After care for out of country surgery question

 Hi, I will be having my sleeve surgery in Mexico this January, as a personal choice since I don't fit under OHIP's requirements for the sleeve. I just told my family doctor today of my surgery intentions. He was supportive, but recommended that I find another doctor who can help me with my follow up care, since he isn't trained to help me. Does anyone know of a doctor in the GTA, preferably the Mississauga/Oakville/Milton area who is a family doctor with experience in bariatric after care? I'm nervous that I won't find a doctor, who will be able to help me, with my follow up labs. 

I can communicate with my surgeon with questions and concerns. That isn't a problem. I need a doctor here, that I can go to if any problems arise and know what to look for in my labs, and what I need to adjust accordingly if needed. Don't think the surgeons here will take me, since I am not their patient. I am worried that I won't find one in time. Any recommendations? 

I can't even find an experienced family doctor in the past 4 years let alone one who has WLS experience.  Good Luck.

OHIP has been informally expanding their definition, in that more surgeons, more often, are approving people for VSG. A need to take NSAIDs for migraines or arthritis, being high risk for anemia, and all sorts of reasons are now considered, not just abdominal scarring from past surgeries, etc. If you can make any case at all, it will be considered. Just yesterday someone posted about Dr. Gmora approving her request for VSG, due to NSAID use. So, the criteria may not be as stringent as you think.
I would also caution you about going out of country for surgery (different than being 'referred' out of country by OHIP), because in the event that something does not go according to plan, either medically or financially, you do not have access to boards or courts for redress. Just something to consider. Further, if you are referred for surgery through OHIP, you'll be able to do all your follow-up a local centre. As for finding a local family physician who is pro-WLS and is accepting patients in Toronto, I can't help you there as I would like to find one myself!

 Thanks, but I don't have any of the issues that would prevent me from having the rny, and needing to have the sleeve. I don't feel rny would work for me, and don't want to be pushed into having a surgery that isn't right for me. I did a lot of research before hand about vsg requirements through OHIP and I know that I will be denied. I have several co-morbidities but non that prevent me from getting the rny. I understand the risks in going out of country for it. However, it is the only way for me to get the surgery that I wish. Not trying to offend anyone, it is just what is right for me and only me.

My doctor was supportive of my decision, but hasn't had any experience with it and was worried about the implications of not being able to provide the care that I needed. He is only looking after my well being as well as protecting his ass.

That's too bad, I'm looking forward to a time when patient choice is considered as a reason to perform a partiular surgery over another. I am another person who does not wish to have RNY. I have a couple of conditions that require me to take NSAIDs as well as issues with anemia and medications that cause me to gain weight, as well as long-term concerns so I have been through the process and have requested an appointment with Dr. Hong in Hamilton to discuss having the DS. I do not currently meet the OHIP requirements and am hoping to help change those requirements. If I'm denied though, I intend to self-pay with Dr. Gagner in Montreal. He also does VSG, did you look into surgery with Dr. Gagner?

Why can your family Doctor not help you? Mine knew nothing about wls but let me esucate him ( I had mine in the US) My Doc wrote to OHIP and said that he was willing and able to communicate with my american surgeon and able to do follow up care

 You were lucky. He must be confident in his abilities. Mine unfortunately wasn't so open, and willing to learn. 

Shame really Ontario Doctors really need to be educated in this process and aftercare

My family doc was willing to follow me after my VSG in Mexico in January. I brought back my surgical summary and my post-op x-rays. We decided to do bloodwork about 3 months post-op. All was well so now I just go to her if something is wrong like before. I don't really need any special attention and I'm healthier than before surgery. I did end up having a kidney stone after surgery but it was not my first and was likely related to dehydration.

Good luck...VSG is a great choice!!

Doreen

Hi there,

Being 5.5 years out from surgery, I no longer see my surgeon in Toronto and haven't for a few years actually. My GP orders blood work, no problem. I just tell her "check every damn thing". lol She's perfectly capable of reading the results and determining if there's a deficiency, just as any GP would be. As always, you'll have to be a good advocate for yourself and teach your doctor about your surgery. Having the VSG, as you are, presents fewer issues as you won't have malabsorption issues, etc. Heck, they've been doing gastrectomies for years and years on stomach cancer patients.

As an aside, I see you're in Mississauga! I host a coffee night every month and would love to have you attend if you're interested :)

Karen