Hello fellow bandsters

I have been banded 2.5 months and I'm feeling FABULOUS! The weight has been coming off pretty consistently (except for a two week period where I plateau'ed, but then got a fill and started losing again).

I went to go see my family doctor to get a prescription refill, and he had asked me if I know of any blood tests that I should be doing. At first I thought that was an odd question, since I would think I should be asking him that question. However, it made me think that maybe I should be. so, I called my surgeon the next day and asked him - he said that there aren't any tests we need to do, other than if we have some problems. Again, at first, I thought that was an acceptable response. However, after reading a NAWLS e-book, and doing a bit of research online, I have found out that some things like Vitamin B1 deficiency can result in permanent neurological deficits (including the loss of the ability to walk) and that there aren't too many warning signs and that once you have the problem, it can't be reversed. So, I wonder how many other things like this exist out there that I should be looking out for?

So, my question is: Do any of you get blood work? and if so, could you please let me know what you get tested for (obviously weight loss related only.. don't need to know about tests for other reasons)??? I live in Canada so the tests are free if my doctor recommends that I get them done. THANKS!!!

I hope you are all doing great!

I haven't yet but my surgeon definitely requires it. 10 days prior to my 3 month post op is the first set and he requires a CBC, Chem Panel, Lipid Panel, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12, Thiamine B-1, Folate and Iron. It says make sure these are ALL drawn, none are optional. I think I have to get my blood drawn then again at 9 months.

Even if your surgeon doesn't require it I would think it would be a good idea to get your PCP to do the tests anyway. If nothing else it would be good to see your numbers improve and as you said ensure there are no deficiencies.

All my best, Kimberly

My doctor doesn't order post-op blood work until one year after surgery, or earlier, if a patient seems to be having problems. I had my one year labs done in September and everything came back normal. I asked at my next appointment just what was tested, and it was a list a mile long. I'm sorry I don't remember all the tests though. but it seemed very thorough.

As you know, we don't have malabsorption issues from our surgery, but we are eating small meals, so I think it's very important to take a multi vitamin/mineral and Calcium. I also added B12 after a few months, when I started feeling tired. I add a Vitamin D suppliment during the winter months.

The above looks to be about the same as what my surgeon does. All I know is they take like 12 vials of blood....ewe!

I would seriously look into it because as we eat so little it is easy to become deficient.

Lucky for you, your PCP is more than willing to work with you!

~A

My PCP does regular Chem 20 profile every six months. My numbers are in great shape and I am in the process of being taken off some of my B/P meds already.

Thank you all so very much. I have called my doc to make an appointment, and will bring him the list of tests you have given me - and hopefully we can figure out which ones he and I think would be worth doing. I am also thinking about starting to take vitamin B-12 supplements as I have been pretty tired the past two weeks.

Cheers