Question:
Just wondering what you think?
I had my surgery over 3 months ago. I must admit I have had no complications to speak of, other then some migraines recently. But the one thing that bothers me is this, and I would like some imput. I had another surgery prior to having my open RNY,and after I was home, I got numerous calls from not only the hospital but the doctors office to see how I was doing, and If I had any questions. Now the surgery before my WLS was not as major, or at least I wouldnt have considered. After my WLS, I NEVER once got any calls, nor have I been back to see my surgeon or his staff. I have done all my follow up with my PCP. The one time I called my surgeons office, no one even bothered to call me back after surgery and I thought, Geez after having such a major surgery you would think there would be follow up calls. I realize they are very busy, but then they need to add more staff if that is the treatment your going to recieve after you have went through this major surgery. Dont get me wrong, my PCP has done a wonderful job, keeping up with me, and taking care of all my immediate needs, but I think after spending that much money, the surgeons office should have at least called. Not to mention I live hours away from them, and they dont even know If I got home. Sorry to vent, but I just think it is not a very good practice to do that. Its been something that has been bothering me now for 3 months, and I was wondering if I could get some input on this. DO you think they should have at least called. Or maybe called me back??? — [Anonymous] (posted on October 2, 2001)
October 1, 2001
You have every right to be bothered. They provided a service to you (not a
cheap one either). They need to contact you as an extension of that
service. Write a letter directly to the surgeon (put personal and
confidential on the envelope so only s/he reads it). Give him/her the
benefit of the doubt and assume that perhaps they tried to call you or
something or that your records were lost -- you owe them that much. But
tell them if that isn't the case then you are bothered. Indicate in your
letter that you are copying the head of Patient relations and the Head of
the Hospital (you can call hospital info for a name and address) and that
you wish to hear a response by such and such date. Good luck and God
Bless. (Incidentally, I had my surgery at one of the best known hospitals
in my area -- Cleveland Clinic) and no one called me either. I called them
and wrote them. And now (I don't know if its because of me) they are
starting a support group and the surgeon is requesting to followup more
with his patients.
— Kimberly L.
October 1, 2001
I'm surprised. There definitely should have been more follow-up
with your surgeon. I had an ope rny and my surgeon removed the
stitches on the day I waa discharged. I saw him again two weeks
after discharge. I had another appointment with him a month after
that. All of my follow-up in the first year was with my surgeon.
Every three months for a year, he did blood work and we discussed
my progress. Now I see him every other year for follow-up and blood
work and he encourges me to call with any questions or concerns. It's
been three years since my rny. This summer I was very bussy and since
I had a complete physical with my pcp, I cancelled my yearly with my
surgeon. His office called me last week to "remind" me about my
yearly
and we scheduled an appointment. I have friends who have had wls by other
surgeons and they seem to follow the same protocol.
— [Anonymous]
October 1, 2001
This is a very good concern, I would have liked a follow up call also, yet
my surgeon said, IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, CALL ME,
so she had made it clear to me that she would be available to me whenever
or whatever my question would be. That has worked out well also. Yet, I
agree, I would have appreciated a call at 2 days, 1 week, 1 month and so
on. I also travled 4+ hours to and from the hospital. More staffing could
be the answer, also equals more money we would most likely be paying too.
I would also like more education between my PCP and my surgeon for
aftercare and diet. thanks, this was a good question.
— Debbie H.
October 1, 2001
I guess I am more blase about this type of thing. My surgeon's office did
not call, but I can't see that there was a reason for them to do so. I
called them and made my own appointment for a 3 week follow-up visit, and
then made an appointment for a 6 week visit, a 3 month visit, etc. When my
husband had surgery with the same dr., the office did call him the day
after he went home. If you want to follow-up with them, call them and make
an appointment! For those of you considering surgery, if aftercare is an
important issue, be sure you select a surgeon with an established program
or set of protocols. -Kate-
— kateseidel
October 2, 2001
I agree that it seems very unprofessional that you would not be contacted
after surgery. It was explained to me that follow up visits would be
scheduled 1 week after surgery, then 30 days, 6 mo's and 1 year.
— [Anonymous]
October 2, 2001
I would definately be calling the surgeon and be getting some after care
check-ups,My surgeon sees you at 3wks,3mths,6mths 9mths,12mths 18mths and
yearly for the rest of your life,you can call anytime for questions,she
also has a support group that you are required to attend both
pre&post-op.This is part of the reason that I chose her was the
aftercare program,she also saw me everyday I was in the hosp. and escorted
me to surgery which made me feel more confident.Hope this helps
— Jennie D.
