ON going from 5 year post op care to 2

So I had my orientation at Humber today and the nutritionist who was presenting told us that we are the last group to receive 5 years post op care. I'm not too sure about the details other than the fact that the government was looking for ways to cut back and that was one of the ways. The surgery apparently costs the system 25 to 30 K. Thank God for OHIP.

interesting, I'm happy to know that I am already in the system

I was told the same thing that anyone after being accepted into the program after May was only going to be a 2 year post op care. So I am glad to be in the 5 year as well.

So glad I'm in the system,,This has come as a shock

i had my 5 yr visit in january and was told basically.. bye bye... gotta see your family doctor for any issues.. ummm.. my family doctor doesn't know much about bariatric surgery... but oh well... will carry on!!! so sad... they give us this great gift.. ok.. OHIP approves us... pays for it and yes thank God it does... had to pay outta pocket to get rid of that excess skin (my choice i suppose was my fault initially for being obese)... but the flab was a big nuisance... i am woman.. i will survive!! (i'm not here to whine.. just saying!)

I had my one month check in last week and they also told me that the five-year is changing actually to a one year. But that I had the option as part of the last group to determine if I wanted to continue check ups up to five years. I think it's a good idea to stay in the program. I like the accountability and the expertise.

I have heard this as well. It is important that you have a list of all the bloodwork tests that need to be done and have a copy for yourself and one for your GP. These tests should be done a minimum of once a year and more often if low values are detected. We have to be our own health advocate on this and it will be for the rest of our lives, not just the 5 years. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be life threatening or cause permanent damage so we need to keep on top of this always. That is the trade-off we made for losing weight with RNY. I never regret my decision for surgery, it gave me my life back, but there was a price.

great advice. I will make sure I get a list of everything that I should have checked annually at one of my followups once I am pre-op. I definitely want to stay on top of things going forward, and who knows, even though I am already in the system for 5yr it could change with the drop of a hat.

In the past the centres have only had about 47% of people showing up for follow ups. They don't want to waste their time.

Honestly learning about vitamins and being your own advocate is important anyway. The centres have not always been consistent with their messages. Unless you are having problems you won't need them.

if you DO have problems you will get a referral and be able to see them again past the 2 year mark.

I had my surgery in the states in 2006 I had a follow up at my one year and never went back to my centre past that point I have instead, educated myself and have worked with my doctor to stay on top of deficiencies.

i also get my labs run TWO times a year

Dawn

I have been meaning to ask about this for the very simple fact not one word about after care has ever been mentioned to me. Not at orientation (that I recall) and certainly not in any one on one meeting. Robably due to the uncertainty of change nothing has been mentioned. I will make this part of my annual physical then. Make sure the blood work is included.