Has anyone had this problem ?
It isn't really very important that your PCP has "experience in RNY". As long as (s)he is aware of what a RNY is, of the NSAID restriction, and how quickly our vitamin levels can drop because of the bypass, it doesn't matter if you are their very first RNY patient!
When I had my surgery 7 years ago, my PCP had no other patients with anything other than one patient with a lap band. He was willing to learn, though, and has been happy to read anything I print out for him (or quality websites that I can refer him to, such as one of the ASMBS pages) that he mig need to understand about my "new" anatomy and vitamin/medication absorption issues.
You need a PCP who is supportive of your decision to have surgery, or one who at least will not be an ass about it as your current one is being (it isn't that she doesn't know about your labs -- your labs need to be the same as everyone else's, just on the higher end of the range because our levels can drop so quickly -- it seems pretty clear that she just doesn't want to be involved in the care of someone who has had RNY.
I agree with those who have said that you should get a new PCP. What will happen if you develop abdominal pain or something? My guess is that your current physician will shove you off onto your surgeon without even trying to figure out whether it has anything to do with your gastric bypass.
Lora
14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained
You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
She doesn't know what your numbers should be? They should be the same as any of her other patients. Having WLS does not change what is a good level of different things.
I don't think the issue is that she thinks she "can't" order your labs, I think it's that she doesn't want to. If she thinks she needs permission from your surgeon, then sure, ask your surgeon to call her and give her permission. But I think she probably knows she does not need your surgeon's permission.
If she won't order your labs, you will either need to see your surgeon for them or find a new PCP who is more reasonable and accommodating.
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
My surgeon is 6 hours away. I sent him am email request for a sample lab slip, and my primary care doc ordered labs from there. It sounds like your PCP is nervous about treating you because of WLS, which I have to agree with everyone else ... Time to find a new PCP!!
Good luck.
RNY August 2003, revised to DS April 2014.
HW/214 SW/183 CW/135 GW/110
Dr. Ara Keshishian, Glendale CA
Just wondering if your PCP is older and near retirement...She may not want to study the surgery and it's necessary requirements post op. Most younger PCPs know about WLS. They have studied it and were taught it in class. Older PCPs should have read about it and have gone to at least 1 or 2 continuing education classes about it!! RNY has been popular for over 10 years now!! As others have said, look for an new PCP. Most surgeons do not want to see you after a year. For many surgeons they will do a 1 month, 6 month, and 1 year appointments...They really want to move you to your PCP to handle the regular stuff...Let them do the surgery...That is what they are good at. There is some hand holding by the surgeon, but they really need to move on to other patients. Here is the OH Indiana website...You may want to private message some of these people for ideas on a PCP...http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/IN/a,messageboard/board_id,4817/action,recentPosts/
Also, like people said, go to the local support group...As them. Brian in CA
Yes, your primary should be supportive. My primary wanted to see me a week or two after surgery too.
Cynthia 5'11" RNY 7/23/2014
Goal reached 17 months. 220lb Weight Loss
Plastic Surgery Dr. Joseph Michaels - LBL and Hernia Repair 2/29/16, Arm Lift, BL, 5/2/16, Leg Lift 7/25/16
#lifeisanadventure #fightthegoodfight #noregrets