Once I made the decision to have weight loss surgery, almost five years ago, it seems like I spent the next few years always going to a doctor. First there was the consult with the surgeon. This was followed by a number of tests and evaluations – Endoscopy, colonoscopy, pulmonology consult, first sleep test, pulmonologist’s eval of test, second sleep test, psychiatric evaluation, cardiologist appointment, echocardiogram, blood labs. And so on and so on.
In between all of those tests I was still seeing my primary care physician for regular monitoring since I was on medication for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Doctors, doctors, specialists – I was always in one office or the other.
After the surgery, I saw my surgeon twice a month, then once a month for a year, then every three months. In between I regularly had more blood labs done. My primary care doctor still monitored me to make sure that I could now stay off of cholesterol and blood sugar medication and then, eventually, gave the okay for me to go off of the blood pressure medications completely.
Two and a half years ago, my primary doctor relocated. Almost two years ago, I stopped going to my bariatric surgeon.
So, I’ve been pretty much going it alone for the last couple of years. Except for the stall in my overall weight loss and slight regain which effected me emotionally and mentally, I’ve felt so terrific that going to the doctor has not been at the top of my mind.
This might all be well and good except that there are so many things that are important to keep an eye on for a woman of my age, family history, and previous self-history. I came to accept, and give myself a mental head smack, that I’ve been ignoring my health. I have no business being overdue for a complete physical and blood work. Then there’s the matter of a mammogram and pap smear screenings.
It dawned on me that, since I stopped steadily losing weight before I reached my goal, I could be risking a recurrence of my blood pressure and blood sugar issues. I monitor myself at home and things seem to be okay, but that doesn’t mean I should keep skipping full tests. I also know that not having regular diagnostic screenings is just plain dumb and irresponsible.
So, I’m remedying the situation. I found a new primary care physician to try and have an appointment for fasting blood work tomorrow. After that, I’ll have a full physical, get a pap smear done and get a scrip for a mammogram.
I’m not big on self-diagnosing, but I’ve been reading up on thyroid issues. I have requested a thyroid screening test too to see if it’s functioning the way that it should. If it isn’t, that could shed some light on the stalled weight loss as well as some other symptoms I’m experiencing.
This is all a valuable lesson for me. Eating healthy, fresh, clean food and working out are important for my health, but they aren’t a free pass. I can’t neglect myself in any way by not going for regular checkups. I’m glad that I’m taking the steps that I’ve put into place and that I’m ramping up my dedication to good self-care.
Weighty Matters 
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