Problems with follow-up in US after?

[Guest develasco]

I had a bariatric consult approx 2 months ago and was told that my insurance would not cover the surgery. (My husband had me convinced it would) I have a BMI of 31.5 with some other medical conditions.

During my consult, the physician offered to see my husband, who had Gastric Bypass 1 1/2yrs ago. (We just moved from another state)

To be pro-active (I don't have a date set yet) I called that doctors office and asked if they would follow me if I went to Mexico for my surgery?! They called me back a couple days later and told me NO! I live right outside of Omaha, Nebraska now... My primary doctor is okay~ But she wants to send me to a specialist for everything!!

Has anyone had any problems?! Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!!

[Kindle 8,667]

Find a new doctor who isn't so arrogant and ignorant. The U.S. does not have a monopoly on quality health care. In fact, my Mexico surgeon had more experience, better credentials and a lower complication rate than the 6 U.S. surgeons I looked at.

I had no complications postop and my surgeon's office was available for postop consult and questions 7 days/week. My PCP was fine with doing my followup bloodwork and would have supported me through any problems if they occurred. My OB/Gyn was also totally on board and volunteered to do bloodwork if I needed. She even got the name and contact info for my surgeon to pass on to other patients who's insurance doesn't cover WLS. I saw a gastroenterologist for an unrelated issue 2 months postop and he didn't have a problem with me having had surgery in Mexico, either.

Routine follow up can be done by your PCP, but maybe ask her to check around with other bariatric specialists in case you do have any complications. Make sure you pick a surgeon that is available postop and willing to answer any questions your PCP may have.

Edited June 28, 2015 by Kindle

[maggie409 765]

I think the key is not trying to find a Bariatric doctor for post-op care. Just a primary care provider or family doctor. All they have to do is take out stitches 7-10 days after surgery and then blood panels every few months. My PCP just took out my stitches two days ago and said that there would be no need for a blood panel before two months post op. So I will schedule that a few days prior.

[JamieLogical 8,684]

I think the key is not trying to find a Bariatric doctor for post-op care. Just a primary care provider or family doctor. All they have to do is take out stitches 7-10 days after surgery and then blood panels every few months. My PCP just took out my stitches two days ago and said that there would be no need for a blood panel before two months post op. So I will schedule that a few days prior.

I didn't even have stitches for my PCP to take out. My incisions had sub-dermal sutures that dissolved over time and the outside layer of skin had dermabond, which is like a glue, that just wore off in about 2 weeks.

As for bloodwork, I met with my PCP before I went to Mexico and arranged a follow-up appointment and bloodwork with her for 1 month post op. She continued to do follow-up visits and blood work at the 2 month, 4 month, and 8 month marks. My next is scheduled for the 1 year mark.

[Guest develasco]

Thanks for your input!!