Trouble getting a Referral

Has anyone had trouble getting a bariatric referral after moving? I am a military wife, and moved a year after my surgery. I am now 2 years out and have moved twice, seen 3 different dr's that all said I didnt need to see a bariatric surgeon, that my pcp would suffice. I got one to do my 1.5yr labs, but he had nothing to say but that I was prone to anemia even though Im not currently anemic. They all said unless I have problems I dont need to see anyone. When I explained I needed to know how to eat, another dr sent me to a nutritionist who was not very familiar with bypass pts, and basically said to eat a balanced diet.
Im on dr number 4 now who gave me a referral... to a general surgeon. Like thats gonna help! Ugh!!! Im frustrated. The nutritionist i met with initially after surgery told me I should be eating about 500 calories for the rest of my life. 3 meals (1/2 c) and my protein shakes for the rest of my life. I dont do that. I have been so frustrated adn lost, I honestly gave up for about 5 months and gained 30lbs!! My highest weight was 320. Lowest 186, then went back up to 210.. Since June I decided I would do what I thought was best and not feel guilty anymore. I am down to 192, working out 5 days a week for 1-1/2 hrs. I have been eating my lean protein first, then veggies, and last carbs. I have been eating around 1200-1500calories a day. (triple what my nutritionist last told me...) The lbs are coming off easily, but am I really eating way too much?
I feel like if I really ate only 500 calories, my metabolism would just quit. I eat small meals throughout the day, like 5-6, never large amounts, but never 1/2 a cup. more like 1 or 1 1/2 cups, but that includes my veggies and everything.

Im lost, and frustrated.

Missmexicanbee,

I am alittle over 2 years out. I don't work out as much as you do and eat about the same number of calories. You are right. If you ate 500 calories, your metabolism would shut down. Sounds to me like you are doing the right thing. How are you feeling? Are you tired? If so you may even want to up your calories alittle. Remember carbs are not totally bad-especially with the amount of workouts you do.

I am not an expert, but you are losing weight. If you feel good--keep it up.

Kim

Thanks for the post! I feel great! Always sore somewhere, but that good, sculpting the new me sore. I dont feel like im starving myself. I am turning 25 this month and know my husband adn I want to start thinking about having kids, but there is no way we are going to even think about it until I get all my levels checked and make sure my supplements are adequate. Im just frustrated I cant get the medical help I need!

I had my surgery 5 yrs ago and have had a followup every year to include this year.  If your primary care physician refuses to do a referral, look up the closest Bariatric surgeon and see if they can engage from their end to try and get you a referral.  As far as the 500 calories a day for life..WOW!  My bariatric surgeon has an on staff nutritionist and for maintenance I was told 1500 calories with at least 130 being good healthy carbs.  I was told your brain needs over 100 g of good carbs just to function properly.  I'm not medical person but I trust my doctor and his personnel.  If the bariatric office can't help you, find out the contact info for your local tricare office and ask them for help.