Pre-Op Tests

[simplysmile 10]

Hello,

I just had my first appointment a couple days ago (went well!). I now have to get a blood panel, EKG, Chest Xray and sleep study done. Aside from blood work, I've just never had any of these done. Is this a standard part of the process? Anything I should be worried about.

Thank you!

[GradyCat 3,697]

Oh yes, they need to know about any and all comorbidities to aid in insurance approval process, plus get an idea of your overall health, ability with withstand anesthesia, etc. All perfectly standard test requests.

[catwoman7 11,273]

yep - those are all pretty standard with this.

[Dave In Houston 199]

My surgeon didn't require a sleep study, though I told him I suffer from sleep apnea and I can't tolerate the CPAP machine.

I think my sleep apnea is better after my surgery. Getting another sleep study is on my to-do list. I understand the CPAP machines are better than they were 10 years ago, so maybe I could tolerate one now if I still need it.

[ShoppGirl 5,072]

I have heard of plenty of people who had to do those tests. Just part of the process.

[summerseeker 2,357]

1 hour ago, Dave In Houston said:

My surgeon didn't require a sleep study, though I told him I suffer from sleep apnea and I can't tolerate the CPAP machine.

I think my sleep apnea is better after my surgery. Getting another sleep study is on my to-do list. I understand the CPAP machines are better than they were 10 years ago, so maybe I could tolerate one now if I still need it.

My husband is a sufferer on his 3rd replacement machine. In the UK they get a new one every 2 or 3 years and the old ones get revamped. I know there are many types of masks to try from full face to tiny ones. He also has a Water reservoir on his so it humidifies the oxygen so he doesnt burn his nasal passages. He says he sleeps so much better now and doesnt fall asleep all the time. Good luck with it

[liveaboard15 1,294]

Mine is EKG, Chest Xray, and like 12 different blood test

My blood test stuff says

CBC W DIFF, CMP Serum, PT/PTT Plasma, Magnesium blood, Cooper blood, Zinc blood, Phosphorus blood, HBA1C, Lipid Panel, T3 Total, TSH ect...

Also a Psychological evaluation. I didnt need a sleep study because i have diagnosed sleep apnea, and also did not need a upper GI Endoscopy because i had one last year. All i have left waiting for me is the Psyc eval, taking 2 months for the next appointment for that which is BS.

[The Greater Fool 2,071]

I did all the tests, except sleep study. I got straight As. I'm a quick study.

Good luck,

Tek

[Tufflaw 465]

Yeah this is all standard. I had all the blood tests done and had to get clearance for surgery from a psychologist, cardiologist (who had me wear a monitor for three days and did an echocardigram, stress test, and nuclear stress test), pulmonologist (did PFTs), and had an endoscopy. I think that's it. When I had my sleeve in 2016 I had to do a sleep study but didn't need to do another one in 2021 for the bypass.

[Flab-U-Less Forever 140]

On 2/5/2022 at 7:35 AM, simplysmile said:

Hello,

I just had my first appointment a couple days ago (went well!). I now have to get a blood panel, EKG, Chest Xray and sleep study done. Aside from blood work, I've just never had any of these done. Is this a standard part of the process? Anything I should be worried about.

Thank you!

Very common...you actually have less required than I did. I had to have a cardiac clearance since I was over 50 which consisted of a stress test and an echocardiogram. I also had an EGD, sleep study, psych evaluation, upper GI, abdominal ultrasound, blood work and chest xray. All very easy tests with little to no prep beforehand.

[Maurej 2]

I’ve had to do all of those plus an endoscopy. I’m doing the endoscopy this Wednesday and then I’m finished with all my pre op! Next I see the surgeon for a date of the operation!

[suzannethemom 121]

I’ve learned that the testing varies with each surgeon. There was someone who had to have about 8 different tests done due to her insurance requirements. I only had to do blood work, upper GI Barium Swallow and an EKG before I have my surgery. I scored low on the ESS test (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) so I didn’t have to do a sleep study. I think that the more pre-existing health issues that a person has dictates more testing before surgery.

[suzannethemom 121]

2 hours ago, Maurej said:

Next I see the surgeon for a date of the operation!

Woo hoo, how exciting! I have two more appointments (psychologist and dietitian) before I get a surgery date.