How long after surgery did you have to go for check ups?

[KathyLev 285]

I saw my P.A. today and she made my next appointment for May - one year anniversary of my surgery. I was just curious how long you had to keep going for check ups after surgery ? I'm hoping that will be the last one

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

I went 2 weeks after the surgery, then 3 months, then 6 months, then 1 year, then once every year after that. My surgeon said I'll do a 1 year follow up until I hit 5 years out, then it's more of on an as needed basis, like if something is wrong or whatever.

[BlondePatriotInCDA 536]

1 hour ago, KathyLev said:

I saw my P.A. today and she made my next appointment for May - one year anniversary of my surgery. I was just curious how long you had to keep going for check ups after surgery ? I'm hoping that will be the last one

I had one at two weeks post op, six weeks then at three months, one coming up at six months, nine months and then I'll have a one year and finally an 18 month. Then a required one time every year after that. Along with the yearly check ups I'll have a nutrient blood draw labs each year.

[catwoman7 11,223]

2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, and then annually after that (unless there's an issue). At around five years out, my clinic turns the reins over to our PCPs, unless the person is having issues.

[Arabesque 7,467]

2 weeks, 1 month, three months & has been every 6 months for the last 2 years. The next appointment I have to make will be around my 5 year anniversary in May. Don’t know how long this will continue but it’s reassuring that they’re keeping an eye on me & are there if I need them. I actually look for ward to the appointment as I get on well with the doctor who does these appointments & we always have a good chat as well as the follow up.

[The Greater Fool 2,054]

3 weeks (to get staples & drain removed), monthly for first year, then quarterly for the next 1.5 years, then annually, then I moved out of state.

I was a special case because I started at an exceptionally high weight, so Doc wanted to monitor me much more closely than most.

Gosh, as the years go by I feel like my experience and my Doc's philosophy of weight loss is very out of touch with folks today.

Good luck,

Tek

[RickM 1,752]

Our program was for 18 months of follow up as part of the surgical fee, and then annually thereafter on our (or insurance's) ticket. In normal situations, follow up with the PCP is fine as they can order labs, etc. However, we find it useful to keep in touch with the surgeon for his annual follow up as a means of keeping him "on retainer" in the event something odd happens. We all have things happen as we get older, and one of the common questions that would come up in our support group (mostly veterans of 10-20 years) is that they are having some health issue, and is that related to their WLS? Usually it is not and just part of the aging process, but if there is something questionable, our PCP can call up the surgeon and ask about it, MD to MD. It is less common for something odd in our health balance to happen with a sleeve as it would be with one of the malabsorbing procedures like the DS or RNY, but that's where some odd long term nutritional balance issue is most likely, and that's where the surgeon's experience can help out.

[summerseeker 2,265]

My package had a 2 year lifespan. I could see them every month if I needed to and I did in the beginning. That lasted about 9 months because I had some problems. The last year was 2 x quarterly and a last check in at 2 years for my pat on the back.

I enjoyed my visits because I did well at weight loss, unlike weight watchers etc where I would just stall for months on end. All the while enduring the ritual non humiliation/ seething jealousy that these groups use to motivate

Edited February 20, 2024 by summerseeker
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[Shanna NYC 148]

My program has follow-ups with surgeon at 2 weeks, 4 months, 8 months and 1 yr. Then annually after that. I met with dietician more frequently - 2 weeks, 1 month, 8 weeks, then at month 4, 8 and 1 yr. Again at 18 months and then annually going forward.

[ms.sss 15,735]

1 day

1 week

1 month

3 months

6 months

1 year, 2yrs, 3yrs, 4yrs

had my last regularly scheduled appt at 5 years post (about 4 mnths ago).

Also worth noting that i had labs (bloodwork) done each time (except the 1 day post one) and i had dexa scans/checks before surgery for baseline and every year until 5 years post.

Edited February 21, 2024 by ms.sss

[AmberFL 951]

mine sucks apparently. lol I had one 2 weeks post op and it was for 5min then they havent told me to meet them again...so I have no idea!

[LilaNicole20 252]

I, literally, have never seen my doctor again. We did video calls with her team for a regimented time after the surgery but it was all done remotely.