Lab tests for Dr. Gornichec

I was reading over my things I got at the bariatric coordinator appointment and noticed it had a list of different lab tests.  I saw it said something about ABGs.  I am soooo scared of those! I hear they are painful.  When she was telling me about the testing I would have next week, she didn't say anything about an ABG, but that probably doesn't mean I won't have one. 

So, anyone who has used Dr. Gornichec, did you have to have ABGs done?  I am almost so scared I don't wanna do it :( I can handle the surgery and IVs, but for some reason the ABG thing terrifies me. 

Could you be more specifc about what you fear? That way, perhaps someone can advise you, sweetie.

I am just getting my testing finished and I didn't have to have an ABG.  Call or Email Kim to discuss your concerns.  Each case is different, but my husband had his done by Dr G also and didn't have one either.

Debbie

I am almost finished with my testing with Dr. G and I had to give 8 tubes of blood but I don't know anything about an ABG.  I only have to do an EGD and an ultrasound of my gallbladder.  If you have to have one before surgery its only because he feels its necessary.  Chances are you won't have to have one.  

Don't worry yet.  Wait until you see what he has to say.  You sound like me silly girl! J/K you aren't silly!  I am though.  I worry over everything.  Usually I just post on here and I end up feeling better!  People have lived through this stuff. LOL!

Don't worry, be happy!
Hugs
Kim 

I was just wondering if you have any respiratory issues. Are you or have you been a smoker? Even though it would not be pleasant, contemplating having blood drawn from an artery rather than a vein, if the doctor orders it, it's because he feels the results are very important, to ensure that you have a good WLS outcome. Try to be brave, and keep the end in view, a new you. :)
Blessings,
Mary

I am a chronic worrier.  I think I inherited that from my mom.  She was like that.   Kim didn't say anything about having one done when I met with her, but they gave me this really big, thick binder with all kinds of things in it, and I happened across a page that had a list of lab tests and what they are.  So, I thought, okay, they explain this on this page so they must be going to do that to me. :( I will write and ask Kim about it.  They are just wonderful there. 

As for smoking, no I don't smoke.  I haven't smoked for almost 9 years.  My mom was a many, many year smoker and passed away in August from COPD.  So, I don't know if this would make me more likely to have to have the ABG.  Oh well, no pain, no gain right? :) If I have to have it, I will just buck up and take it like a woman.  I mean, gosh, I have gone through childbirth and other surgeries, so surely I can handle one stick in my artery, right? 

You guys are terrific.  You made me feel much better.  :)

HUGS,
Paulette

Hi, Paulette.
I'm so sorry about your mom. My mother had COPD, too, altho' she died from cancer (7 years ago). Please know that the list is comprehensive, but not everyone has to have every test listed. They just want people to understand that there must be commitment to the process and that it's not cheap, either preparing for the WLS, getting the WLS, or living the post-op life.
I used to be a worrier. I've been a Christian since I was 13 years old (I'm now 52), and my mother used to shake her head at the way I'd worry over every little thing. One day, on the phone, she said, "You know the saying, 'Why worry when you can pray'? Well, for you it's 'Why pray when you can worry.'"  Boy, it was like someone hit me over the head with a hammer. I couldn't get what she said out of my brain. That's when I decided that I was not going to worry any longer. After all, I have the Lord to help me. Plus, for a believer, worry is a sin, since it's the opposite of trust, and we are to trust in the Lord in all things. I still have opportunities to worry, of course, but I choose not to. Life is so much sweeter, too. :)
Anyway, I'm going to believe that you will find out you do NOT have to have that ABG test. Please update, when you find out.
Blessings,
Mary

I used a different doctor but I kno whe had tests listed that might be required that I didnt have to do. I think the manuals they give cover all possibilities that might happen not neccessarily what exactly will happen as that changes with each person.

Dr. Gornichec is my doctor and I did not have to have ABG's. 

Thank you all so much.  I feel so much better now.  I couldn't imagine why I would have to have them, but when I saw it on the list, I just assumed I might have to have one.  I don't see why I would.  You guys are so great!!

Mary:  Thank you so much for sharing your experience with worry and of your mom.  I still feel so lost without my mom.  She is one of the reasons I am doing this, and I know she would be so happy.  She's always worried about my weight, especially after my son was born, because of gaining so much weight after. 

You all are the bestest!