Question:
What type of tests do they do pre op?

I was wondering what to expect the day of my pre-op tests, they said I would be there from 7:30 to about 4, I understand they need to find out everything in just one day.. So if anyone would like to comment I would appreicate it.    — kelkel319 (posted on July 19, 2003)

July 19, 2003
My pre-op testing only lasted about 2 hours. I filled out paperwork, had blood taken, a quick physical examination, I spoke with a nurse and an anesthesiologist. I had already had EKG's, chest X-rays, and gall bladder ultrasounds done, but that may be something that will have to be done during the pre-admission testing in your case.
   — Kristen S.

July 19, 2003
Seems pre op testing is different with every doctor. I had blood workup, chest x-ray, urinalysis, ekg. Some doctors really put you though the paces. This is a good thing! I have heard of sleep apnea tests and psych evals. I think the more tests you are put through, the safer you will be. I was fortunate. I was in good health....no diabetes or sleep apnea, heart problems, etc. I did have high blood pressure that was controlled by meds. I no longer take ANY meds. BP 112/60 and down 172 lbs. since last Oct. 30th. I had absolutely NO complications. THIS WORKS! Good luck to you.
   — Ginger M.

July 19, 2003
Hi Kelly. I had bloodwork done both first thing in the morning and then late in the afternoon, I had pulmonary testing done which lasted about 45 min., I had an abdominal ultrasound in which they looked at both my ovaries, my bladder, my liver and my gall bladder, I had chest x-rays done and then had to swallow barium and then lay on the x-ray table, turn 360 degrees and then had more x-rays taken, I had an EKG done and a stress test done, all in a span of 12 hours. Hope this helps. Good luck on your journey hon. Claire
   — gramof3

July 19, 2003
Hi Kelly, My doctor required me to attend a meeting at the hospital to really "see" what I was getting into. It was great and answered a lot of my questions. Then came the test. I had psyc evals, ekg, sleep apnea, chest xrays, blood test and lung test. The lung test because I had smoked for so long but quit in Feb 2003 because my primary doctor would not even think of okaying me for surgery unless I quit smoking and started exercising. Which I did and am very, very glad I did! I started swimming and doing water exercise so the pressure was off my knees etc. and then I started walking every night. Smart woman my doctor:) So I think it is whatever your doctor and insurance requires. DebbyB
   — DebbyB

July 19, 2003
The program I am involved in is very thourough with their before and after care for patients. There were many tests I had to undergo before having surgery including EKG, gallbladder ultrasound, bloodwork, arterial blood gasses, pulmonologist exam, cardiologist exam, chest xray, psychological evaluation, and a pre op appointment with my doctor and nutritionist. It took me two months to go from attending the information meeting to having surgery but believe me, it was well worth it. My surgery was a complete success and I am still losing weight today. Hope this helps you on your journey. Good luck.
   — Lawrence R.

July 19, 2003
I am also having surgery at St. Vincents, so I can tell you exactly what they do! You get there and they give you a notebook with a second book (like the first one you got at the consult) and fill out all of the forms along with a test--don't worry, it's just a few Q's about your knowledge regarding the surgery. They take 12 tubes of blood--not too painful, doa a medical background, an EKG, and a pulmonary function test. Then you can eat, since you will have been fasting. After a snack upstairs, you will hear 3 people speak--a post-op, a dietition, and a nurse. You will also see a physicians assistant who will give you a short physical, and an MD who will be the one who clears you for surgery. I saw Dr. Sopko, he was great! If you have any other Q's, feel free to e-mail me!
   — Cynthia F.