Surgeon VS Primary Care Provider - Crosspost to RNY as well.

Good Morning!   I have a quick question for those of you who are a ways out from your WLS. 1st just a bit of  background.  I had my RNY performed 05/16/2012.   I actually reached my 1st goal (we know how out docs will NOT give us a number so we have to pick one out for ourselves LOL).  Anyway, I have had some common ups and downs after surgery, including having my gallbladder just start rotting in July and such.  My labs have been relatively ok other than some low Hemoglobin and Hematocrit levels, and the like.   My surgeon has pretty much just referred me back to my PCP regarding ongoing labs and vitamin/mineral intake etc.    So my question is,  at what point did you just say poop on it and quit seeing your surgeon for follow up and just going to your PCP?   My surgeon is a specialist and that co-pay is 2 x the amount of my PCP co-pay and if he is just going to refer me back to her anyway, I really don't see a point in continuing with him regularly.   Did any of you have this sort of situation or am I just unique?   Any guidance would be appreciated.  Thanks!  I hope you are all having a great weekend!!

 I have been wondering the same thing.  I have just hit my three year mark.  My surgeon was great and am so grateful for the job he did but I have been wondering how necessary it really is to continue to follow up with him.  It'll be interesting to see what kind of replies you get.

I'm four years out - and finally decided to focus on seeing my primary care instead of my surgeons office.   Partly due to the expenses that you cited.        I still track the support options - and attend the support group or educational classes when I can.      

I had some problems with abdominal pains that went on for a year.       We did a scope,  and then an ultrasound, and then had the gall bladder removed, and then another scope.      The problem worsened.     

I switched to a new primary care in April -  he ran some basic blood work to rule out a number of things, and noted that my ferritin was extremely low,  even though my hemoglobin was low/okay.      (It had been this way for over a year but the other PCP and surgeon  didn't think it mattered).       He ordered an iron infusion,  and the stomach cleared up, as did the fatigue and the muscle cramps and the fogginess. 

Bottom line - I think it's important to go to the doctor that will work with you help resolve your concerns. 

I had my GP in April 2008. Within 5 pounds of my goal weight.  I followed up with my surgeon for about two years. My primary is awesome.  She runs the surgeons list of labs every 6 months or any time I ask with a specific concern.   That being said, if I ever felt I was having GI issues I will drive the 2 1/2 hours to the ER of the hospital where my GP surgeon is to ensure he is the one working to resolve any issue. I picked my GP surgeon because of his reputation. He is the only one I would let modify or diagnose anything GI related as most primary docs are not educated on the needs of WLS patients.