Is an EGD required for all patients?

I am planning on being sleeved in October after completing my twelve month insurance requirements on September 30th!!!! I meet with my surgeon later this month and this is one of many questions I have. However, I wanted to put it out here too.

I don't really know what an EGD is or why it is needed. My initial visit almost a year ago indicated I wouldn't have a lot in the way of pre-op testing, but an EGD was never discussed. I'm healthy, just morbidly obese. I would like to get as much of my required testing done by mid August if possible since I teach school. I know my labs, chest X-ray, and ekg will be very close to my surgery date. I'd like to minimize my time off from work if possible and get any "other" stuff out of the way now ☺️.

Thanks for any feedback.

I was required to have and EGD, but I don't think all surgeons require this. It wasn't bad and only lasted for about 15 minutes. Basically, you're given IV sedation and a tube with a camera is placed down your throat and into your stomach. My surgeon discovered I had a birth defect in my stomach which caused me to have a larger hernia. By that evening, I felt fine...my jaws were a little sore but other than that I was fine. Good luck with your journey!

Thanks for the response. Should I request one if he doesn't do it standard?

Edited July 15, 201511 yr by linzlou2000

Its not standard at my surgery center but i had one because i mentioned being diagnosed with a hernia. She wanted to check it out before. If you don't have previously diagnosed hernia or other stomach issues it may not be required at your surgery center.

I don't think it would be necessary to request an EGD unless you have had stomach issues. Discuss it with your Dr and see what he/she suggests.

No stomach or reflux issues. I have already had my gallbladder out (horrible attack after my 2nd c-section).

Thanks for all the feedback☺️

I had one nearly 3 months before my sleeve surgery it was a requirement of my surgeon he said it was too look for hernia ulcers etc and to make sure u don't have any type of damage that would get in the way of healing eating drinking etc u get put out with drugs they ask u to turn on your side u won't remember anything after that lol and they look it's over in about 20 mins or so u feel groggy after and for a few hours I had a sore throat for a few days after

I met with three different surgeons and they all required it. It was a really easy procedure and that is coming from someone who never had kids because I am terrified of pain/hospitals.

I understand not wanting to wait until you meet with the surgeon later this month so maybe you could call his office and ask. Do you have a coordinator that has been assigned to you?

They do them to check for hernias, issues with the esophagus and h-pylori if I remember correctly. It was a piece of cake and I had no side effects afterwards.

My surgeon generally asks for one but in my case said I didn't need it.

Thanks for all the responses!

It's not a requirement for my insurance but my doctor requires it.

I'm a little nervous! It's my last hurdles before having it submitted to insurance.