Question:
Can anyone recommend a primary care physician..........

Can anyone recommend a primary care physician in the Baltimore, Maryland area that has experience in caring for patients that have had GBP surgery? My current PCP doesn't have much experience in this area and I want to make sure that I have an experienced person to provide quality health care for years to come. I already have a great surgeon to perform the surgery. Thanks for any recommendations.    — KCooper22 (posted on July 24, 2008)

July 24, 2008
I hope you find the PCP in your area who is familiar with GB patients. I am 3 yr. post op RNY. One thing I have found, is that NO one, surgeons, plastic surgeons, ER Drs., neurologists, NO one that ever treats you will actually know everything about GB. FUNNY STORY: I had a hemmorhoid surgery and had to stay in the hospital overnight. I begged and begged for my dinner tray - the nurse told me "you're GB, so we didnt order you a tray". How the heck do you think I take in nutrients? Why did the cafeteria send a dietician to see what my needs were: no salt/no sugar I remember telling them. It is your responsibility to know as much as you can about your new condition. When in doubt, call your surgeons' office, go to your PCP, stay on the web forum. I found that if my PCP was excessive in her testing, I would call my surgeon's office and bring them up to speed. They would stay in contact with the PCP until the situation was under control. It was always something simple - if I was preparing for a surgical procedure the surgeon would tell me to stop taking vitamins, iron, etc. (to reduce bleeding), and the 2-3 weeks off my nutrients would put my other counts in a tail spin and freak out my PCP. Now we both know. After almost 2 years of working together, I feel my PCP and I work well as a team and know what is normal for me. Now all my blood work declares I am a healthy person - we are all happy.
   — C-There

July 25, 2008
I can't reccomend anyone, however I have follow up visits with my surgeon, at 2 wks, 6wks, 6mos, 1yr, then once a year for 5 yrs. If I have any problems with the VSG, I would call him. Hope this helps.
   — KathieV