How esential are follow-up visits

A problem or at least what I percieve to be a problem has arisen.  My surgeon has changed hospitals.  As a result the hospital I was at is suing him for breech of contract and the hospital he went to.  Because of this he is not taking patients with him.  (My surgery was Jan 10, 2007).  I have been seeing him every 6 months.  The doc who is now running the progam where I had the surgery just doesn't click with me.

How essential are the follow-up visits 2+ years after surgery.  I doubt I would be able to go to a different doc.  Anyone else faced this issue?

Thanks.

Rich

I haven't seen my surgeon for over a year (except he would come and speak for free at the local support groups).  They are so busy that they have a PA do much of the work.  Also they want to try and pass you off to your PCP as soon as possible.  I would rather have a good surgeon who doesn't have much time for me, rather than a poor surgeon who connects with me and does a lot of hand holding and support.  Most PCPs (your regular doctor) has probably seen alot of WLS patients now and should be able to know what to look for or to refer out to the right persons.

I'll be leaving my surgern soon and setting monthly appoinments with my PCP.  Its just a weigh in and B12 shot 10 min and out.  Any major problems i will get a referral to a specialist.

You need your annual blood work done and looked at by a WLS professional.  A PA will suffice

 I just see my regular doc now. They were charging me to see the surgeon b/c he's out of network so I just said screw that and went through my regular doc and told him what tests to run and he does what I say. He's great. But you have to know what tests to have ordered that's about the only difference when switching to your regular PCP.

I went at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. But I live 300+ miles from my doc and last fall gas was still running over $3 and I called them  up and told them I wouldn't be able to make the 12 month post-op. I don't think it's that big a deal once you get past a year or so.  I say, get on with your life.

I dont know about RNY but with the BAND its an absolute.. We have to.. But, even if you dont see your surgeon for regular follow ups I would talk to your insr. co and explain the problem. I think it would be good to have a relationship with a new surgeon that you trust and who you are comfortable with. Most likely there will never again be a need for one but, if something you want to be ready for it and I know my PCP wouldnt really be able to answer to many questions.. Thats just my opinion..

Its all about the bloodwork after 6 monhs. You cna get that from your CPC as long as you know what your WLS Dr wants checked. I am sure you can also get a list from the RNY folks here.

Just want to thank everyone for their replies.  I haven an appointment with my PCP in early June, if he is willing to do the blood work, I am going to go with that.

Rich