Bruce Stress Test - Fail

[stuffedavocado 10]

Hi everyone! I'm new here. My surgery is scheduled for January 15, 2018. I'm in the process of getting all of my requirements out of the way and had my stress test today. I just started working out again after being relatively sedentary (aside from walking my dog). Well, I was not expecting the stress test to be what it was. It was really hard!! I lasted 7 min. You need to last 8 min to pass. You need to pass to have surgery. My body completely gave up. I'll get to re-take it or take the nuclear test at a different date but now, I'm feeling disappointed and sad and a bit humiliated. I remember a time when I probably could have done the stress test and it would have been difficult, but wouldn't have worn me out like it did today. I know I'm getting the surgery to help with my weight loss and health goals and this is a good reminder - but man - that was a gut punch to my self esteem.

[Cas54 13]

Can you explain what is the stress test and why you need one to qualify for WLS? Sorry if my question is a bit dumb but I didn't have to undergo any tests before my surgery.

[stuffedavocado 10]

Hi Cas54

A stress test is either done on a treadmill - they have you walk or run to get your heart rate up and they monitor your blood pressure and your heart on an EKG, or done via chemical . Stress tests before surgery are a good way to check if you have heart disease and to see if whether you're at risk of a heart attack or some other heart problem. I think having a stress test depends on the requirements of the hospital performing the surgery.

[BrownsugarNY 30]

I did my stress rest and needed to last for 12 mins at different intervals in order to pass and boy was it tough.... but I passed thankfully

[Apple203 1,314]

Bummer -- but you are taking serious actions now to rectify the situation. So now your mission is to build stamina for the next test. I passed mine today and the cardiologist peered at me over her glasses and said "you are fit for surgery, but you are far from fit" -- or words to that effect. Yikes. I felt properly scolded.

Edited November 2, 2017 by Apple203

[stuffedavocado 10]

Bummer -- but you are taking serious actions now to rectify the situation. So now your mission is to build stamina for the next test. I passed mine today and the cardiologist peered at me over her glasses and said "you are fit for surgery, but you are far from fit" -- or words to that effect. Yikes. I felt properly scolded.

You’re right. Now all I want to do is work my butt off in the gym through November conquer that stress test the next time around!