[imzadiz]

Hi guys,
Have some of you oldies run into this problem? I am trying to find a Dr to help me with my mineral/anemia problems after 7 years out, and frankly most offices I called act reluctant to deal with my issues, and are referring me back to my RNY doctor. Well, he has quit doing bypass surgeries, has closed his RNY branch at his hospital, the Dr working with him has dissapeared, and now I am trying to get my old records from his office so I have some paperwork. I was not aware of this. Besides..his office is 350 mi. away.
I checked with some gastrointerologists but they didn't want to take me. I called the local RNY surgery center, and they didn't want me, after all, a different Dr did my surgery. I have a PCP, but she is having a little trouble helping me out. I am feeling really lonely now.
Do most GP's really know how RNY patients absorb vitamins and nutrition? What do you think about this? I don't know who I should go to for help, but I am feeling bad, my own fault, but I need help. I was not taught correct nutrition from the start, and I went back and looked at my old support group site, and the older posties were starting to have the same problems as I am..weight gain, anemia..etc. Any thoughts? Thanks guys..Teresa

[Kenyar]

hmmm. well first off if your pcp doesnt know about it, and isnt realy trying to find out what you need, i say find another pcp (if you can) if you have insurance and want to stick with your pcp, maybe he/she can REFER you formally thru the insurance to a bypass surgeon for follow up care? i think someone else had this issues. i cant remember who i'm sorry.

what supplements are you taking? were you told to get in a minimum of 60g protein daily and 64 os pf fluid? were you told to eat and drink separately? its hard to get an idea of whats going on without knowing a few things about you and what info you were given at the start.

nice to meet you. i hope doc or anyone else further out can help. hang in there

[DocSanae]

This seems to happen from time to time. I can understand why from the drs point of view, but still, someone must and should be willing to, take on patients in your situation.

Some PCPs may know and understand a lot about WLS, others don't. So, unless the dr puts something in his public profile to the effect, it's probably going to be trial and error.

As for bariatric surgeons, have you checked out the web site of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery?
The link.
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Go to Patients, then look up Members. That will bring up a search page for members--practicing surgeons and physicians, and allied health members of ASMBS. It may be a lot of work to do, but calling everyone who comes up with the search, and are within reasonable distance from you, might be a place to start. Ask also your PCP to write a referral, so you can have it on hand and send it in if you find someone willing to at least see you in person.

Hope you'll be able to find someone soon. (((((((HUGS)))))))

[not quite Barbie]

Wow, that's terrible. My surgeon moved to Ohio shortly after my surgery but since he was with a Bariatric Center I got passed on to the new surgeon so I still have someone to go to, and my PCP is an internist and is very interested in how we function so I guess I'm pretty lucky.

Good luck in finding someone soon, but in the meantime, you can try getting yourself back on track as much as possible.

1. We all take multivitamins, I personally like Flintstone's Complete and eat two a day (lunch and supper). Most of us also do calcium supplements and B12. I get the little B12 tablets that go under your tongue. Liquid or chewed supplements are better for us than solids since we don't have as much intestines to disolve and absorb stuff. You say you are anemic - has that been diagnosed by a Doctor or are you self diagnosing? If you've seen a doc then I would think he/she put you on iron supplements - yes? If you are on Iron, take it with orange juice, best on an empty stomach (like at bedtime maybe?). Don't take all your vitamins and supplements at the same time because some of them use the same receptors in the intestines and so you can't absorb them all.

2. Food - like Kenya said, at least 60-80 oz of protein a day. Get it from eating meats, fish, beans and nuts. Eat your protein first, then eat your veggies, then eat carbs only if you have any room left (which we usually don't).

3. Water - drink lots of water in between meals. Don't drink with your meal, 1/2 hour before and 1/2 to 1 hour after a meal. At least 64 oz.

Good Luck and stick around. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[judijo]

You know those threads that ask if there are any regrets after WLS? This is it! I fear that there will be a time when only government intervention will force "regular" doctors to treat WLS patients that would otherwise simply turn us away. Malpractice risks are too great for some physicians who take on patients with malabsorption issues in some WLS cases, and thus make it almost impossible for a patient to see a doctor!

Get a good relationship with ANY PCP, then ask him/her to try to find andrefer you to a specialist who, although not necessarily an expert, is educated in dealing with our unique situations. I have a coworker with post op malabsorption issues who has been working closely with, of all people, a hemotologist and an oncologist. Cancer patients have malabsorption issues. Just a thought.

Good luck!

[imzadiz]

You guys are the best. Thanks so much. I have seen my PCP about my issues, and she is trying to help, but my iron got so low I have been pretty sick, and was not aware that was my problem. I have been on liquid iron (Niferex) and am taking BA iron 29 MG. I am still not getting up in numbers, but I think I was so bad that it will take time. I actually was getting iron through my pores after I bathed when I first started taking. I thought..what is this green stuff..then realized it was the iron. That has stopped, but I still am having iron issue. I just ordered BA B12, and suppliments. I feel they will absorb better. I need B12 shots, and am considering giving them to myself, as it is expensive, and Doc said I probably would need for life. I think my weight gain is probably due to my vit/min intake being so bad..which started cravings for "bad" ways to get my minerals. I know I can take care of this, but it is something I will have to learn to take care of. I really was happy at 145. I REALLY hate that my RNY Dr quit..he was really.."gung ho" into the bypass thing, and to see he is no longer dealing with his HUNDREDS of patients makes me worry that it is harder on you physically, than was first presented to me. I am not in contact with any of my old group members, but I have 1 friend that developed severe anemia problems after 2 years, but she drank with her food. I never did that. I never drink with food, no pop, water only. Was taking Flintstones, not good enough. But I'll get it figured out. I just want to make sure that you newer posties don't make my mistakes out of not being taught. I can't believe how fast 7 years has gone by! BTW...I got an email from BA and they have new chewie calcium citrate. I ordered some of that too, because I am short, and know I will have bone issues.
Thanks so much for being here. It helps when you have people who understand. I have nothing but big (((HUGS))) for you all. I wll keep you posted. THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!!
Teresa

[Kenyar]

yay! you sound like you are in better spirits at the least which always helps. please do keep us posted on your progress.

[ladybugnessa]

Originally Posted by not quite Barbie

2. Food - like Kenya said, at least 60-80 oz of protein a day.

I'm new so maybe i'm wrong.. isn't 60-80 oz a LOT of protein?

did you mean grams?

[DocSanae]

Originally Posted by ladybugnessa

I'm new so maybe i'm wrong.. isn't 60-80 oz a LOT of protein?

did you mean grams?

Yes, it's grams.