After Care / Support and Long Term Success

Question of the day....

I know that after care and support groups etc...are really critical to long-term success.  How important is it to have the after care etc...with the surgeon who performed the sleeve?  I know ideally it is best but since I'm a self payer, I'm considering traveling for surgery to possibly save some money.  I do not however; want to jeopardize any amount of success for a few thousand dollars though.

What are your thoughts?

~Suzy

Well.. I use OH as my support group and I see a therapist who has nothing to do with my surgeon's office. I get my labs done with my PCP.  So I'd say that you're fine to do things locally.  As long as there are bariatric surgeons in your area in case you have an emergency.  

Although my surgeon is local, I've only seen him once since the surgery. All of my follow up has been with my PCP who specializes in weight loss. 

You don't need a surgeon unless you have a surgery-related issue. Lots of people travel, many of them out of the country, to get WLS.

I found a PCP who is kind and although not a WL specialist, is interested in my thoughts and feelings about it. I have touched base with my surgeon on a couple of occasions but his goal is how I am maintaining my weight loss than other things. I also see a therapist but see her as she is practical than specializes in WLS. So it's the right people in my opinion than them being specialists. 

I had my surgery in Mexico and after care has been performed by my PCP and endocrinologist.  It has been fine but if I had experienced any complication, I think it would have been better to have a WLS surgeon on hand.  Good luck to you!