Hi everyone! I am hoping someone can help me understand the process of Post-Op life. Like, how often do you see your surgeon after surgery? And for how long do routine visits continue? My situation is this. I am scheduled to get surgery on August 11th. I am rocking and rolling through all of my Pre-Op appointments and really excited for the change this will all bring to my life. But we are looking to move 1300 miles away some time in October. I'm guessing I'll need to find a bariatric doctor just to have someone to reach out to with any issues or concerns. But is this going to be ridiculously difficult? Do doctors easily take on patients if they aren't making the "surgery money" off of you? And if things go well, how often am I supposed to follow up with a doc 8 weeks Post-Op? I realize it might not go stellar and then I'll desperately NEED my doc as well, so I really want to start the process of finding someone sooner rather than later. I hope this doesn't make me sound foolish. It's just that part of "changing my life" is to not just to get fit and healthy, more active and not a slave to my relationship with food, but to also embrace all of the things I want in my life. And this move is certainly a part of that. I am already prepared for postponing the move if I'm having any issues and need an extra month or so. October is just the best time for all other things being considered. I appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you!

I would start calling bariatric doctors in your new location and ask the questions. Different doctors have different requirements. For me, my doctor saw me at 3 wk, 6wk, and will again at 6 months and at a year, as well as and every year after. I am also required 6 month labs, year labs, and labs every year after.

Also, I would look into a dietitian in your new area as well.

thank you!

Just now, trinzic said:

thank you!

You're welcome!

I am an accountant. I know people in my profession all over. I've met them in training and conferences. I know know who the really good ones are. They are usually presenters in the trainings. I would ask your current surgeon for a referral. Dietician also.

yes - I'd see if I could get a referral. People generally see a bariatric surgeon for follow-ups at least for the first year - and then some start just doing them with their PCP (I saw someone in my clinic for eight years - they kindly kicked me out just this year! Although I think a lot of people have switched over to their regular PCP long before I did....)

I had my surgery in another city, had to fly out. All my appointments have been virtual. I had 1 week post op, 2 weeks post op, and then every 3 months up until a year. I can reach out to them at any time though, and I have support meetings 3 times a week also on Zoom.

They’re all different. I saw mine at two weeks, a month, two months then 3 months. Not long after I reached goal (6 months) I transitioned to his colleague for my follow ups & had three monthly appointments. At my three year mark it became 6 monthly. In my fifth year now & it’s still twice a year. I have the feeling it may end this year though. My program of visits seems to be quite unusual though.

It’s a good idea to find someone to continue to monitor your progress close to your new home (& to find a good dietician). I agree with getting a referral too which will help open the door to the new doctor.

Hope your move goes smoothly.

thanks everyone! i value your advice! and i feel better about things now that i have tangible things to put into effect.

I’ve worked my entire career in medicine. Your surgeon will definitely refer you to someone if you ask.