Urgent Care Locations

Recognizing When Urgent Care Is Needed

Following bariatric surgery, certain symptoms may arise that call for prompt evaluation by a medical professional. Urgent care centers can handle many post-operative concerns that fall between a routine follow-up appointment and a true emergency. Being aware of which signs warrant an urgent care visit helps ensure you get appropriate treatment without delay.

You should consider an urgent care visit if you notice:

• Ongoing nausea or vomiting that does not respond to your prescribed anti-nausea medications
• Indicators of dehydration including dark-colored urine, lightheadedness, or persistent dry mouth
• Moderate abdominal discomfort that is manageable but concerning
• Changes around your incision sites such as increasing redness, mild swelling, or light discharge
• Challenges with fluid or food intake that exceed normal post-surgical expectations
• A low-grade temperature (under 101.5 degrees F) lasting longer than one day

Locating Urgent Care in Michigan

Michigan offers an extensive network of urgent care facilities prepared to assist patients recovering from bariatric procedures. To make your visit as productive as possible, bring the following items:

• Discharge documents and any written post-surgical care guidelines from your surgeon
• An up-to-date medication list covering prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements
• Your bariatric surgery team's phone number for provider-to-provider communication
• Valid insurance card and government-issued photo ID

Whenever feasible, reach out to your bariatric surgeon's office before heading to urgent care. Most surgical practices maintain after-hours telephone lines with nursing staff who can help determine whether urgent care, an emergency room visit, or at-home management is the best course of action for your particular situation.

Making the Most of Your Urgent Care Visit

To help urgent care providers deliver the best possible treatment:

• State clearly that you have undergone bariatric surgery and identify the specific procedure type (gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, etc.)
• Describe your current dietary phase and any food or liquid restrictions you are following
• Alert staff that certain medications may not be suitable after bariatric surgery, including extended-release formulations and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Ask the urgent care team to share their notes and recommendations with your bariatric surgical practice