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Labwork
janet0513
Posts: 564 Member
Just scheduled my 6 mo checkup for VSG and they only ordered B12 labwork. What labwork did you have at 6 mo? I haven't had any other lab (other than for heparin) since surgery. I was kind of hoping to have a full work up.
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I get a full blood panel done every 3 months--they test for the various B-vitamins, D, A, Calcium, thyroid and pth, as well as iron and a1c. There may be more, but that's what they normally discuss with me. I've had to tweak my vitamins a little each time.0
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Full bloodwork for my program. Seven vials.0
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Full workup for me at my 1 month and 3 month appointments, 6month is just around the corner and I think they will probably do the full workup then too0
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I'm getting the full panel in the next few weeks for my 4 mo post op. Maybe talk to your pcp? Mine wants to see the blood work to stay in the loop and said she would be ordering if the surgeon didn't... But I have always had chronic vit d deficiency and thyroid issues so maybe my situation is a bird of a different feather. Def doesn't hurt to ask your drs.0
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Thanks everyone. They made it seem like they would do complete bloodwork at 6 months and I am a bit disappointed. I think I can back off on some of the supplements (such as iron) but wanted to see the numbers. I will talk to them at the appointment and if not, I will see my PCP.0
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I have to do full labs once a year for my bariatric yearly check up. Nice thing is they share these with my PCP so I don't have to repeat them for him at my yearly physical.0
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Pat did they wit until 1 year for your first set of labs?0
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I had full set of labs at 6 mos, and at 1 year. I will get yearly labs from now on.0
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I just had my 6 mo post-op yesterday and they took blood for a full panel. Now I don't go back until the 1 yr mark.0
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Janet, if I remember correctly, we did the full set at 6 months and then a year. Annually since then.0
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i will be 3 months post op june 4, 2014 and my Dr. gave me lab work orders at my last visit and it had 12 different labs that will be taken0
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I get a fresh batch ordered from my veins at every appt (like Rob, several vials....ugh!)
I wish like Pawoodhull that they would pass on the info because it never fails, my own Dr will turn around and order the same 1's
Not only am I getting poked at 2 different locations but I have to pay the same fee's twice (co-pay) AND I get billed $100 per set of labs
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That's awful. I don't mind being poked at all I was the guinea pig for my bf at his phlebotomy class. 4 sticks each time and my insurance has no co pays so I would really like it done before that changes.0
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The labs right after surgery are more interested in liver function and more general health issues, and are less about vitamins. That's the way most doctors do it, at least. It can take quite a while to deplete some vitamins, since your body stores them.
You should have a full set of labs done yearly if you have no problems, more often if you have issues. A full set of labs, all vitamins and minerals, is 14 or 15 vials. Yes, 14 or 15 vials.
Most doctors skip certain tests because deficiencies are rare. Well, post WLS people aren't like their average patients, and need to be checked for things like copper, selenium, and vitamin K. Plus, if they never test for those things, how do they know deficiencies are rare?
Years ago, doctors hardly ever checked vitamin D. Once more started testing, they found out that most of the overall population are deficient -- most studies say at least 60% of all Americans.
Ignore the calcium number on your lab tests. It says nothing about your bone health. The PTH result on your labs will tell you more. High PTH can mean your body is leaching calcium from your bones. You want PTH to be low, not high. The best bone test is a DEXA scan for bone density. The ASMBS recommends we get one every two years after surgery.
Perhaps most important, keep track of your own labs. Don't just make a call and get an "everything is in range" answer. Get printouts, and track trends. If your iron is "in range" but has been falling steadily for the last three labs, you are in for serious trouble. You need more iron now, not when it ultimately drops too low. Trends are more important than just today's numbers. Don't count on your doctor to do it for you. It's our health, and we need to take charge of that part of it.0 -
Great info, thanks.
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grim_traveller wrote: »
Perhaps most important, keep track of your own labs. Don't just make a call and get an "everything is in range" answer. Get printouts, and track trends. If your iron is "in range" but has been falling steadily for the last three labs, you are in for serious trouble. You need more iron now, not when it ultimately drops too low. Trends are more important than just today's numbers. Don't count on your doctor to do it for you. It's our health, and we need to take charge of that part of it.
I agree with this. It also helps with avoiding 'double testing' and fees. My surgeon has a patient portal where I can download the actual test results when they come in. I copy and paste the various tests into a document that I then take to my PCP, who wants to follow the labs as well. She (PCP) had no issue accepting these as my labs for her needs.
My lab results show the normal ranges, and a little googling gives good explanations on the 'why' behind the ranges. I believe that I need to be informed and in charge of my numbers, because as grim said, a lot of doctors will not know to treat WLS folk as special for some potential deficiencies. I need to be my best advocate when it comes to future health care (especially if I change PCPs).
Rob
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This discussion has been closed.