Question:
What are the benefits of visiting your WLS surgeon post-op?

OK, so here's the deal. I needed to get a referral to see my surgeon, and that referral was good for only 1 year. I am now 1+ years post-op, and would like my post-op visits to be with my surgeon. However, my "local" clinic has denied my request for a referral for post-op visits--they say that my post-op care can be met at my clinic here. I can appeal, but I'd like some GOOD reasons to stick with my surgeon. I'm out of the "complications" phase, at least the immediate ones. So I'd like to know what you all think, WHY should I follow-up with my surgeon instead of my PCP? Thanks!    — Becky H. (posted on August 6, 2002)

August 6, 2002
I think one good reason is for insurance purposes. Suppose something happened with your tummy and you had not been going for follow-up visits, then the insurance company can come back on you and say you were not compliant with the follow-ups, they will not pay for treatments relating to WLS. Also, your surgeon can get you approved for plastics if you need them.
   — Kendra A.

August 7, 2002
I am fortunate not to need a referral, but I have all my blood work done by my surgeon. He knows what he's looking for and what is "normal" for post-ops. Any pcp who hasn't worked closely with WLS won't necessarily know what to check and how often. I went to my PCP for a pain I was having (at the surgeon's suggestion because it was a 3 hour drive to the surgeon). The PCP did a sonogram of my gallbladder area (even though it had been removed) and did a lot of blood work-ups that my surgeon felt were not necessary. The conclusion was that the pain was from adhesions which, unfortunately, later turned out to be a hernia instead. But it took my surgeon to find the hernia because it was in the beginning stages. The recently, I had bouts of nausea; I didn't even bother with the PCP. I called my surgeon, had an endoscopy and got a suture removed from the pouch (the suture had worked it's way into the pouch and was causing a blockage). I have to drive 3 hours to see my surgeon and I gladly do it because I know I am getting the best post-op care there is from him. It's worth the time and expense. Try to get you surgeon to explain to your clinic why it is important for you to see him.
   — Patty_Butler