Question:
Long Term Post-Ops - what is your opinion on this!

I am over 2 years post op and had my yearly visit with my bariatric surgeon. He feels that since I am doing so well, that I can now be followed through with my PCP for checkups and blood tests and no longer have to see him unless I have problems. The question I have is that when I brought this up to my PCP, her recommendation was to see me every three months until I am stabilized (I have no clue where she is coming from with that) and that there is no need for further blood tests unless there is a problem. I feel that I should only have to have a yearly visit and should continue on with the blood tests. Do you post ops feel that the blood tests are a necessity for the rest of our lives to monitor our various levels, like I do, or do you agree with the physician on this matter.    — Trish G. (posted on August 3, 2002)

August 3, 2002
Oh I think that having blood work done periodically is a must. I know that your levels can change. And you could be low in some levels. It will be a hospital stay if things get out of control. I feel better safe than sorry. Some people may be able to maintain good levels with food and vitamins, but others will find that their supplements need adjusting from time to time. I have my blood work done at my pcp. His idea of my iron levels differ from my surgeon. He was ok with my levels but my surgeon was not and increased my iron. I think that we should all remain in contact with our surgeons for life.
   — Jacquelyn P.

August 3, 2002
Is there anyway that you could have your surgeon nicely write up a guidline of when/how often you should have your labs checked and give it to your PCP? If not, I think I would come down with a "funny feeling" every so often, just to be checked! I know, I know, it's dishonest, but at least you wouldn't get into trouble with your levels!
   — Terri Z.

August 3, 2002
My surgeon requires post-op blood/lab work at months 1, 3, 6, 12 and then once a year after that. I trust my surgeon as she and her partners (the surgeons who did Carnie Wilson's surgery) are the best and have done several studies on post-ops.
   — Jennifer A.

August 3, 2002
My surgeon does blood work at 8 months (unless you are having problems of some sort) and then again once a year for life. The rationale behind this is that some deficiencies like B12 can take years for the symptoms to become noticeable and by the there is serious damage. So, I would ask your surgeon to contact your PCP and discuss the best course of follow-up for you.
   — Patty_Butler

August 4, 2002
After one year my surgeon recommends yearly check ups with blood work. I would insist on annual blood work, not only ro check WLS but to catch anything else hat might be happening. Stable is generally about a year when the heavy weight loss has just about ended...
   — bob-haller

August 4, 2002
Even as a pre-op, my PCP has always done a yearly blood work-up as part pf my annual physical. What doctor wouldn't? Surgery or no surgery, you have to have bloods done yearly to make sure you are in good health. If we require a few more tests to be run on our blood, all the doctor has to do is order those few more tests. I agree with you. At this poiut, a once a year physical with a full set of labs should be fine. Every three months? At two years? Is she nuts? Maybe your surgeon can chat with her and set her straight?
   — PaulaM

August 4, 2002
I only visit the doc annually now, at 8 yrs, b ut I'd get labs every 3 months if I thought I could push my ins to do it. As it is, we are doing 6 months. My PCP & Surgeon & I all read those numbers differently, so it is interesting when we all get them! I like to fine tune them, surgeons watches These, PCP watches Those. LOL! The point being that things DO change and continue to change, even with normal aging. I am much healthier than I was pre-op (obviously), but the reason I think we have remained in good shape overall is due to the frequent labs. When something has been slightly odd, it's very easy to fix when it's just a little "off".
   — vitalady