October 3, 2001
I just wanted to take the chance to thank everyone for their input on this
issue. I posted anonymously because I didnt want any backlash as far as my
particular surgeon. In one post I was asked what did I want from them. Well
first of all I would have liked to have known that they care for their
patients, I also think they would be curious to know what progress they
make. I had placed a call about a month out from surgery,because I was
having bad migraines and wasnt sure If I should take my medicine for them,
after having surgery. No one called me back. So I went to see my PCP. I
must admit I should have made more of a effort to see what kinda of
protocol this particular surgeon had as far as after care, and I have
spoken to a few of his other patients from here, and they also say the same
thing. After you have surgery it was like well we are all done. So I know
im not the only one that felt that way. I really do appreciate all the
input, I plan on following up with my PCP and a local support group in my
area with another surgeon who does the same procedure. I do not plan on
returning to my orgianl surgeon after all this, But am considering writing
him a letter as one post suggested. I think they should be more aware of
how we feel. Thanks again for all the input.
— [Anonymous]
October 3, 2001
Obviously this surgeon is doing this only for the money.
Lack of follow-up care can be dangerous and can lead to
poor results. Since you are posting anonymously, why don't
you give the name of this surgeon. Any in your area who is
contemplating surgery should steer clear of this "money hound".
Doctor's like that give wls a bad name.
— [Anonymous]
October 24, 2001
The treatment center that I had my surgery at was supportive at first...
called and checked up, but I think they've gotten awfully busy. I was told
that I'd be seen every year for the rest of my life, so went for my 2 year
check up that left a VERY bad taste in my mouth. The waiting room was
Filled with consults, and a few irate patients waiting to be seen. We had
to wait for 2 1/2 hours. My surgeon could be seen meandering the halls
occassionally, stopping to talk to staff, not the least bit in a hurry. My
husband and I had both taken a vacation day from work, driven 3 1/2 hours
to get there and hoped to get a little shopping in before going home. When
we finally DID get in to the apt. he answered all questions and was very
kind, but wasn't concerned that my iron was a little low, said take a
supplement if you want, AND that he really didn't need to see me anymore
unless I had problems. Thanks and have a good day. My husband and I went
home (without shopping, kids to get home to), and there was a message on my
answering machine from my local PCP that she was concerned about my iron
level, take such and such vitamins and have blood re-tested in 3 months and
make an apt. to see her! Why am I posting anonomously? I've written a
letter to the center and plan to deal with them directly, The doctor and
the place could have been having a bad day... they really did treat me well
at the beginning. I don't expect to be coddled and babied the rest of my
life, but I picked this place specifically because of the follow up care
and want to make sure they understand what my expectations were,... and
when I've had questions they've answered them in a knowledgable fashion.
The bottom line is it's up to US to be in charge of our health. To ask
questions when necessary, and understand everything that we need to know.
If we aren't happy with our care, we need to speak up. We are patients,
but we are also CONSUMERS and as such can pick and choose our providers. I
will and HAVE recommended this place to others because of the support
staff, and hope that others won't be afraid to speak up if they are feeling
that their health is in jeopardy.
— [Anonymous]
November 16, 2001
I don't think your surgeon is being responsible. I have not had my surgery
yet but it makes sense that a surgeon should have a post op appt and see
his patients once and a while. What did he do take the money and run
— Theresa B.
April 23, 2002
My Dr gave me an appointment before leaving the hospital for 3 days after .
I am now post op 3 weeks and I have seen him once a week for the last 3
weeks. I would be upset if he did not see me . Emotionally I feel better
knowing that he is keeping up with me and how i am doing .
— sallie P.
May 6, 2002
I will be driving over 6 hours to have my surgery and I would rather drive
back to see my surgeon, my pcp is good but my surgeon has more knowlegde of
WLS.
— Lisa W.
July 7, 2002
I had a similar problem with my surgeon..I was sent home from the hospital
and he never told me how or when to start back on my hormone replacement or
my allergy medicine. I called his office the day after I was released and
his nurse told me that he didn't have anything to do with that. I needed
to see my family Dr. for that information.. I was shocked to say the
least..It was like..."Sorry, don't have time for you, I'm to busy
spending your money to bother with talking to you!" I was told that
his job was doing the surgery, not caring for me for the rest of my life.
I guess I kind of understand. He is a surgeon, not a family doctor. My
family doctor is very familiar with this surgery and now I actually trust
his opinion more than my surgeons.
— Regina F.
October 4, 2002
I can't imagine not seeing my surgeon for follow ups. He saw me at 2
weeks, 1 month, 3 months and I will see him again at 6 months, and then at
1 year. He said I would continue to see him every year for the rest of my
life or until I get tired of coming. He said he likes to follow his
patients process. At least your pcp is doing a good job.
