Is a colonoscopy a requirement for the sleeve surgery?

[finediva 979]

Well crap. I'm 52, an my mom's dad had colon cancer in his 70's

They are recommended by age 50 if no family history and no symptoms. I had family history and started testing in my mid forties.

[Blue_Disciple 27]

I had an endoscopy but no colonoscopy.

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

Colonoscopy us unrelated to this surgery. I have had them though and I hated the prep but rather enjoyed the "twilight sedation"

[Sharon1964 2,530]

My surgeon requires you to have all aspects of your health checked out before surgery. That means if you're over 50, you have a colonoscopy. Women must have had a mammogram and a pap within the last two years. Other surgeons don't have those requirements.

[jphilp 7]

I have to do the yearly colonoscopy/EGD combo due to family history and was told I had to get it done before my sleeve. The primary reason was that he said it will be close to impossible to complete the prep for 6+ months afterward. The added benefit is that you can have your EGD doc check for a hernia at the same time. You are in and out of the hospital in under 2 hours.

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I didn't have either in preparation for the sleeve. I did have a barium swallow, though, looking for a hernia. That's routine for my doc. But the colonoscopy or the upper GI endoscopy isn't bad, if you do have to have one.

[SeahawksFan 444]

No I didn't have either one

[Miss Mac 6,262]

I had a colonoscopy in 2010 because of chronic diverticulitis and won't need another one until 2020 unless an issue comes up. Like with most first time procedures, the preparation and the waiting and the worrying is the hardest part.

It would be nice if was as simple as a chest x-ray, but it is important for the whole body to function properly, not just the pretty parts. I had the twilight sedation like the others, but I do remember the doctor having to navigate a what felt like a sharp corner. Overall, the whole experience was a distant memory the next day.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

My doctor didn't require a colonoscopy.

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

I really hope to be able to skip this one myself.

[Forsythia 882]

Endoscopy yes, colonoscopy no.

[samuelsmom 670]

My surgeon didn't require either and frankly I would have switched doctors if he did. Unless there is a reason to do one (there have been several listed on this thread and I know there are other reasons also), I personally don't believe in tests "just because." IMO they jack up costs without added benefit.

[Sharon1964 2,530]

@@samuelsmom Colonoscopy after age 50 is covered at 100% with no out of pocket costs as preventive care.

[samuelsmom 670]

@@Sharon1964 I know insurance pays. My issue is physicians ordering tests which are really not necessary. For example, I don't believe that every person getting WLS requires an EGD yet some surgeons require it for every patient. I personally would not go to that doctor. This may not be an issue for some people, however, I believe that there should be a good reason to do any type of test that, not only for cost reasons (somebody is paying for it), but also for safety reasons as there is an element of risk in these procedures.

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

my point exactly. Not sure what the purpose would be for this procedure in particular. I understand it is a "stand alone" preventative procedure, but not one that would be needed for this. I wouldn't think anyway.