Question:
What do most surgeons discuss at the 6 month post -op visit?

Any specific questions I should ask? I have a few, but seems like I should be asking more. I want to get the most out of the follow-up . Thanks all!    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 11, 2002)

February 10, 2002
Six months?? That's interesting.....you haven't had a post-op visit in six months?? I cannot imagine. I'm eight months post op today, and I've had eight post-op visits with my surgeon so far. If I chose to, I can see him once a month for the rest of my life, (or his).... That's part of his care for his patients.... Anyway - they all do it different. I just know that I've had major surgery seven times now in 15 years, and the post-op visits came every two or three weeks for months....
   — Cathy J.

February 10, 2002
Monthly? Seems like overkill if you feeling OK. We have visits at 10 days, 2 months, six months. Then annually or semi annually, I am not certain. They ask about eating, any possible problems, routine exam listen to breathing, temperature, heart, etc. Order bloodwork, and ask about vitamin compliance, exercise and lifestyle issues. Are you living a active life? I dont mind these visits at all, kinda like seeing friends. Incidently my 6 month bloodwork all came back fine, HA1C was 5.8 normal for a non diabetic down from as high as 11 or 12 pre op. My BP is 110 over 70, cholestrol dropped from 275 to 143. I am down 117 pounds and feel fantastic. Its rfreshing to go to the doctor now. Rather than concerned looks its smiles and congrats from the medical professionals. Thats unreal! I am actually looking forward to seeing my PCP in a week or so. He supported my surgery, and wanted to see me at 6 months. He will be all smiles too. Doctor visits are fun:)
   — bob-haller

February 10, 2002
All the surgeons seem to do follow-ups differently. Mine sees you at 1mo, 2mo, 3mo, 6mo and then I don't know after that. I'm glad that I have had the follow-up because my bloodwork done before each visit is reviewed and changes have been made. Like my iron was at a 30 on month 2, then at 20 on month 3. There was an obvious trend that needed to be looked at. My potassium was low at the first month, so I knew to focus on eating a half-banana a day to get it back up to par. I feel really good about the follow-up care. When reading the question, I didn't 'hear' that this was a first time follow-up, however if this is the case, I do think it is a little too long to go for one. And as far a specific questions, I usually ask about what is concerning me at the time. One time I was concerned about hurting when I ate, turned out to be a stricture. The last time I had been really tired a lot, maybe because of the low iron, B12, or lack of protein. Everything was considered. You just need to ask what is on your mind and concerning you. If you don't have any questions then you are probably well-informed and doing great!!
   — Cheri M.