julie / Nerdy Little Secret (#42)
Roller derby - cycling - triathlon
VSG 2013, RNY conversion 2019 due to GERD. Trendweight here!
