Question:
My primary care doctor has made the statement that she is concerned because my weight

loss has slowed down and I have vomitted several times. I had surgery on 9/13/00 and have lost 57 lbs. From what I have read, the vomitting is not necessarily abnormal. I did great for 3 months but have vomitted in the last couple of weeks. She has ordered a test for leakage. Should I be concerned? Is this abnormal as far as 57 pounds and the vomitting? She will not give me a referral for my surgeon because she said 3 mos. post-op care with him was enough. I don't know if she is that experienced in this surgery or maybe she is being cautious. Can anyone give me their opinion on this? Thanks to everyone. I love this site!!!    — Kimberly C. (posted on January 10, 2001)

January 10, 2001
I am certainly not an expert in this, but from what many people have said, you could have a closed outlet. I think that they will do a scope and will stretch the opening and from what I understand, this is painless. I would however be very concerned about your PCP's unwillingness to give you the referral. If this problem has something to do with the surgery, then your surgeon should diagnose and/or treat it. I would trust my surgeon more than my PCP on this one, since you don't know what her experience is with us Post Ops. Maybe you could call your surgeon for advice, or call your insurance company and explain the situation. They may be willing to give you the referral themselves. If not, I might suggest changing PCP's to someone that is willing to work WITH your surgeon, not against him. Good luck hon.
   — enjo4

January 10, 2001
Some WLS surgeons include in the price of the surgery 6 months to 1 year of follow up care. You might check with your Surgeon to see if you have aftercare include in the price of the surgery. My surgeon use to give one year but changed last year to 6 months include in his price. But we had an understanding that when he did my surgery that I would see him every 2 months for the first year and once a year after that. My PCP is very knowledgeable able WLS but he still feels that my WLS Surgeon should be involved to some degree when it comes to WLS problems.
   — ann A.

January 10, 2001
First off, your weight loss is good! I'd check with my surgeon too. Luckily my surgeon answers any questions I have by email and usually in the same day. He prefers to follow his folks for the rest of their lives. I think he is doing research on the longterm results, complications, etc. He has done articles in woman's magazines as well. I like knowing I can contact him anytime. I saw him at 3 weeks, every 2 months until 6mos post, then every 3 months until now. I have my 1 year checkup next week. Lou Ann (at goal)
   — Lou Ann J.

January 10, 2001
The two most common reason for vomiting at your stage post-op seem to be constriction of the stoma or eating behavior. Be sure you are chewing thoroughly and eating slowly and not eating too much. I would try that before I let someone scope me. If your problems are with solid foods but not with soft foods or liquids, it is probably how you are eating. If you are also having problems with soft foods and liquids, then it could well be a narrowing of your stoma. You shouldn't need a referral for a follow-up visit to your surgeon.
   — Nanette T.