Can't Find a Doctor

I had RNY GB on 08/20/13 at the Mayo Clinic in Florida.  I was 204 day of surgery, and I am 175 today.  After the surgeon released me, the bariatric department told me I could see someone locally for follow up if I wanted.  The Mayo is a 10 hr. roundtrip for me.  I have contacted all the bariatric surgeons within 50 miles of my home, and they won't take me because I didn't start with them.  I really don't understand this mentality.  If someone has heart surgery and then moves, they can find another heart surgeon.  I have had a standard procedure with no post op difficulties, but I am treated as a leper.  I met with an internist thinking I would be comfortable with him following my bloodwork, etc.  Not so much....... I will be returning to the Mayo in December for follow up, but I'm very discouraged that I can't find local care.

Has anyone else had this issue?  How did you overcome it?  I even called one of them back and groveled.  Nope, he won't see you.  BTW, I have fantastic insurance.

Sherell

My surgeon closed his practice when I was six months post op, but I had no trouble finding another surgeon to do my follow up.  After the first year, though, I decided to just have my PCP do my labs and only see a surgeon if I had a surgical problem.  There are no bariatric surgeons near where I live.  I'm in a small town.  My surgeon was three hours away.  Are you unable to find a PCP that can order your labs?

I agree with Kelly's post. In addition, I think I would contact the Mayo Clinic and ask THEM to help you get a doctor in your area. 

There is one bariatric surgeon who visits my town once a month. He only sees his own patiets so I am flying to a big city to see a surgeon I trust. I am not happy about the travel, but it is worth it to have the best care.  I was told by other doctors here they won't followup because they don't do the surgery and they are not comfortable.  My family doctor will work with the  surgeon because he is awesome or I would have to go back even more.  My family doctor specialized in internal medicine.

I didn't see my surgeon beyond the first year (and that's because my self-pay fees included 1 year of follow-up).  My PCP has followed and ordered my labs.  Unless you have a complication you really do not need to see a surgeon.  Find a PCP or internal medicine doc that knows something about RNY or is willing to learn.