It's been five years since my surgery & I've been pretty same successful. My doctor has been with me thru so much and has done wonders for me, but he's fallen off the grid. I think I know why - but I need a doctor who's still going to treat me five years out and he's not doing that. Case in point, I started running and I did something to my hip and the doctor I was referred to and my primary have been trying to get recommendations for medicines I can take and he won't respond. So yeah - I think it's time for a change. Thoughts?

Hi there. I am nervous about the same thing. I just moved out of state and need to find someone in the Waukesha Wisconsin area. I loved my bariatric center of excellence in Minneapolis.

I just hope I can find a group that is as great as mine was.

Yes, you should absolutely look for a new one if yours is not responding.

Good luck!

If the doctor died, you would switch doctors. Don't feel guilty like you are abandonning him. If he is not responding, he has abandonned you. My primary is an internist and well-versed in bariatric care. You are not obligated to anybody unless you have crapped out insurance that forces you to use a particular practice. It's your body. Why not look for someone who is patient-minded? I wish you good luck on your search.

When you do switch, make sure your new doctor gets your complete medical records from your old doctor, including the surgical notes.

Why not? Your health is of the utmost UTMOST importance. If the doctor is not responding appropriately (in your opinion, and who's is important here - yours or his?), you need to do what you need to do!

You're the customer.

Period.

That's how healthcare works these days. Finally!