How Often Do You See Your Surgeon...

Since you've had your surgery, how often are you scheduled to see your surgeon for followups?

I see mine every 3 months(I'm 14 months out) and have lab work every 3 months.

My surgeon is now retired so I have no "surgeon" to see.  Our program was 4 times the first year and annually thereafter, I honestly believe for me that has keep me on track for the past 3 years.  This year it's been more of a struggle with choices and I believe for me, having that accountablity gone now will make the rest of the journey harder.

Cajungirl,
Barb has just made a terriic suggestion of following up with your primary physician, especially for your lab work.  I've been feeling a little sluggish that's why I'm glad I'll be seeing mine at the end of this month.  Maybe your primary can suggest someone to you.

I've been seeing my PCP and requesting labs.  My family doctor (internist) in Houston was fantastic and very willing to learn more and more about RNY.  I haven't been so fortunate back in La., looking into a new doctor currently that will order what I need for labs.  It is frustrating for sure but I'll continue looking for what I need.

Honestly, I have not seen my Dr since Jan 07!  It is supposed to be every year once 1 year out, but every time I call to make an appt they say they will call me back, and here it is over 2 years later and still have not seen him... I DO NOT LIKE his STAFF at all, LOVE the Dr though!!!

Now that I am moving I also wonder what I will do????  Do I find a Dr where I am going to see if I can follow up there, or am I 'on my own'?

Denise...I have a friend who is having problems finding a surgeon to follow up with(she had issues with her surgeon). No one wants the "liability" aspect issue. I suggested to her to follow up with her primary MD every 3 months and make sure to have the needed labs ordered/done at that time.

Thank you, that is a great idea!  Do you know what Labs we should be getting done?

Vitamin

Hydroxy D2

Hydroxy D3

Hydroxy D total

Vit A

Hematology

WDC

RBC

HGB

HCT

MCV

MCHC

RDW

PLATELET COUNT

GLUCOSE & TOLERANCE TESTS

GLUCOSE

ELECTROLYTES

SODIUM

POTASSIUM

CHLORIDE

TOTAL CO2

CALCIUM'

CHEMISTRY

BUN

CREATININE

GFR-C

GFR-CALC

ALKALINE PHOS

BILIRUBIN TOTAL

FOLATE

FERRITIN

IRON

TRANSFERRIN

AST-SGOT

ALT-SGPC

VITAMIN B12

CHOLESTEROL

HDL

NON-HDL

LDL-C

VLDL-C (calc)

TRIGLYCERIDE

ENDOCRINE

PTH - INTACT

PROTEIN

ALBUMIN

COMP METABOLIC

GLUCOSE

UREA NITROGEN

CREATININE

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE

CALCIUM

This may seem like a lot but this is what my Surgeon ordered for me.  I also asked for Vit A, B1, B6, Magnesium and Zinc.

Be sure to ask for a copy for yourself.  Our labs here won't give them to us unless the Dr writes it on the order.  I track mine to see trends and identify where I may need to focus (calcium, protein, etc.).

I also don't have my surgeon in the area.  They are a phone call away, but my local PCP has been great and helpful.  While he doesn't really know anything about WLS, I go to him, tell him what I need/want and he does it.  I would feel better though if I had one that was well versed on my type of surgery.  Not sure if there is a PCP here.  The local surgeons office doesn't want the "liability" of a patient that had surgery by another Dr.  If there is an emergency, they will have to respond, but that's the only way I'll see them.  I'm doing ok the way it is for now.

Good luck!

Denise...have to have mine drawn next month.  Heres what is checked off on my slip to have drawn:

~ Albumin
~Calcium
~Folate(Folic Acid)
~Iron
~PTH-Intact
~Vit. B12
~Vit. D, 25-Hydroxy