pre-op tests?

[MissKatt 26]

I'm meeting with my surgeon on the 11th, but I am exploring other options as well.. just in case. What do they require pre-op test wise? Labs, ekg, xrays? Do you go to your PCP for this? Or do they require nothing? Thanks in advance!

[Sassygirl06 962]

I had to do an upper gi, a stress test, psych eval, nutrition eval, lung function, blood tests, EKG, among a load of other tests. My insurance required them all...so they paid for them all as well. I was one of the lucky ones. I paid a total of $45 for all the tests, doctors visits...and get this...surgery! I wish we all had this kind of insurance! Good luck to you!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I had to do upper GI series, psych evaluation, H. Pylori test, blood work (basic stuff plus testing for vitamin/mineral deficiencies), EKG, and get clearance/approval from my PCP.

The upper GI series was done at the hospital my surgeon is affiliated with - my surgeon's office referred me there and set up the appointment. The psych eval was done by my surgeon's in-house psychologist. The H. Pylori test was done by my surgeon's staff in-house. Blood work was done by the lab at my surgeon's hospital, they sent me over directly from their office to get it done. The EKG was done by the hospital as part of my pre-admissions process two weeks before surgery.

My insurance paid for everything except for part of the psych evaluation (they paid for counseling but not for testing) so some of that came out of my pocket.

My surgeon's office would have let me go anywhere for all the tests but it seemed much easier to have them set it up with the providers they work with on a regular basis.

[MissKatt 26]

Were you both sleeved in Mexico?? That's why I ask. I'm a long ways from Mexico, and doing preop tests there 2 weeks before would be impossible lol My insurance doesn't cover the sleeve, but they opened a bariatric center on base and the surgeon does this surgery. So, I can get it done completely free on base only. My concern is that he is pretty new(straight out of school I believe), and I'm afraid of how long the wait is going to be.

[Bufflehead 6,358]

Oh whoops, no, not in Mexico. But I am familiar with a lot of people who have done it in Mexico. My impression is that the surgeons there generally require a lengthy questionnaire beforehand, and if they see anything that requires pre-clearance testing before setting a date, they will ask you to do that in the US and fax the results to them. Then I think most people have the EKG when they get to Mexico.

[MissKatt 26]

Oh whoops' date=' no, not in Mexico. But I am familiar with a lot of people who have done it in Mexico. My impression is that the surgeons there generally require a lengthy questionnaire beforehand, and if they see anything that requires pre-clearance testing before setting a date, they will ask you to do that in the US and fax the results to them. Then I think most people have the EKG when they get to Mexico.[/quote']

Ok, thank you!

[Sassygirl06 962]

Were you both sleeved in Mexico?? That's why I ask. I'm a long ways from Mexico, and doing preop tests there 2 weeks before would be impossible lol My insurance doesn't cover the sleeve, but they opened a bariatric center on base and the surgeon does this surgery. So, I can get it done completely free on base only. My concern is that he is pretty new(straight out of school I believe), and I'm afraid of how long the wait is going to be.

No I had mine in Bakersfield California. I am not sure what the Mexican doctors require for pre testing, but you wouldn't be doing them in Mexico as I know most people only go down there for a few days for the surgery. I would be terrified to have a new doctor preform any surgery on me, but that is my own opinion. The best outcomes for the surgery, with the least amount of complications are from highly experienced surgeons. Good luck!

[MissKatt 26]

No I had mine in Bakersfield California. I am not sure what the Mexican doctors require for pre testing' date=' but you wouldn't be doing them in Mexico as I know most people only go down there for a few days for the surgery. I would be terrified to have a new doctor preform any surgery on me, but that is my own opinion. The best outcomes for the surgery, with the least amount of complications are from highly experienced surgeons. Good luck![/quote']

I completely agree about experienced surgeons! That's why I'm exploring self pay options, but there's a gal on here who had surgery with him yesterday and I'm waiting to find how she is.

[May142013 74]

I had an EKG, Endoscopy, Psych Eval and blood work. Easy peasy and well worth it!

[KatInFL 216]

Were you both sleeved in Mexico?? That's why I ask. I'm a long ways from Mexico, and doing preop tests there 2 weeks before would be impossible lol My insurance doesn't cover the sleeve, but they opened a bariatric center on base and the surgeon does this surgery. So, I can get it done completely free on base only. My concern is that he is pretty new(straight out of school I believe), and I'm afraid of how long the wait is going to be.

I had my surgery in Mexico. I did a questionnaire prior to scheduling my surgery and the doctor followed up with me regarding some chronic conditions I had and medication I was taking.

Otherwise, all of my pre-op testing...EKG, x-rays, and something else I can't remember off the top of my head, were all done immediately prior to surgery. I had scheduled same day surgery, so I arrived at the hospital around 11 am. I immediately started pre-op testing and meeting with the doctors who were assisting my surgeon...the anesthesiologist, cardiologist, etc. I had completed all of my pre-op testing by noon or so, I think, and then just dozed waiting for it to be my turn on the OR.

I wouldn't plan to have any pre-op testing done prior to going to Mexico unless you have a chronic condition your surgeon wants recent test results for or your surgeon otherwise requests something.

~Kat

[mlo702 3]

I'm meeting with my surgeon on the 11th, but I am exploring other options as well.. just in case. What do they require pre-op test wise? Labs, ekg, xrays? Do you go to your PCP for this? Or do they require nothing? Thanks in advance!

i had was sleeved in Mexico about 3½ week ago and they do have u do a lengthy questionaire....but i talked to my regular dr here locally and she did a complete pre-op labs, ekg, chest xray etc... they will do that in mexico also right before the surgery, but it may not hurt to do it locally just so u can address anything u need to before u travel. but yes they are very minimal compared to what they would require in the states. i worked very closely with my local dr & she gave me labs to do before i see her again in a month to make sure everything is good.

[Wags 549]

I'm meeting with my surgeon on the 11th' date=' but I am exploring other options as well.. just in case. What do they require pre-op test wise? Labs, ekg, xrays? Do you go to your PCP for this? Or do they require nothing? Thanks in advance![/quote']

Misskat, I had surgery in Mexico and I did my labs, EKG and x-ray when I got there. Hope this helps :-)

[MissKatt 26]

Misskat, I had surgery in Mexico and I did my labs, EKG and x-ray when I got there. Hope this helps :-)

Thanks Wags! I'd be a little uncomfortable if there weren't any tests prior to surgery, so if it comes down to Mexico for me.. I feel much better!