— lisab07
November 22, 2002
I think that is terrible that your surgeon does not do follow up! I am
still in the pre-op phase but the surgeon I plan on using not only does
follow up but doesn't even charge a copay for the first 6mths and 1 year
for self-pays. I think that is truly compassionate of him. I'm glad your
pcp has done a good job at following you.
— CarmelCandy777
February 2, 2003
I am scheduled for surgery on 2-28-03, my best frend who has post-poned her
surgery because she says everyone on this site "seems to be so
perfect"" she's afraid to have surgery because no one on this
site has her problems, or they are not admiting them , she has been my
friend for 20 years and has never seemed to be afraid of any thing but this
surgery!!!She has sleep apnea, high blood pressure(under control),she has
had 14 tia's in the past, she is on blood thinners, she has asthma,she
smoke's at least 2packs of cigarettes a day(which she is willing to cut
back on) she drinks alcohol on ocassion, which she can comsume a lot and
never get a buzz, I guess this is because of her weight.We have the same
surgeon and he has approved her surgery as well as mine. She says she told
our surgeon every thing about her that was true>>she says he told her
that he did not have a problen with the things mentioned above>>only
her smoking, if she could stop smoking he would gladly do the surgery on
her!! She does not have the use of the internet and wanted me to post this
question for her>>>After reading and scanning the profiles on this
site she says that everyone on this site is not honest,someone on this
site has entered surgery as a smoker and alcohol user and has had some
complications because of this, I am posting this question for honest
answers and any feed back on this issue that is true and honest !!
— FREIDA P.
February 4, 2003
YES!! I THINK THAT IS TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL NOT TO CHECK IN WITH YOU. AND
THIS WOULD BOTHER ME TOO. BUT IF YOUR FINE NOW, I WOULD PUT IT OUT OF YOUR
MIND. STRESS CAUSES MIGRAINE HEAD ACHES. THIS IS JUST ONE MORE THING TO
RIDE YOUR NERVES. WE NEED TO NOT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. OR IT WILL KILL US.
— ELIZABETH K.
February 18, 2003
My surgeon requires you to come back once a week the 1st month, then once a
month for a year. He tells you from the beginning that he will see you for
life. The fee he charges at the time of surgery is all you ever pay. I have
will also say that when I call they usally have the answer to my question
before I hang up the phone. Everyone I talk to who has used this pratice
for surgery have been very satisfied.
— MARIA H.
March 2, 2003
I would like to thank you for posting your concern. I am still trying to
decide which doctor to go to in my town. I didn't realize there were
doctors out there that did not do follow up appointments with you. I
figured they all handled your aftercare. You have made me aware of another
important question I need to ask when I go in for my consultation.
Thanks!!!!
— Maria S
May 5, 2003
i think i'm lucky...the dr i have...i will see him for the rest of my life
once the surgery is done..thats how he is...
in the begining i go every 2 weeks till the 3 month, then once a month for
the them 3 month and then once every 6 month for the rest of my life or
his...which ever comes 1st.. and i will see him once a month for support
group also..so i guess there are still some dr. out there...
— sheri G.
November 11, 2003
My surgeon and his staff were great, went every couple of weeks for several
months and then once every 3 months I think. Just went in for my one year
anniversary and am almost @ goal, have lost 145 lbs. I had my surgery @
the Bariatric Treatment Center in Wylie TX....the best doc in the
world....Dr. Capps!
— Peggy B
February 16, 2004
My surgeon was wonderful and has a great before and after care program. Saw
him every 2 weeks for the first month after surgery, now every month for
the first year to 1 1/2 years. I am only 2 1/2 months post-op. Any surgeon
doing this type of surgery, or any surgery as a matter of fact, should
follow up with their patient.
— Glenna S.
April 23, 2004
Hello :)
I had surgery 16 months ago. This is a great example of why we need to
educate ourselves. There are surgeons out there doing this surgery after
only taking a 2 day course!!! I work at the hospital that performs this
surgery, we have 2 great doctors that care. Everyone out there looking into
this surgery need to educate your self, and ask questions! This is your
life! The doctor I went to has an extensive pre-op teaching course which
includes screening, a pre-op educational seminar, then you meet with the
coordinator of the program,which is a RN for 2 hours,you recieve a huge
binder that explains step by step what you need to do post op. You then
meet with a psychologist for 4 hours and the surgeon for another 2 hours.
During your hospital stay the doctor sees you twice a day plus the RN comes
and sees you every day. When discharged from the hospital you go to the
bariatric clinic 1 week,1 month, 3months, 6 months, 1 year, then yearly for
the rest of your life. The hospital also has support groups twice a month.
Please make sure your bariatric surgeon offers all of this or more. You
need it to be successful and safe!!!!!!
— Skye P.
July 15, 2004
They probaly was tied and ready to good home don't let that get you down
keep your head up you been though so much!
— Monique R.
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