1 yr Check Up and Disappointed with Experience

My surgeon is leaving the practice on 1-1-11 and as a result, all of his post-op patients are being transitioned to a brand new NP.  I was not pleased about this but went in with a positive attitude--even after my appt was rescheduled twice and I specifically asked to see my surgeon before he left.  I was told no. 

She told me I could be the poster child for WLS and everything looked great.  I brought out my list of questions and felt thoroughly rushed through the process.  My surgeon never did this, btw.  He always took his time and asked repeatedly if I had any further questions or concerns.

Here are snippets of the convo I had with the NP:

Q: At one year out, how many calories should I be consuming?
A: Don't worry about calories.  They don't matter.  ( I kid you not!  That is what she said!!!!!)

Q: How many carbs should I be eating?
A: Don't worry about carbs.  Just count protein and H2O oz.

Q: My hip and tail bone hurt especially when running.  Any suggestions for what I should do for the pain?
A: NP nods head and writes it down.  No answer.

Q: Can you review my vits?
A: They look good. 

Any thoughts?  Suggestions on what I should do--if anything?  I felt very connected with my surgeon.  In fact, we cried together at my 6 mth appt because I thanked him for saving my life.  He is an amazing human being and surgeon.  I'm just so disappointed in an experience that I was so looking forward to. 

My honest short answer..............

Find another post-op after care program and support system! Sounds like she isn't worth your time or heath.

The End

Ash ;o)

(BTW congrats on the weight loss, great job!)

Shammy - sorry to hear she's like that.  I've had surgeons like that - and went and found a new one. 

Is there anyone else in the office besides her?  Where is your old surgeon going?  Will he still be practicing, but somewhere else?  I wonder if that's why they wouldn't let you see him - worried about stealing patients away (which I think is ridiculous).

Unfortunately many of those questions only a bariatric or nutritional expert could answer - a PCP wouldn't have any idea about calories/carbs or even your vits. 

I would have left the office and said "I'm not paying for that office call - I'm so unhappy with the way I was treated"....

Jody, I asked where my surgeon was going and I got a curt reply stating that they didn't know.  You are probably right--they don't want to say.  There is another NP in the office and several other surgeons that I could possibly see.  Two surgeons recently left and another left a couple of years ago (who was very well rec'd by WLS patients)---makes you wonder whats going on internally that so many docs are leaving!

Well, I would certainly see if there is another surgeon in the practice to support you in aftercare. I also agree with Jody and say that you were VERY unhappy with the visit and let your insurance know or if you are self pay dispute the charge for the visit if there was any.

You are the patient and you know what's best for you and have every right to inquire and educate yourself. If the practice cannot support you in this journey then you find someone else who can.

BTW ~ great job in your journey!!! You are rockin the program baby! 

I bet she didn't know the answer to your questions and can just recite a few things she does know.  Is a new surgeon replacing your surgeon or will the NP just manage current patients?  Can you find someone else to follow up with you?  My internal med dr. is excellent and is following me just as my surgeon and I trust him to follow up issues and vitamins etc.
Sandi

Sandi, thats exactly what my BF said---that she was probably given a "scripted" reply to certain questions and was only repeating what she was trained to say.  I felt as though I could have taught her more about WLS than she could have taught me. 

Congratulations on your success so far!!  You have done a great job.

Is this surgeon new to WLS?  Maybe you could education her some.  Sounds like she doesn't know the answers.

I was also told not to worry too much about calories at 1 year out, just eat the right things.  I do keep up with mine and try to stay between 800 and 1100.

If I were not happy, I'd look for another doctor.  Is yours retiring or just moving?  Mine is 4 hours away, maybe he will be close enough that you can still go to him.

Linda

Congrats on your 1 year....you have done an awesome job!!!

My Surgeon moved to Alaska right after I had follow-up appointments and I was so disappointed because I didn't get to thank him.  I'm so glad you at least got to do that.

I didn't care for the other Surgeon in the office so I now have the Physcian's Assistant and I love her.  There is probably someone else in the office that you can talk to.  I was also told not to worry about calories.  I was told to get my Protein in and only eat good carbs and everything would be fine. 

Roz, what in the world is the deal with "don't worry about calories"?  Seriously---not worrying about calories got me into this situation in the first place!  How can you tell WLS patients not to worry about their overall food consumption?  Makes no sense to me!!!  --frustrating!