Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Anyone Have To Have A Stress Test For Approval?



Recommended Posts

<p>My PCP is requiring a stress test before she will approve me for surgery. She is not anticipating that I would have a problem since my EKG's and Echocardiograms have been normal. She said my lack of mobility has not challenged my heart so she doesn't know how it will perform so she sent me to the cardiologist for a stress test. I will be having a chemical stress test on Friday and I am a bit concerned about the test and what it might uncover. I know that if it does uncover anything, it will be a blessing is disguise as I might not have found out about it otherwise. It is my last hurdle in getting approved for surgery.</p> <p> </p> <p>My question is this - what does the test involve and why does it take 3-4 hours? Also, how concerned should I be about the test in general?</p> <p> </p> <p>I would appreciate any and all answers.</p>

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello and welcome!

I'm sure plenty of us have had to have either a chemical or a treadmill stress test prior to approval. Noting that your age is 65, it is not at all unreasonable to want to see what a stress test will show. Since you are 65, and overweight, and not knowing your other medical history, I can only guess that your doc chose to do a chemical stress test versus a treadmill stress test for good reasons.

Here's a link to a site that explains all about chemical stress tests:

http://www.heartsite.com/html/chemical_stress.html

The reason it takes several hours is for the dye they inject to make it through your body to where they want it to be. The reason for not eating prior to the test is that sometimes the medications they use can make folks nauseated and they don't want you uncomfortable or to throw up. Once the meds are in, and while you are waiting to go back and have the second part of the scan (the reason why it takes several hours), usually most labs allow you to go get a light snack.< /p>

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I forgot to mention my health history in asking my question. Yes, I am overweight, my current BMI is 58 but I started at 63 and have been on a liquid 800 calaorie a day diet for 13 weeks. I have hypothroidism and some hypertension. Other than arthritis in the knees, which is why I am having the chemical versus the treatmill, I am fairly healthy - normal blood sugars and cholesterol my entire life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon needed clearances for pulmonary including a sleep apnea study, cardiac which included a 2 part chemical stress test, ekg, echo, etc. In addition 14 vials of blood for what seemed every test known to man, urine, chest x-rays, etc. I didn't have a regular PCP at the time so I had to get one just so she could give me overall clearance. She ordered no tests and just reviewed the reports of all the specialists. OH and got paid a tidy sum for the 3 office visits she made me have before finally giving clearance.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Jobstud - why a 2 part stress test? All done at the same time?

I already got pulmonary clearance and am waiting word from psychiatrist on whether I got approval from him - don't expect not to though, visit with him went well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sghatl,

They had me do a stress test also. I had no heart history, but I felt better after they told me all is good, so I guess it was worth the money. I had not met my deductible yet.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had a chemical stress test and I was in and out in like an hour from the Cardiologists office. They give you the radiochemical, then wait a couple minutes, then give you the chemical stress inducing thing whatever that is and when they are done with their scans, they give you an antedote to reverse the effects that chemical put in you.

They gave me some apple juice when I was done, asked me if I felt ok and off I went.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I forgot to mention my health history in asking my question. Yes, I am overweight, my current BMI is 58 but I started at 63 and have been on a liquid 800 calaorie a day diet for 13 weeks. I have hypothroidism and some hypertension. Other than arthritis in the knees, which is why I am having the chemical versus the treatmill, I am fairly healthy - normal blood sugars and cholesterol my entire life.

OH MY! 13 weeks of liquid. I bow before you that is amazing I am stresses about a 4 week liquid. Wow. I guess I just have to keep telling myself it could be worse

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thats pretty normal or so I thought. I know I will probably have to have one just for them to check on me and what not. I'm 18 and no problems in that area, however just to be careful, I'm sure they will do it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, I had the stress test yesterday and the worst part of it was being at the cardiologist's for 4 hours. The actual test was pretty anticlimatic. I hope the results are too. No pain, no problems at all.

Hopefully, I am finished with all of my pre-op testing now and will be approved. I see the surgeon again next Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • RacMag  »  bhogue925

      Hi, I’m new here. I’m currently on the liver shrinking diet. So far so good, but I have to say I haven’t found a protein shake I like. Anyone have any suggestions please? My surgery date is September 17th. 
      · 2 replies
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Fairlife Core are by far the best. They taste just as they are - chocolate milk. You can either get the 26 grams or the 42 grams (harder to find and more expensive). For straight protein look at Bulksuppliments.com ..they have really good whey proteins and offer auto ship plus they test for purity. No taste or smell...

      2. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Fairlife has strawberry, vanilla and of course chocolate. No more calories than other protein drinks. Stay away from Premiere, they're dealing with lawsuits due to not being honest about protein content.

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×