Question:
How much bloodwork do you need in the future?

I am one year post-op proximal Lap RNY. I have had bloodwork at 3, 6, 9 and now 12 months post-op. I knew bloodwork would be something I would have to have done post-op, but my surgeon orders so many tests. Every time I go to the lab they draw 19 tubes of blood!! 19!! To make matters worse, I have tiny veins and can only have blood drawn from one arm. I end up with a huge bruise after for about one week. Im just wondering, on average, how much bloodwork others are having done on a regular basis. So far, from day one, all my labs have come back normal. Thanks!!    — Elizabeth C. (posted on August 30, 2002)

August 30, 2002
My surgeon requires blood/lab work done at post-op months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and annually thereafter. Yes, they take several tubes of blood from me as well. I also get bruises on my arms.
   — Jennifer A.

August 30, 2002
I just had my 9 month post-op visit and he gave me my normal 3 month blood prescription. I thought I had a lot of blood taken out because they did 4 vials, but I can't even BEGIN to imagine 19!! I do know there are some blood tests that they do they require special processing (e.g., they need to be frozen overnight, etc.) so that's why that test requires it's own special vial of blood. He did tell me after the 1st year he would only do blood tests every 6 months and then after year 2 he would only do them once a year.
   — Patty H.

August 30, 2002
Gee, that sounds like a lot of vials of blood! I am about 9 months post op and after the initial 3 & 6 months bloodwork, I will see him every 6 months for the blood tests. They only took 2 vials from me.
   — Kim B.

August 30, 2002
8 vials, every 3 months. Wow. I wonder what you get tested. Some of them have to be alone, but wow!
   — vitalady