To follow up or to not follow up....

[gastricsleever 259]

That is my question! So my plan after having surgery with Dr. Ortiz in Mexico on 2/17/14 was to come back to my local hospital for follow up care. I called the hospital Before surg yet and told them my plans and the patient coordinator said it would be no problem in that there are many people that go out-of-state and out of the country for surgery and came back for follow-up. However I was very disappointed when the came back for my first follow-up appointment 1 month later. The surgeon was so rude! She wouldn't give me the time of day and I left very unhappy. I'm now debating - should I keep following up and schedule a nutritionist appointment? Or just forget it and continue on my own? Thoughts and opinions from all you Mexico sleevers?!

[Mrs.RRn 2,110]

Why can't you go somewhere else for follow ups?? You wouldn't choose a primary doc you didn't like, so don't choose a surgeon to follow up w/ that you don't like

[joatsaint 2,814]

I didn't go to Mexico, but my doc's office is a 2 hour drive from my home. He was the closest that my ins. would approve. I would go back at least once or twice just to be sure there aren't any complications and things are going well. I quit going to my doc after my 3rd follow-up. I got tired of him being late for every appointment.

[Kindle 8,667]

What services is this surgeon providing in your followups? I was just told bloodwork at 3 months, 6 months and annually, and a recommended EGD at 1 year. Both my PCP and OB /Gyn have offered to order the labs for the blood screenings. As for diet/nut questions, you can email or call Miranda at OCC. if you aren't having problems, I guess I don't see the point of having to meet with a surgeon for followups.

[gastricsleever 259]

What services is this surgeon providing in your followups? I was just told bloodwork at 3 months, 6 months and annually, and a recommended EGD at 1 year. Both my PCP and OB /Gyn have offered to order the labs for the blood screenings. As for diet/nut questions, you can email or call Miranda at OCC. if you aren't having problems, I guess I don't see the point of having to meet with a surgeon for followups.

Kindle, it's just that- bloodwork at 3,6,12 mos and nutritionist visits. I really would like to meet with a nutritionist but I guess I know what I need to do: Protein protein protein! Lol I guess id just feel more comfortable having face to face appts.

[Kindle 8,667]

Gotcha. Congrats on your progress, BTW!

[slvrsax 301]

I found a nutritionist here locally in Seattle, she just closed her practice. I am due for bloodwork but also need to find a new family doctor as he left the country for a missions trip. I am wondering if I'm anemic since I'm cold so often. I also probably need follow up for my acid reflux that I'm still struggling with. I see a scope in my future.

[brittu 42]

In Seattle you might want to check into Dr Brogren at Revitalize. She does support for bariatric patients and is one herself. She partners with Dr Billing who is a sleeve surgeon. He has no problem seeing me even though my sleeve was done in Mexico. Just saw him last month and he gave me a big hug. He took out my band but we couldn't get coverage for the revision.