Question:
Has anyone changed surgeons post-op due to aftercare issues?

I've been having problems with aftercare from my surgeon (see profile for details) and am very disappointed with the labs he's requesting. My first set of labs and all he wants to check is B12, Folate, Iron profile, and CBC. From what I've seen on here, that's no where near complete enough. I don't know how easy it is to change surgeon's after surgery for the purpose of providing aftercare or addressing a GI problem that the original surgeon won't address. If anyone has any experience with this, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!    — ediecat (posted on December 21, 2002)

December 21, 2002
My understanding is that only if you had the DS, which causes a significantly greater level of malabsorption, do you need extensive blood work. They need to have it watched every three months I believe. For DS patients I believe malnutrition can happen quicker and all of the sudden they have a huge problem.<p>From an RNY standpoint (assuming it's no more than 150cm bypassed) I think the tests they are recommending should be adequate. This aslso assume you are doing your part and getting in your protein and religiously taking your vitamins. If not, then you need to tell them that so they check out your levels. I'm sure they are going by what you are telling them - how you feel - good versus run down etc. I do not know the exact tests that will be run on me but I assume they won't be any more extensive based on what he has said so far. This is assuming I have no significant problems from surgery that must be monitored.<p>Changing surgeons post-op I feel would be disasterous. You are not going to get any better attention from someone who did not do your surgery. Your PCP however, should fill in the gaps if needed. I think you need to go with their recommendations for now but certainly if you develop symptoms or problems seek medical care. Don't fret over what could happen but focus on how you are doing. If in general you are feeling well and able to use the tool to get healthy then stick with the program and the surgeon and work through it. If the surgeon totally blows you off then you will need your PCP and if he/she blows you off then it's time to find a new PCP. The bottom line is that next year I may not have insurance that allows me to see the surgeon again and have it covered, so the burden of care will fall on my PCP, but fortunately he has been supportive of this decision. He also has a few patients already, I believe, that have had surgery. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

December 22, 2002
I changed surgeons post-op within the same group, because my original surgeon wouldn't address my pain. It's all in my profile. I like this surgeon much better. You truly need to go with someone you will be happy with, because you will have a better relationship with this person, which could catch potential problems earlier. Good luck.
   — Christine L.