Question:
Moving back to home state, will it be easy to find a bariatric surgeon?

I had my surgery In November 2007 in OH. I plan on moving back to my home state (MA), will I be able to find a doctor to continue my care from OH?? Thanks for any responses!    — MsBeanz (posted on January 13, 2008)

January 13, 2008
I'd check first with the obesity help office. I'm sure they would either know of a surgeon in your new area, or would be able to direct you to an agency to find one. Then it would be up to that surgeon to offer "after care" to your RNY situation. Not all doctors like to "follow up" on surgeries from other doctors, especially if they can't get full records from your intial sugeon.
   — Dave Chambers

January 13, 2008
Where in MA will you be? I might be able to help. I'm in NH, on the MA border. Welcome back to New England!
   — Shirley D.

January 13, 2008
Hi, I just had lap band surgery done on Jan 7th, I went to New England Medical Center,There program was and is really good from the initial consult on through surgery to post op. The experience was handled with the utmost proffessionalism and care from all of the staff. The surgeons, Dr.Shikora (who is the head surgeon) Dr.Tarnoff (who did my surgery) and Dr.Kim rounds out an excellent team! I can not say enough good things about the whole experience.They made it a much less (but well informed) nerve wracking experience!Than I thought it would be!!! Paul from Boston
   — kathyline

January 13, 2008
If this comes off a little cras, I do apologize in advance. I know that sometimes, things happen in life (or rather, in work) that you wind up relocating without a lot of notice. HOWEVER, if your necessity to move is not for that type of a reason, you should reconsider staying in OH long enough to complete your first year of after care. You are only 2-3 months out at this point and have been and will continue to go through many changes. As far as support, you will ALWAYS have this group/board, regardless of where you live. BUT, most surgeons and surgical groups have thier own programs. You start when you choose your surgeon, and continue for 1 yr to 18 months, as you are losing the majority of your weight. You may not have had complications from the surgery itself, but as you shed pounds quickly, you could run into other complications, that would best be handled by the surgeon/practice that you originally chose. You may even have difficulty finding a doctor to continue your after-care with, because of differences in program. Hopefully, it will be more of a wasted year -- by that, no complications and you see your Dr for your one year follow up and you move after that. But if you take that leap, and you have problems, you may just be creating complications that did not need to be. Again, apologies for seeming cras. I'm in a simillar boat, but extending my life by having the surgery was by far worth putting my move off for 1 year. My surgery was also Nov, 2007. I live in CA and was aiming to move to Colorado. I've put that off until next holiday season, to avoid putting myself in a bad situation. Colorado isn't going anywhere, neither is MA. As another thought, if you absolutely have to go, stay with your surgeon. Consult with him by phone if you have concerns that are not serious. Fly to OH for your follow up appointments. And ask your Dr if he has associates in MA in case of emergencies. Good luck
   — zandeldm

January 13, 2008
I had my surgery at Caritas Norwood Hospital with the father and son team of Drs. Arthur & Adam Glasgow. My hospital care was exemplary and I cannot say enough wonderful things about the Drs. Glasgow....they are always warm, patient, caring and available.
   — Joyce M.

January 14, 2008
You didn't mention where in MA; I live in the Springfield area and have a great group that I go to. They have their own nutritionist, support groups, etc. If you're coming to this area let me know - we can support each other!
   — obeseforever