WLS followup questions

I had my RNY on March 24, and a post-op exam with my surgeon two weeks later. Nothing since. I thought there were supposed to be followup blood tests, monthly checks, etc. When I called about that, I was told "see you in a year" unless I became ill. Is this what the rest of you guys are experiencing?

We have the same surgeon - and, i had a 2 week, 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year follow up appointments. There was no blood work done until the 1 year post op appt.

Not sure who you talked to in the office, but I'd call back in a few weeks (as you are getting closer to the 3 month post-op mark) and tell them you need to see Dr Smith cuz you're "concerned and have questions".

Be your own advocate, and get in there to see Dr Smith as often as you need to. Those follow up appointments were very important ones for me. I had a LIST everytime i went in with my questions and conerns, and each time I left his office I felt better informed and more confident in how to move forward.

Chuck

Seems to have been a communications breakdown. I have my next checkup next week now. Thanks!

Awesome news. I'm glad you called them and got that taken care of. Dr. Smith is awesome, and he will take the time you need. Let me know how the follow up goes for you - and, make a list before you go in (he's used to my lists, so you won't be first one with a list) LOL

Chuck

My surgeon does: 2 week visit with NUT and surgeon (remove staples, etc.) 6 week visit with NUT 4 mo with NUT and bariatrician (medical doctor, not surgeon); EKG, review of lab work. 6 mo with NUT and surgeon. Yearly followups thereafter. /Steve

My surgeon hasn't done any blood work since I left the hospital the second time.  My PCP is doing blood work to watch my B12, iron and all that stuff.

Many surgeons are overwhelmed with WLS patients now.  I would go back to your PCP for labs.  They have seen enought RNY patients to know what to look for now.  Yet the surgeon follow up visits are important too.  Brian

Day 1: Surgery (Lap-RNY)
Day 5: Discharged from hospital
Day 8: Labwork
Day 10: 1st Follow-up Appt.
Day 14: Labwork
Day 14: Appt. w/ G.I. Doctor
Day 16: 2nd Follow-up Appt.
Day 26: Labwork
Day 28: 3rd Follow-up Appt.
Day 58: Labwork
Day 60: 4th Follow-up Appt.

Scheduled-
Day 88: Labwork
Day 90: 5th Follow-up Appt.

Having worked in the medical profession for 20 years - the only constant thing about doctors is that they are ALL DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!!! LOL.....

I like the advice about getting labs done by your PCP if you have concerns. My experience with Dr Smith was he only did labs before the 12 month mark if he's concerned - and, he's been doing RNY for over 20 years now, so I trust his judgement.

Anyway - continue to advocate for yourself and get the visits and labs done that you are concerned about.
Chuck

Bob, (Remins) Good to hear it was just a- “communications breakdown.” I have the luxury of two different Docs- (My Bariatric guy, and my PCP) Who don’t completely trust one another. The result is one doc having blood-work drawn every  6 months, and the other every 6 months….. The result is that one doc or the other is looking at “my stuff” Every 3 months. (add in my Cardiologist randomly checking every 5 months or so and it’s even more tests.) And this is at right at 5 years post-op. Check your Blood-Work as often as you can. Mine has been Great! and having the extra tests has allowed me to Keep an eye on slight changes along the way. Read the OH grads Board if you want to see the results of neglecting Vitamin Supplimentation.  There are too many sad stories from folks who have “let it slide.” Best Wishes- Dx