Long Term follow up appt's

Hi all, Just looking for an opinion, my RNY Surgeon does follow up appts as others do, 1 wk, 2 wk,s 1 month, 3 months, 6 etc.  by the second year he does yearly if there are no problems.  This May made 5 years post op.  I feel guilty because I did not go in to see him this year.  My PCP is very up on the needs of bypass patients as it relates to blood work etc.  I have gall stones and if it is determined they will have to come out at a future date I would like to have my Surgeon remove them.  Long termer's do you still see your surgeon?  I know mine would like me to come in so I guess I will schedule.  He likes keeping his own stats... Opinions please. Have a good Sunday. MaryLyn

My surgeon fully expects me to follow once a year forever. I do plan on following that advice. I find the surgeon and his PA to be a great source of info. I also think issues that arrive down the road may be best addressed by the surgeon. Belinda

Thanks for the reply Belinda.

Hi MaryLyn: I am only 2 years out but I couldn't imagine not seeing my GBS at least once a year.  He did my hernia repair when I had my panni done and will read my blood work for me if I have it faxed to him.  It is so hard in this day and age of "Managed Health Care" that if you find someone you like don't lose him.   At least seeing him once a year will not be as yucky as seeing the gynecologist?? lol. Jeanne

LOL, I would have never missed his appts early out.  I will call them soon though to make an appt.  I need a reality check I think.  I do like him as a person, he likes to tease. Thanks Jeanne

My surgeon doesn't see his patients...he only does the Pre-Op consult and the surgery...I didn't like that very much.  I just see my regular PCP....but the problem with that is mine has NO idea how to treat me or what tests to do...So now I am having deficiency problems which my PCP just didn't advise well on...and now I am having new troubling symptoms and I don't want to see either my surgeon (or his office assistants to be more accurate) or my PCP, who I am comfortable with but do not trust to help me efficiently....I've go to get a referral from my PCP to see someone else...It's uncomfortable to have to go through her to get out of the system to see someone with WLS experience.  But...I'm going to do what feels right for me...and I'm sorry if it hurts anyone's feelings because my health is the most improtant factor and it seems that I am truly the only one that cares enough....  If your PCP is up on WLS needs and blood work...Go for it!  (You can always send your surgeon your labs for his files or bring them when it's time for your gallsone surgery...Do what is right for you...easy for you.... just make sure it's GOOD for you...That's all that matters really...YOU.

Anita, I found am intermal meds Dr that i use as my Doc . He does EVERY blood test in the world and keeps all my levels checked ,  SLOW as OWL manure to see him as in waiting room wait but he is through and I like that so guess I will keep the old goat LOL I think honestly that an internal meds DR who is we all should use after gastric ...My surgeon was like yours sounds  LOUSY on follow-up but a great surgeon for gastric RNY . Shirley

Anita, I hope you can find someone to assist you with your  health.  I do send my blood work to him, if he sees anything he would call me.  I can also email him if needed.  I will be dropping in one of these days... Take care and Thanks

Hey, I remember you!! Long time no see!!! My dr follows up on a yearly basis too and yes I plan to continue to see him for life I guess. I see him at support group meetings monthly so that's nice, but I do enjoy the one on one I get from him once a year~it just gives me reassurance I guess.

Hi Tracy, I remember you also,  I do a lot of lurking, and not much talking.    I did see my surgeon at support group but only at our request would he attend.  The group no longer exist.  I am trying to find a new one within reasonable distance.  Not much going on in these here parts. (ps I said that with a southern accent.  LOL). Take care and i will try to come out of lurkville.  It is easier when my honey is away for work, he is here for 6 weeks then gone for 3 months.  He gets a little selfish when he is home.  MaryLyn