Question:
Can someone please advise how difficult or not it will be to find a Dr. after surgery

My surgeron is leaving Florida and going to New York. I will need a surgeron post-op and wanted to know if it will be a problem to join another aftercare program. Pls let me know I'm really stuck at this point. Oh yeah I'm pre-op open (May 22)    — Latisse W. (posted on May 15, 2002)

May 14, 2002
My "guess" would be, another doctor would love to have your money (or insurance's money) for your post op care! However, should you have alot of problems they may not want you. ???? At least in my experience (NOT WLS surgery) when I got butchered in some non WLS surgeries 3,000 miles from home, no doctor wanted to touch me and I could'nt pee for nine months- ouch. However WLS is a totally different ball game and I'll bet you that you won't have any problems finding someone to care for you afterward. This surgery is'nt stigmatised like some of mine were. But I am very surprised that a surgeon would be willing to operate so close to his leaving your state. That, would worry me. However I've had some bad experiences in the past so I have red flags go up where possibly none need be. lol Best of luck to you!
   — Danmark

May 15, 2002
Hi. Do you have a PCP? If so, talk to him/her about it. They may be able to handle your after care. Which would be nice because it is someone who is familiar with your needs. If your PCP can't give you the adequate after care then he can surely tell you who would be good to go to. Also you can ask your current surgeon to refer you to someone before he leaves. Good Luck!
   — Karen W.

May 15, 2002
Hi. I am in the same spot that you are. I am scheduled for surgery on June 13, and my dr. is leaving in September. I have been told that I will be able to do follow-up with one of the other drs. in the group. Is your dr. part of a group? If so, you may be able to follow up with another dr. in the group. If not, maybe your dr. can give you names of other drs that might be able to help you. Don't hesitate to talk to him and ask questions. I wish you the very best. God Bless and keep you safe.
   — Carolyn L.

May 15, 2002
I've had a hard time finding a Doctor after my Doctor left to keep track of my blood levels. i had a PCP who didn't want to have anything to do with me after I had the surgery. So i found a Gasto(stomach) doctor who is keeping track of my levels for me and another Doctor that does my follow up for me.
   — Sharon T.

May 15, 2002
Hi, I am moving from California to Florida and I had a tough time finding a doctor to follow me. As it is I will be driving from Pensacola to Talahassee just to see a doctor who will follow me and also accepts my insurance. So I would research, check on ASBS.org web site, check here on this site and see if there are other doctors in your area who will accept a post op patient from another doctor. I think its very important to be followed by a bariatric program so you get the added benefits of a nutrionist, and a support group. Good luck with finding a new doctor!
   — Mary S.