Question:
Please!!! can someone tell me what labs I need?

I had my surgery on 3/5/02 and only had insurance for 4 months after that. I have not seen a doctor since, this means I have not had any labs done, I don't know how I am doing physically or medically. I will be getting insurance again on 6/03 and have a doctor's appt on 6/5. What labs should I have them perform and any other procedures. I have not had any problems other than some hairloss, weightloss is going fine. Any assistance with this will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.    — gloriafb (posted on May 13, 2003)

May 12, 2003
We are just a bunch of non-medical people who have had lots of different types of weight loss surgery. I strongly suggest that you contact your WLS surgeon and ask his advice on what types of lab studies you should have done and take a copy of your medical records to your new doctor. He may need to do some research, but there is plenty of medical research and publications he can go to if he is unfamiliar with the type of metabolic problems we face after this type of surgery. Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

May 13, 2003
I have a list on my profile that was required for me. All doctors are different as are the patients.
   — Oldsoul

May 13, 2003
All doctor's are different. I would also suggest calling your surgeon to ask what labs he/she feels you should have done. You may need a full CBC work-up...Iron, B12, etc. Again, we're not saying that you have to pay for a visit to see your surgeon, just call and ask his/her thoughts on what you should have done. Since he/she did your surgery, they shouldn't have any problem suggesting...the doctor may even write up the order for you.
   — Renee B.

May 13, 2003
hiya! i have a list of lab tests on my website at: www.geocities.com/katebme2002 though i need to add: parathyroid hormone level AND Dexascan (bone density exam) -- this is very important and i'm highly recommending people get it done pre op so they have a baseline. for more info, you can email me directly: [email protected] {{hugs}} kate
   — jkb