2yr post-op labs??? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

tamara · 01-19-2006, 07:14 PM

Hi everyone!!
Anyone remember me? I've not been on here in like a year!!! It's been nice reading through some posts though and I think I will be back on more often. I'd been on OH alot but have taken a break from there so maybe this is a good place to revisit! I wish I had more knowlegable medical personel in my area though that's for sure!
My question for you all is what labs are you getting done at 2 yrs post-op? I go to a support group and this has been discussed some recently with no clear answers. I will be 2 yrs out in April, had a physical 2 mos ago and some labs doen and everything was great, but I bet I should have had more checked. I seem very healthy and taek all my vitamins and still get in my protein and am pretty strict with my foods, no soda, little sugars, low fat, low carbs etc....LIFE IS GOOD at my goal weight and I am even waiting to hear from insurance now about plastics.
Thanks for any advice on the labs! I'll be seeing you more often I think!

ChristyMcD · 01-20-2006, 08:33 AM

Tami,
Where are you in Missouri? Is it close to St. Louis? I am close to St. Louis (about an hour). So far I like my medical team. Let me know.

lealphachienne · 01-20-2006, 09:29 AM

Call Dr. Callery's office and have them fax your doctor the list of labs to be done. At my last post-op with Dr. Potts, I got my list and gave it to my PCP. It's recommended to have labs every 6 months. It was a and b carotenes, CBC, iron, cholesterol, BMp.....a slew of them...took 3 vials of blood to do them all. You need to keep checking for life to catch any signs of a nutritional deficeiency that may arise before it becomes a problem. Thouhg you're eating healthy, you still may not get all your nutrients in.

tamara · 01-20-2006, 05:24 PM

Christy,
I am near Springfield MO. Only one surgeon here has a program going and they are working on getting it to be a better program but it's a slow process. I know many aorund here who went to St Louis for their surgery. Do you go to a support group yet? I have a friend here who used to go to one in St Louis (where he had surgery) and he said it was a GREAT support group.
Good luck to you!!
Tami

LizardQueen · 01-20-2006, 05:28 PM

I agree with Marie. Get a list of the labs you should have done from Dr.Callery. I'm glad you are doing well and at goal and also it is great to have you back! I'm 11 mo out and I love to hear all the wisdom of my wls elders!

tamara · 01-20-2006, 05:30 PM

Thanks for your reply Marie. I will call them and have them do that. I work in my PCP's office so that'll be easy to have it faxed to me. I just thought I'd check in here too. I had what you listed I think except the first one (unless it was called something different)......I was wonderign about checking the protein in the blood. I work out with a woman who hasn't had WLS, but she had her labs done recently and the nutritionist she is working with says her blood showed large traces of protein and it meant her body was not processign it the way it should???? I guess I don't know anythign about this really. I feel like I am doing great but I want to stay informed too!
I just signed up to be a mentor through our local surgeon's WLS program so I need to be as informed as possible so I don't mislead any newbies.

Thanks Again,
Tami

tamara · 01-20-2006, 05:48 PM

Amber, thanks!
This site first got started when I had my surgery and it was only local San Diego area people on here! I am amazed at how it's grown to members all over the country! That is great as I know many areas do not have much local support so sites like this are a blessing.

LizardQueen · 01-20-2006, 06:04 PM

it has definately been a blessing for me! Dr. Callery is my hero and I'ver never even met him! I just found out Tuesday that there is a support group once a month about 15 miles from me. I have so much fun here that I'm not sure i want to go. However, it would be nice to have some friends close enough to go shopping or to movies etc with.

tamara · 01-20-2006, 06:22 PM

Amber,
I lived here in MO for 9 mos before I found our local support group through ObesityHelp. It was listed on there! I've met some AWESOME people there. I say give it 2-3 months for sure when you do go and do not be shy, jump right in on the conversations! I get so much out of going to my meetings and we have a small group of us who even go out to eat after every meeting....sometimes extras come too. Now we have one twice a month (the newest is only fo rthose 1 yr post and over) and then also there's a new group I am joining for people looking for a mentor on their journey, and I will be a mentor. I think you should GO to your meeting and be open to the experience. THere is jsut somethign about other WLS people, you bond with them in a way you don't with others! It's a great thing!!
Check your local group out and let us know what you think!