Looking for referrals to excellent post bypass doctors. I am 8 years post op and was doing well up until about 5 years ago. My health started to d

[Wolfpack654321]

Hello,
My name is Karen and I am new to this support group. This is my first time reaching out now to members in the Seattle area. I had my bypass surgery in a different state and we are relatively new to this area. What i am seeking is advice as to who is ”the best” doctor in this area. I am not looking for a surgeon but a highly skilled doctor/practice who can help me with the multitude of medical problems i have since the surgery. I have been to many specialists in this large medical group that has a office in my area where i live but the procedure in this group requires a referral out to specialists In their organization. That would be fine except there is very little communication, if any, back to my primary or with the other specialists Ive seen. Basically, if my complaint does not involve their “organ” or area of expertise, I am shuffled back to my primary who is expected to figure it out. Then back to another specialist and back to my primary and so on. Not one person seems to care about the patient, the whole person, me! No diagnosis or even a hint of what i should do next. I am guessing out of fear of a lawsuit for crossing the line into a area that is NOT their area of expertise. Unfortunately, my medical issues are apparently beyond my primary who is a PA and not in a position to put all the pieces together and develop a diagnosis and plan. Well, It has been 5 years and i honestly feel like I am dying. I have gotten progressively weaker over time and now I am unable to even walk 10 feet without assistance. I am now officially afraid and would really appreciate help with a name of a bariatric doctor who can help me, soon! I still have a family who need me especially because 2 of my kids are disabled. Can anyone help?

 

[dianeseattle]

Listen, hospitals are not to be feared, especially in Seattle, regarded as one of the most medically advanced places in the world. Try Virginia Mason on Pill Hill (also known as First Hill, home to five great hospitals). Just avoid Harborview, which is the Northwest's prominent trauma center. UW is a phenomenal medical school with a campus at every hospital. The best doctors are trained here and they are kind and warm. Plus, all students intern here. I've only had bad experiences at Swedish. You're new to Seattle, so welcome! I've been to a bunch of hospitals over 70 years, and considering the hospital and specialty clinics, I heartily recommend VM. That's my bariatric center, although they didn't have one when I had my surgery. If you're looking for award-winners, you'll find them there. I have had one follow-up there, as my nationally award-winning surgeon retired.

And because of their UW affiliation, many bariatric studies happen there. You can read up on them in JAMA.

I absolutely hated doctors and hospitals until I lucked into Virginia Mason. Now, they have all my trust, and I've participated in 3 studies there. They also routinely offer 7 years of bariatric follow-up, assigning every patient a great nutritionist who follows them a to z.

I think it's time to trade your PA for an MD. I used to hate doctors and always saw RNPs and PAs. Now I have a great MD and get great referrals to all levels of professionals.

Again, welcome to the Emerald City.