Pre op testing

Okay I am getting nervous about me pre op tests.  For those of you who have been through it can you please tell me what they consist of and how long it will take AND when I go to me pre op class (I am going thru Clarion)  Should I take someone with me in case they hear something I don't?  I am sorry about all of these questions just don't want to worry!

I was through St. Vincent, so they might be different, but the pre-op testing was not terrible. They did a blood draw and some sort of drink where you blew into a bag afterwards (the drink wasn't horrible), then they did some ultrasounds, which were slightly uncomfortable in the fact that they had to do a lot of pushing and prodding, but no big deal (I had lots of cushion for the pushing). And then they did some x-rays. In my opinion that was the only bad part. They had me drink a rather full glass of barium in one gulp. It was thick and I've never been able to "take a shot" really, so that made me gag. But that was it as I recall.

As for the pre-op class, St Vincent gave us lots of documentation so I didn't feel like I missed out by going by myself, but most of the others in the room had someone with them. It's probably a good idea to have someone with you if they are available so that they will better understand what you going through after the surgery.

Hope that helps

I don't know about Dr. Selzer since I don't personally know anyone else that went with him, but he more closely practices like Dr. Mattar so they should be similar.  Of course, all preop tests differ patient  by patient and what health issues you may have but my tests consisted of:

blood work
urinalysis
ekg
chest xray
pulmonary function tests

that's it, I did not have to do an upper GI or the H. Plyori test but again, I don't know about Dr. Selzer.  I had to be there by 915am and was done and out the door by noon, so couple of hours.  You will also meet the hospitalist at that appt. 

As far as the preop class, yes you need to bring a support person if you can, they will actually ask you to do that, but there were people in my class who did not have someone else with them.  Also, remember you have to pay your 175.00 program fee by that class date before you can have surgery.  Any questions about that call Nancy 275-7010.

Hope this helps,
Sabrena

Thanks to both of you I really appreciate your help!  And I forgot about the fee so I am glad you reminded me of that!