Priscilla[/font][/size]Hi,

I had my VSG done in Mexico 7 weeks ago. My surgeon suggests an Upper GI and certain blood work be done at 3 months. I saw my PCP last week and she agreed to order the tests. However, today she called me and said after speaking with her administrator, she would not be able to order the tests because she is not familiar with bariatrics. She said I would need to self refer myself to someone who would follow me in that aspect. The best she could do would be to have their referral coordinator send me a letter with a list of possible Dr's that might follow me and I could make the necessary contacts myself. She said I could also look on the internet to see if I could find someone since I found my surgeon that way. She said she would still follow me for my high cholesterol, HPB, and pre-diabetes and order those blood tests. I have other co-morbidities too.

I would really like someone to follow me because I also have severe GERD for which I'm taking medication but has been worse since surgery.

Has anyone else run into this problem? What did you do?

Thanks,

Priscilla

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering, do you really need to have the upper GI three months after?

My surgeon recommends your 1st check up 3 months after surgery. It consists of an Upper GI (check for strictures & leaks?), and the following blood worK:

CBC (to check for anemia and lack of Vitamin B12)

SMAC 24 Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (sugar, cholesterol, Calcium and hepatic functioning)

I know my surgeon has many patients that don't bother with the Upper GI if they are not having any problems. I am having severe reflux so I think it would be best if I had it done.

Priscilla

Maybe that is a Mexico doctor protocol because I didn't have to have one either. Just my ordinary labs to make sure everything was ok.

Hi -

See my answer to "groovearmada."

Priscilla

Great news! I got a new PCP today...an internist who also has other bariatric patients that he follows and does the routine testing for. My 1st appt is next Fri for a 40 minute "establish new patient" visit, then I have an appt for a physical in the beginning of May.

Thank you everyone for encouraging me to find a new PCP.

Priscilla

Priscilla[/font][/size]Hi,

I had my VSG done in Mexico 7 weeks ago. My surgeon suggests an Upper GI and certain blood work be done at 3 months. I saw my PCP last week and she agreed to order the tests. However, today she called me and said after speaking with her administrator, she would not be able to order the tests because she is not familiar with bariatrics. She said I would need to self refer myself to someone who would follow me in that aspect. The best she could do would be to have their referral coordinator send me a letter with a list of possible Dr's that might follow me and I could make the necessary contacts myself. She said I could also look on the internet to see if I could find someone since I found my surgeon that way. She said she would still follow me for my high cholesterol, HPB, and pre-diabetes and order those blood tests. I have other co-morbidities too.

I would really like someone to follow me because I also have severe GERD for which I'm taking medication but has been worse since surgery.

Has anyone else run into this problem? What did you do?

Thanks,

Priscilla

3-12-11, UPDATE: My doctor ordered the upper GI & blood work tests, they all came back perfect plus my insurance paid for them--no questions asked!

I have my doctor-ordered upper GI next week but am afraid my insurance will not cover it as I did have it in Mexico. I am also wondering if one is not having any side-effects if it's necessary?

3-12-11, UPDATE: My doctor ordered the upper GI & blood work tests, they all came back perfect plus my insurance paid for them--no questions asked!

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Hi Luanne,

Congrats on passing your Upper GI & blood work with flying colors. I have mine scheduled for April 11th and then my blood work the following week. I'm hoping my insurance pays too because I also have reflux (even before surgery) and I'm scheduled for a Physical on May 2nd so the blood work is pretty much standard anyway. I love my new PCP (Internest).

Priscilla

Good girl. . .you have to look out for number 1 and that is you. . .I don't think writing nasty letters solves anything especially getting you care. . . I'm glad you're going to a gastroentrologist and finding a new PCP. . . good for you! Now hopefully you'll get the right care you deserve. . .

I agree!