I'm asking because I live 2 hours from the dr who will do surgery.

(that is the closest place)

I guess I should have said after the surgery when I'm getting the fills.

You go to the doctor as often as needed. I know that's not very specific, but someone whose port flips or whose band erodes needs to go to the doctor a lot more frequently than someone who experiences no complications.

In the beginning, probably count on going more frequently than later on. Your surgeon is the one who can best estimate the visits you will need. In general you're probably looking at a post-op about 1 week after surgery, and fill appts starting maybe 5 - 6 weeks post-op (some much later though). After that as needed, although some surgeons require 6 month, 1 year, etc checkups.

Really, ask your surgeon.

I expect that when I get to maintenance mode and as long as things are going well there won't be any need to visit my band doctor at all. He gave me the rundown of nutrional benchmarks and tests that need to be done annually, and my PCP has this in her file and does them when I have my annual physical. As long as things are where they should be, band-wise, my PCP can monitor my overall health.

I've been to the doc for fills 4 times in 4 1/2 years. Not bad.

My doctor said about every 4 weeks during weightloss and once a year during matinence. I guess it will be a relationship for life.

I haven't seen my band doctor in almost a year. I was banded 2 years ago this month.

That's great. I was afraid I would have to go monthly or 3-4 times in 6 months and that wouldn't really work for me. I understand in the beginning I will go more frequently but with living 3 hours away I couldn't possibly keep driving there.

Thanks a bunch for answering.

My doctor said about every 4 weeks during weightloss and once a year during matinence. I guess it will be a relationship for life.

I go about every 6 wks or so while actively losing, and rarely try to go longer than 6-12 wks. I plan to go about every 6-12 months during maintenance, assuming all is well. Lots of folks stop visiting their surgeons after a year or so but even if you're at goal weight, you shouldn't go much longer than that because sometimes bands just naturally 'lose' a bit of Fluid or restriction over time.

It's always good to keep your fluid at optimal levels, just like you would for a car!

My doctor said about every 4 weeks during weightloss and once a year during matinence. I guess it will be a relationship for life.

I go about every 6 wks or so while actively losing, and rarely try to go longer than 6-12 wks. I plan to go about every 6-12 months during maintenance, assuming all is well. Lots of folks stop visiting their surgeons after a year or so but even if you're at goal weight, you shouldn't go much longer than that because sometimes bands just naturally 'lose' a bit of Fluid or restriction over time.

It's always good to keep your fluid at optimal levels, just like you would for a car!

My surgeon has appointments set up thusly:

2 weeks post op

6 weeks post op (when I get my first fill)

3 months post op

6 months post op

1 year post op

Annually

They suggest that the band will be adjusted every 6-8 weeks while I'm losing, and if I have trouble. The great thing about going to this practice is that they have a hospital floor and nursing staff dedicated to treating bariatric patients. So if I have a problem, I can go to the hospital directly and be treated by someone who is trained at addressing bariatric specific issues. (overfill, port issues, etc.) No emergency room, just call the doc and go right to the bariatric floor.

I went for a 1 week post-op, then 6 weeks for a fill. I see the doctor every 3 months, for the first 3 years, then every 6 months after that, for labs and general check-ups. I am going for an endoscope after my 18 month visit this jan. If I have questions I can always call the office, same for fills, when I think I need one, I just call and they setup a visit for me. ~Mandy