This Thursday is my six month follow up with the surgeon who did my bypass. Because my health plan refers out this will be the last time I see her, then my plan takes over. I'm at a loss on what to ask her. Are there any questions I should be asking her about at this point?

Thanks

What do you mean your plan refers out?

Are you having and problems? Have any concerns? I would think there isn't really anything to specifically ask unless you are having issues or have concerns about something?

1 hour ago, kcuster83 said:

What do you mean your plan refers out?

I'm confused by this too? Something doesn't sound right here to me?

My guess is OP's plan has no in-network bariatric surgeons. So she went out-of-network for the surgery and immediate follow-up, but all visits after 6 months must be either approved for continued out-of-network care or with in-network doctors.

I think the most important question for you to ask is who your surgeon recommends for your follow-up from this point forward. I am sure they've had other patients in your insurance situation. Who do they recommend you see now? Or is there paperwork they can file to get pre-auth for further follow-up?

Congrats on 77 lbs so far! You are going to get so much kudos when they see you for this visit.

I have Kaiser and they refer some of their patients out for bariatric surgery and follow up. They do have a few surgeons but I guess they have a lot of patients so some of us went out of network.

1 hour ago, kaylee50 said:

My guess is OP's plan has no in-network bariatric surgeons. So she went out-of-network for the surgery and immediate follow-up, but all visits after 6 months must be either approved for continued out-of-network care or with in-network doctors.

I think the most important question for you to ask is who your surgeon recommends for your follow-up from this point forward. I am sure they've had other patients in your insurance situation. Who do they recommend you see now? Or is there paperwork they can file to get pre-auth for further follow-up?

Congrats on 77 lbs so far! You are going to get so much kudos when they see you for this visit.

Thank you! I am writing this down to ask her.

PS. Love your avatar... I love Firefly.

Do you have a plan in place to get your vitamins checked each year. Your family dr should be able to order the labs but you may want to ask for the order from her and make a copy So you know the family Dr covers everything.

I have Kaiser and they refer some of their patients out for bariatric surgery and follow up. They do have a few surgeons but I guess they have a lot of patients so some of us went out of network.

I have kaiser too and have questions about my diet. I just started stage 3 where it says that protein supplements no longer count as fluid needs. I called kaiser and was only able to leave a message. Can you help with my question? Does the clear protein drinks count as fluid or the isopure that I make with water count as fluid? I'm afraid I'm not going to make the protein AND fluid intake minimums at this stage. I'm worried now. The only "food" I had today was 1/2 a yogurt.

Scared but excited.

18 hours ago, MyDogsLoveMe said:

I have kaiser too and have questions about my diet. I just started stage 3 where it says that Protein supplements no longer count as Fluid needs. I called kaiser and was only able to leave a message. Can you help with my question? Does the clear Protein Drinks count as fluid or the Isopure that I make with Water count as fluid? I'm afraid I'm not going to make the protein AND fluid intake minimums at this stage. I'm worried now. The only "food" I had today was 1/2 a yogurt.

Scared but excited.

I think they meant the protein shakes. I can currently drink the clear protein water and the nurse from the Kaiser support group and my doctor said it was fine and counted. I think you should start attending some of the sessions and/or join their Facebook support group and ask your questions there. Your local Kaiser bariatrics should have that info.

On 10/25/2022 at 5:48 PM, ShoppGirl said:

Do you have a plan in place to get your Vitamins checked each year. Your family dr should be able to order the labs but you may want to ask for the order from her and make a copy So you know the family Dr covers everything.

I will be seeing my primary on Monday and we are going to discuss this as the bariatric center only asked for Vitamin D blood tests.

18 minutes ago, Candigrl1 said:

I will be seeing my primary on Monday and we are going to discuss this as the bariatric center only asked for Vitamin D blood tests.

Oh wow. Most of us get all our vitamins as well as protein checked.

I think they meant the protein shakes. I can currently drink the clear protein water and the nurse from the Kaiser support group and my doctor said it was fine and counted. I think you should start attending some of the sessions and/or join their Facebook support group and ask your questions there. Your local Kaiser bariatrics should have that info.

I left messages to attend the support groups and I'm waiting for a call back. I do have my followup next week.

Thank you for your help, I stayed up until 1 am the other night trying to get my liquids in.

I don't have social media, this is the only one I have.

Scared but excited.

20 minutes ago, MyDogsLoveMe said:

I left messages to attend the support groups and I'm waiting for a call back. I do have my followup next week.

Thank you for your help, I stayed up until 1 am the other night trying to get my liquids in.

I don't have social media, this is the only one I have.

Scared but excited.

You are 18 days out, correct? How close are you to your fluid goal? Getting your fluids is very important but so is getting your sleep. Have you tried putting a glass of water on your nightstand and drinking when you wake up through the night. I started this cause I always wake up with dry mouth years ago but I get in another glass or two. I have noticed that it makes me wake up like one more time to pee but I drink more then, too so it works out. I agree that the support group meetings are very helpful. You shouldn’t need to do anything with social media if you don’t want. That’s usually just an alternative to attending the in person meetings.

I think they meant the protein shakes. I can currently drink the clear protein water and the nurse from the Kaiser support group and my doctor said it was fine and counted. I think you should start attending some of the sessions and/or join their Facebook support group and ask your questions there. Your local Kaiser bariatrics should have that info.

I finally got a call back from Kaiser and the person I talked to said that anything with protein in it DOES NOT count toward the liquids. I even double checked and asked if I make isopurr with 16 oz of water does that water count she said NO. It only counts toward protein.

They also said that they would send a referral so that I could go to the support groups. It isn't a drop in thing, I need a referral and then someone will call me.

I am feeling less than supported by kaisers bariatric department. I have an appointment with the surgeon next week so I hope that goes well.

Scared but excited.