Followup bloodwork & lab tests

Hi Guys: Inquiring minds want to know, where is the list of follow up blood work, etc. that needs to be done after the WLS-? I'm trying to get my physician (PCP) to make a commitment to my care after the surgery and this may help. The first time I mentioned the word "Mexico" and "surgery" in the same sentence, my PCP almost dumped in his diapers. But, I think he is getting used to the idea now, because he is starting to ask intelligent questions about the process. He was a big help to me when I had to have my ileo-jejunal bypass reversed some years ago and I really want to keep him on board. Thanks, Ray B.

I found a bunch of posts in the Library section of this website. There's a section on post-op lab tests. I read through them, then picked out the tests that most doctors commonly used on their patients. I then went to http://labtestsonline.org and made printouts of each test with their accompanying diagnosis codes and took them to my doctor. She was thrilled and is still going to be my primary care doctor, but she also wants me to see a local bariatric surgeon afterwards who is also a nutritionist to go over the 1st year lab tests with me. Other than that, she is happy to stick with me and didn't even have a cow when I said "Mexico." Hopefully, as your doctor sees you being proactive about your healthcare, he will want to continue to be on your team. Best wishes and God bless!

Why the reversal on the bypass?

I had the ileo-jejunal (JIB) bypass for 14 years. It was as bad as they said it could be with terrible diarhea, gass, electrolyte imbalance, protein problems, B12 problems and infections in the unused part of the bowel. Despite all that, I hung in for 14 years. Finally my PCP insisted I have it reversed. Of course, I gained my weight back, plus more & had 2 more surgeries for adhesions & Bowel obstructions. Very few of us survived the old WLS. I am concerned that they won't do the DS because of the adhesions. My PCP pleaded with me today not to have surgery in Mexico or Brazil. He said that if I had to have it done outside of the US, to go to Spain. This is getting complicated. Ray B.

Wow. My PCP was fine with Mexico, although he is so eager for me to become healthy, he supports me in whichever I desire. Cost was the biggest factor for me initially, and now, after many communications with Dr. Ungson, and reports from some of his "veterans" I am very comfortable with my decision. In checking Dr. Ungson's credentials, I found too that he has studied in Spain at the Virgin De Los Lirios Hospital in Alcoy Alicante, Spain....which is where Dr. Baltasar is as well. So, I am very confident of his background, and really apprecited his always quick and personal responses to my questions right from the start. Also, the hospital where Dr. Ungson does his surgery is a private hospital, which I've been told makes a big difference, and it is fairly new as far as hospitals go, having been constructed in the 1990's, I believe. At any rate, just keep hanging in there, I can hardly wait, I am so excited! Only 14 more days till surgery! My new "birthday" will now be July 15th! LOL! Thanks to all!