Finding a doctor post-move

Hi all.

I've seen a number of posts here that make me worry about this, since I'm planning on moving within the next 12 months.

Have you had problems finding a doctor to deal with any stomach problems you've had after moving? I know that routine maintenance is easily handled by a PCP, but for stomach issues like ulcers or acid or whatever, have you had problems finding a doctor who will deal with you?

Thanks!

My bari center gave me a list of providers in my area that handled bariatric patients and complications should I need it.

Wow, that's awesome!

I should definitely ask my center and also ask my new PCP. (Ugh, finding a new PCP.)

Hi Gwen,

I moved from IL after 30+ years to NorCal and had to educate my PCP on weight loss surgery, but was fortunate to not have had any other health issues. I made a point of having her note my weight loss surgery for any and all doctors/facilities in my network in case of an emergency. The hospital I would have been taken to in case of an emergency was the worst and I made a point of stopping by and inquiring about my options to have my condition on record. They said they would be able to note I was part of Sutter Gold and access my records that way. I felt a little better but told my son to get me out of there ASAP.

I have since moved from CA to NC and going through the nightmare of having to start over. I am finding it's my insurance that is the biggest obstacle in finding a good group of doctors that have experience in our long term issues.

Here is what I have been doing, maybe you will have better luck. If you know where you are going I would contact your insurance via phone or website and ask for a list of PCP's that have knowledge/experience with weight loss surgery. You find that one great PCP they usually hang with good specialist LOL. If you have an existing health issue I would start calling to find the specialist you need and verify they have experience with us. Sometimes you may have better results if there are larger university hospitals near by. Reach out to some of the bariatric surgeons in the new area and find out what facility and specialist they recommend. You and I have been around long enough to know usually the few good ones will come to the surface.

Good luck to you with your move and finding doctors. It's a nightmare to start over.....wishing you the BEST

Finding a really good gastro works really good for me. He helped me a lot during last few years. He was a second gastro I interviewed to see if I want him to take care of some of my issues. The first gastro was not good enough, the second - he was current on studies, new publications and new meds that are available.

I used my RNY surgeon for app 9 years, because he was really good surgeon. But since he moved to another state, I am happy that I had good doc before I my surgeon moved away. The practice is still open, and I had hernia surgery performed by one of the hernia guys in that practice. So in case I need any other abdominal surgery, I have a really good cutter.

I've moved twice, and also had a 6 month work assignment in another state.

The good news is that bariatric surgery is far more common than it was 10 years ago, so my new PCP's didn't blink an eye when I told them I'd had RNY. (If they had, I'd have moved on.) They have accommodated my blood work very well.

I have had no issues with my pouch in 10 years (knock on wood!). Right now I am an hour away from a branch of the bariatric surgery center that did my original surgery, so I could turn to them if absolutely necessary.

Thanks! That's really reassuring to hear!