Hi Folks -

it has been over 2 years since my surgery and though I've lost plenty of weight, I have done a horrible job doing any kind of follow-ups about my health. I know that I am probably dealing with some serious vitamin deficiencies (I have weird bruising and am still dealing with hair loss). What kind of specialist/s should I be seeing to get my blood levels checked and to get better long term supplement advice etc?

Part of my problem is that I moved away from the city where I had my surgery, so I no longer have access to my surgeon.

If anyone has any specific recommendations for doctors in NYC area, that would be so awesome.

some people just go to their PCP after the first year or so. Most of them have enough understanding of bariatric surgery these days that they can help with this.

My surgeon said that I need certain blood tests done at least once a year, but that they could be done by my PCP. He offered to call my PCP and tell her what tests I needed. Could you call your old surgeon and ask what he recommends and see if he'll either tell you or your PCP what tests to run?

I am very recently post op. My surgeon sent my PCP a very detailed letter on how to care for me for the rest of my life. He stipulated certain things like what vitamins I should be taking and when, what sort of long term effects I may experience and any disorders that may occur due to certain complications. I am not sure how many other surgeons do this, but if you can call your surgeon's office, you can request that they send documentation and any long term care instructions to a primary care doctor or other practitioner you have been following up with. I would also ask them about the side effects you are having.

I would highly suggest having your doctor also send copies of your medical records in the event they are not a part of your chart at your new doctor's office.

Sadly, they are unwilling to talk to me on the phone, I have to have an appointment to get any medical advice/support from my surgeon's office- and no longer live anywhere within range to do that.

It is such a pain in the butt.

I wonder if I found a bariatric surgeon locally, if they'd be willing to support me? Probably not. uggg.

I was hoping to go straight to a specialist who could diagnose/treat iron deficiency (that's my best googled-guess for what is wrong with me) because I don't have a primary care currently (and I don't need referrals to see specialists).

Is this something a nutritionist does? or a hematologist? or?

I probably do need a primary care anyway. (Is it clear how much I hate doctors yet? --hahah)

2 minutes ago, brooklynconceivable said:

Sadly, they are unwilling to talk to me on the phone, I have to have an appointment to get any medical advice/support from my surgeon's office- and no longer live anywhere within range to do that.

It is such a pain in the butt.

I wonder if I found a bariatric surgeon locally, if they'd be willing to support me? Probably not. uggg.

You can still submit a written request for your medical records, you have a right to those. I would call around to the bariatric offices (or whomever you are seeing) in your area and inquire if they could help you out. If you find one that works with your insurance (if you are insured) make an appointment and get their phone and fax number. Provide that information to your old surgeon's office and they can fax them over so you do not need to worry about carrying to the appt

Edited September 20, 20196 yr by Azlanie

Azlanie I Do Like Your Surgeon's Thinking- wish all Bariatric Surgeon's would do That- sometimes I think my PCP could use all the guidance he can get- the NEXT TIME he says " You're such a Different Beast Now!" I AM going to stay in Beast Mode, slap him with my Grizzly Bear Paw, Claws and All and make Him Bleed! Okay Okay I REALLY probably won't but don't KILL that dream just yet! I may be Different but I am still HUMAN after all, not asking him to become an Large- Animal Vet!

Try these people: they are very big on follow-up care

https://bariatric.stopobesityforlife.com/

Look for an obesity practice that is tied to a large teaching hospital. They are generally ranked as Centers of Excellence and will have a very broad spectrum of care.

My practice here includes:

Appts with Surgeon Post Op:

1 week

2 weeks

3 weeks

4 weeks

6 weeks

3 months

6 months

9 months

12 months

2 year

3 year

4 year

5 year

*****

Additionally--I can see my RD for free whenever I need a touchstone or am struggling. I just make an appointment and it's covered as part of the surgery treatment.

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I also have access to bariatric counselors. There are appointment fees/associated with this, but well worth it!

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I also have 2 free support groups per month that I could attend. I only go to 1 per month.

*****

Studies are showing that the breadth and width of the follow-up care program is instrumental in long term compliance and success for losing the most weight and keeping it off long-term. It's all about compliance and following the plan laid out by your bariatric team.