After WLS, what type of doctor do I need?

My WLS was done using an insurance plan that I no longer have and my current plan doesn't provide WLS. I need to find a doctor that understands the various needs (the correct labs etc.) as I'm having some issues. Do I look for a gastroenterology doctor or some other type? I can't use an actual bariatric doc. Thanks for any ideas.

My PCP does my blood work. I will also ask my gyno to run the blood work also when I go for my yearly check up.

What type issues are you having? I know there are several surgeons, in the Austin area, who DO bariatric surgery, but they were "regular" surgeons first. If you need an EGD, then, yes, a GI doc could help, as could ANY doc, really.

Does your insurance require approval to see specialists?

Hi Gina, Thanks for responding. I discovered the hard way, that I'm severely deficient in Thiamine. I'm sitting in St. David's getting multiple Thiamine infusions since being in the ER on Sunday. I thought I was taking all the right kinds and doses of my vitamins. Guess something is not working correctly. Who should I seek out, preferably in South Austin? Thanks

Yes we have "gatekeepers" with our insurance. Thanks for the ideas!

Hi Gina, Yes my insurance company requires a referral to see anyone, if that physician is on their "list" too. I am hoping that I can find a general surgeon that also understands WLS. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Does your surgeons office have a nurse practioner? If so see how he or she is listed with your insurance. With mine the N.P. Is considered the same as a PCP so as far as the insurance is concerned seeing her is charged just like seeing my normal Doctor and not like seeing a Bariatric specialist.

Most bariatric surgeons are also "general" surgeons as well, so you may still be able to see your WLS surgeon for follow up issues. I just had a consult with a bariatric surgeon today, but is wasn't specifically on a WLS issue, so that would be charged off as a general consult if that was a problem with my insurance. Also your PCP can do a lot of work, but it is often useful to have the perspective of the bariatric specialist weigh in on some issues. Our PCP does all of our bloodwork and sends a copy to the surgeon for reference. I think that the surgeon charges a nominal fee (around $40) for an annual review and consult so it may not be a big deal insurancewise if your surgeon does something similar. We don't often need to talk with him, but it is nice having him around to provide some perspective on our altered anatomy (particularly with my wife's DS,) as they deal with many more WLS patients than typical PCPs or gastroenterologists.

Thanks for the ideas! I do have a regular gastro doctor so tomorrow I'm going to call his office to see how to proceed and get things moving in the right direction.