Question:
Has anyone ever stopped seeing their gastric bypass surgery?

I made the unfortunate referral of my mother-in-law who was diagnosed with liver cancer to my general surgeon who did gastric bypass. I trusted him with my life and he treated me superbly. However, he dealt with my mother-in-laws diagnosis in a negligent way. I wound up taking her to a major metropolitan hospital who basically said that the original doctor's completely treated her negligently. I've cancelled all my appointments with my surgeon and don't know what I will do if I develop any problems. I'm so disappointed in him. Appreciate any advice on what I should do. Carla    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on March 5, 2004)

March 5, 2004
Without knowing any of the details about your surgery, your mother-in-law's cancer, or your surgeon, my reaction is that a medical professional may be highly competent in one area (for example, bariatric surgery), and be completely out of his league in treating something else (for example, liver cancer). One would hope that most doctors, recognizing their limitations (not in necessarily in terms of skill, but in terms of experience/expertise), would refer a patient elsewhere in those circumstances.<P>I'm so sorry about your mother-in-law's experience. I don't know that it necessarily indicates that your surgeon is not qualified to follow you as a bariatric patient, however. But if you just don't trust him anymore (which is understandable), then perhaps you can bring your pcp up to date on bariatric follow-up (regular bloodwork, annual dexascan, etc.), and find a gastrointestinal specialist to consult with in the event of problems. If it were me, I don't know if I'd necessarily cut off contact with my bariatric surgeon in such circumstances, but I'd sure want a pcp who was interested enough to track me as well (at a minimum).
   — Suzy C.

March 5, 2004
My son has crohns disease. he had to have surgery on this when he was 16.. 2 years later when I found out that HIS surgeon was doing gastric bypass I was thrilled. I put my babies life in this mans hands so I had no problem putting my own. for us it worked out very well. but then again, the type of surgery that was done on my son for crohns wasn't all that differant from gastric bypass. also, I worked at the local hospital and knew this surgeon was highly recomended by "other" doctors.. infact, my sons gastroinologist is the one who made me choose this surgeon for my son.. I was going to take him to all childrens hospital and he was dead set against it.. for the 2nd part of your question, 3 months after I had wls, I moved 3000 miles away. i havn't been followed by a specialist in wls. it's scary as hell. my pcp got all my paper work from the surgeons office and goes by there lab tests and I get monthly vitimin b-12 shots and thats it. when I called around to local wls surgeons I was told that no one will take on someone elses patients.. WHAT EVER. but I immagine if I have a problem and end up in the ER then someone will over see me as a patient. I have heard people who go to mexico to have surgry say the same thing.. just go to the ER. now obviously this isn't the desired way to go about things but if there is no other options then do what ever ya gotta do!! good luck! theresa
   — theresa D.

March 6, 2004
I am one of those people who went to Mexico for my RNY. I have a great PCP who monitors my labs, she has told me that if she ever had any questions regarding my surgery....she would call my surgeon herself in order to provide me with the best care she can. I know this may not work in your case, but if your PCP is supportive of you, they could maybe get your medical records from the surgeon, and get the basics of post op care, and continue monitoring you that way. Should a problem arise.....you may need to consult your surgeon....if you stil lare not comfortable going back to your surgeon....you do have the option of going to ER in an emergency, I would also call around and see if any other surgeon might take you on, However I doubt it. Usually when a surgeon preforms an operation...the majority of your post op care is includuded in your surgical fee, for a certain amount of time. If your PCP is willing to do your care.....get as much information from them as possible, such as what labs need to be done and when, this you can compile from other postops. Good luck to you!!!!
   — jennap

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