I live in a small town. I was recently banded, and part of what I thought I was getting was long-term follow-up care. That is proving not to be the case.

The medical office had two surgeons. One of them left indefinitely. The remaining surgeon still takes on new surgical patients, so the waiting list to see him is long. Thus, each time I need follow-up treatment (like for reflux and abdominal pains) all I get is an inexperienced nurse who does not know what to do so he just orders up more diagnostic tests and continues to deflate the band.

The closest center with actual qualified doctors is nearly 100 miles away. I am totally regretting this decision.

Is anyone else in a similar situation? Are there any rules out there about physician-patient ratios (nurses don't count when you need a real surgeon to diagnose problems and prescribe treatment)?

Drive the 100 miles. I drive 50 one way in bumper to bumper traffic most times it is worth it

Excuse me, you should not be having reflux or abdominal pains. Reflux usually means there is something wrong with the band...like erosion. Drive the 100 miles if you can get another surgeon to see you. You don't need to fool around with this. Do yourself a favor and get other advise.

there are rules/laws about a patient who reports pain. They absolutly have to see you if you report pain. If they do not, it is neglect.

But ...... I would not mess around with that. Find a lap-band Dr. and make the drive to get everything checked.

It may be something simple ..... then make the drive for fills ..... put your mind at ease and make that drive.