Can I follow-up with a primary care or does it have to be a bariatric specialist?

[marfar7 1,532]

So I'm 5 mths post op band revision. Happy with my weightloss, have about 20 lbs to goal. Here's my dilemma: For the past 4 yrs I saw my surgeon in Oregon, a COE and an exceptional dr. I have Medicare. They cover 1 yr of post op visits after my revision. I saw my dr at 4 weeks and he wanted me to have my Vitamin level checked and see him in another 3 mths. 8 weeks ago (about a month before my appt) we unexpectedly moved to So Ca (MIL died and we're here taking care of elderly FIL). I have an appt with a primary care dr at the VA clinic on Dec 19th to take over my basic care. He can certainly order vitamin levels.

I would hafta pay out of pocket if I wanted to see a bariatric specialist. They only covered 1 yr of post op with the dr that actually DID my surgery. Is it worth it to seek one out or just get my followup care at the VA clinic?

What would u do? What kind of stuff do I tell the PCP to check for (besides vitamin levels. I still have the RX from my surgeon on the blood that needs to be done)

[cindymg 629]

Can you find a PCP that is WLS-friendly? Some are and know everything about Bariatric surgery and the required tests. Some are not WLS-friendly and I would think that would be a nightmare. My PCP is WLS friendly. She referred me to my surgeon and they work well together. I think my PCP is more excited about my surgery than I am!

[marfar7 1,532]

Can you find a PCP that is WLS-friendly? Some are and know everything about Bariatric surgery and the required tests. Some are not WLS-friendly and I would think that would be a nightmare. My PCP is WLS friendly. She referred me to my surgeon and they work well together. I think my PCP is more excited about my surgery than I am!

That would be a great idea, however: I get 99% of my medical care from the VA system. Most of the VA patients are elderly men. Thats who they usually cater to. While the VA does cover some WLS (RNY for sure), only very few do this. I'm originally from OR and none of the VA hospital in Or cover wls - you hafta go out of state. And the require a 6 mth supervised diet, a once a month drs visit, and contiunous dietitian supervision, making it virtually impossible for someone living in an area with no coverage to get wlls. Thats just an instance. I got my surgery from a private surgeon/hospital (Medicare)

2 mths after my sleeve revision, I made an appt with the VA dietitian to discuss my intake. when I arrived, I was overwhelmed by all the information the RD had. He heard I had a VSG and knew NOTHING about it. He did a weeks worth of research before I came in. had all the info to prove it. From that point on I became his pet project. I got many voicemails and emails about intake, calories requirements, Vitamin requirements, etc. I was like his part time job.

So I'm not expecting anyone in my area to know ANYTHING about wls. Like I said, the VA caters to mostly elderly MEN. It's rare (altho it's becoming more prevalent) to find someone who knows how to do a pap smear!

Thanks for the idea tho!

[baniwala 40]

I see a PCP exclusively since moving away from my old town. He has been phenomenal and has had an easy time communicating with my surgeon. The surgeon even gave him a form to fill out and a list to check for.

Good luck!

[swimbikerun 1,043]

You can take a list to them to help. Can you get the old doc to help you out? I'm concerned.