I have my date and it is Nov. 15th. I had my cardio yesterday and everything was fine but now they want me to do and echo and a stress test......these appointments are getting ridiculous..never mind the time, the money, and all of the time I am taking off of work!!! Did others of you out there have to do all of these tests??????I just hope this whole process is worth it.:laugh:

All of those tests are pretty standard for most of us.

Some of the extras depend on your surgeon or your insurance requirements.

As Paigey said it all depends on what your insurance requirements are. All I had to do was a blood test, the typical pre-op physical, and a psychiatrist/nutrition visit.

It's all worth it in the end though!

I feel ya on the test. i feel like I was taking off one or two days a week. I had my initial consult, then had to come back for an appointment to sign paperwork to submit to the insurance, then I had to see the nutritionist and the surgeon nurse, then the anesthesiologist, then my barium swallow, blood work, manometry study, more blood work, etc. I know it will be worth it in the end, but I feel ive gone to the dr more in the past month than I have in my life combined!

I totoally agree with you. I don't understand why they can't perfom the test at the same time as the consult. I guess that gives them reason to charge your insuance for another visit.

I can understand about being aggervated about all the test but I really think that some of them are just to be precautious.. I think its smart for them to do it..

I had to talk to the nutrition, psychiatrist and pulomary doctor. Which my pulomary appointment is November 4. and my "crazy doctor appointment" is November16. Then my information will be submitted to the insurance board. After its approved. I guess I will meet with the doctor again to discuss surgery I am hoping.. I want it this year not next..

I know it seems as though they have you do a lot of jumping through hoops, but it's not just for the sake of it; these tests help ensure that surgery is safe for you.

They're a PITA, but ultimately can help identify conditions that will protect your safety.

I hear you! Fortunately the cardiologist asked if I wanted to wait and have the stress test the same day. Of course I did. It took me 3.5hrs, but it was done and I didnt have to take any more time off work.......for that task.

I also had to do an EGD, so I had 2 unexpected and expensive tests. While I am happy to have insurance that paod 100% for the hospital charges (I work at the hospital), everything else is 80/20 and it sure adds up.

I'm with BetsyB. The more info the surgeon has before she cuts - the better!