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Post by theshrinkingmimi on Jan 3, 2012 22:24:09 GMT -5
I was just curious. I had VSG in June with no complications and a virtually pain free and easy recovery. I had my 6 month post op (almost a month late) appointment today. It was a waste of time. They automatically scheduled me for the one year. I went to my PCP for the labwork and brought them with me to the surgeon's office.
I saw the surgeon for 3 minutes. He never touched me today or at the 2 week follow-up. I was weighed and that was it.
Especially for those with no complications, how many times did you go? I think they would have me forever as long as I paid.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 3, 2012 23:31:03 GMT -5
Never! But, I went to MX.. Seriously though, my PCP does everything I need.. other than ordering specific labs, everything is business as usual for me health-wise, no need to see a surgeon unless I need surgery again..
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Psyche
Full Member
DS ♦ 08/06/2009
Posts: 118
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Post by Psyche on Jan 3, 2012 23:59:15 GMT -5
I never did. My PCP deals with everything.
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Post by califsleevin on Jan 4, 2012 11:02:10 GMT -5
18 months is their official program, and then they would like to have an annual check thereafter, as much for their research numbers as for any patient issues. They are a more DS oriented practice, so the routine follow up is more critical with them. When my wife was 3 or 4 years out from her DS and was running her annual labs (on the order of 16-18 vials!) through our PCP, he noted that none of his other WLS patients get that kind of follow up. Even with the simpler VSG, it's still nice having them in the loop for consultation, even in the back ground, as there are quirks about our altered anatomy that are beyond the experience of most PCPs
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Post by jillybean720 on Jan 4, 2012 12:01:05 GMT -5
Never. I went to his office about a week after leaving the hospital and had the NP remove my drains. I haven't been back since. Unless I have intestines hanging out of my belly button or something, I have NO REASON to see a SURGEON. My PCP orders my labs, and I adjust my own supplementation according to the copies of the lab results I get for myself. What's there to see a surgeon about?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2012 14:34:52 GMT -5
my surgeon is in Mexico and no need to go back for anything. PCP does labs.
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Post by theshrinkingmimi on Jan 5, 2012 17:45:17 GMT -5
Good. I'm not going back either. They scheduled me for one year visit in June. They say after that it is supposed to be once per year, but I don't see the point.
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Post by roseselene on Jan 5, 2012 19:20:03 GMT -5
Mine had me come back at 1 week, then 2 months then 6 months and then again at 1 year. I don't mind it because he's a real hands on kind of guy who spends a lot of time with each patient. He asked me lots of questions and gave me plenty of feedback. If it was one of those kind of doctors that is in and out and spends no time, then I don't think I would go. But I felt like he actually cared and was interested in how I was doing and feeling. I didn't have the most perfect post op course though....so I don't know how he treats people that have had zero issues. Amy
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kellic
Full Member
VSG - 11/19/2010
Posts: 115
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Post by kellic on Jan 6, 2012 19:58:27 GMT -5
I think mine were at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. I didn't go to my one year because the others were such a non-event. I do all my lab work with my PCP.
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Catie
New Member
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Post by Catie on Jan 7, 2012 20:30:43 GMT -5
OK... here's a follow up newbie question to this discussion...how often does your PCP like to do labs? Once a year with a physical or more frequently?
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Post by jillybean720 on Jan 7, 2012 21:08:09 GMT -5
OK... here's a follow up newbie question to this discussion...how often does your PCP like to do labs? Once a year with a physical or more frequently? umm, I don't leave it up to my PCP. I TELL her when I want labs run. In the first year, I did them at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-op. Since then, I do the FULL set of labs annually (and by FULL set, I mean I bring her a list of everything I Want run since 99% of doctors won't actually order enough labs to paint the full nutritional picture we need) but do a smaller set every 3-6 months to check on anything that had been "off" previously or that I changed my supplementation on.
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Catie
New Member
Posts: 35
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Post by Catie on Jan 7, 2012 22:31:48 GMT -5
Thanks, that's great information. We just moved to a new area and I have found the PCP I want to see but have not yet been in to see her. I've been following up with my surgeon (I'm very newly sleeved) but really like the idea of a more long term and in depth follow up with a PCP instead.
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Post by redbabe08 on Jan 8, 2012 9:31:12 GMT -5
i have the same surgeon as kellic - it is more of a DS post op followup. 3, 6, 12, 18.....since i'm almost 2hrs away, i get everything done by my PCP - unless there is an issue in the future that would require me to see him.
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Justa-Puter-Name
Full Member
You are the result of billions of years of evolutionary success. Act like it!
Posts: 157
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Post by Justa-Puter-Name on Jan 8, 2012 9:45:05 GMT -5
Although I would have loved to have seen my surgeon for much longer, I only saw him for the first 90 days after surgery. I knew when I found him [in Washington] that we were about to be restationed, at the time my husband was active Navy. However, I also knew after 9 months of research for the surgeons in that state that Dr. James Weber was absolutely one of the best, hands down, and he had a huge patient base of Super Morbidly Obeses patients. At 400 lbs, I wanted a surgeon who was accustomed to the additonal challenges that come with extra weight/fat. He did his job, picture perfect surgery, no problems. I did my job, I became my own advocate for my long term health. I have NOT seen a Weight Loss Surgeon in over 8 1/2 years, however I HAVE TRAINED and schooled many a PCP [while in the Navy, it's a revolving door] and now that we're civies, Ive trained my permanet PCP. He's actually quite grateful that I am on top of my yearly labs, dexascans, vitamins and health in general. Personally, I think "we" do a better job of monitoring our long term health vs either our surgeons or PCP's. Things evolve and change so much in this world and a lot of doctors just don't stay on the edge of that learning curve like they should. Edited, well, because I wanted too!!
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