Question:
Pre-op testing - how early is too early?

My PCP is ordering a bunch of tests and consultations for me. While I see this as a good sign that he's being supportive of my interest in WLS, I'm worried that since my surgery date may be a ways off that these tests will be done too early. Within the next month I'm scheduled for a fasting blood sugar, thyroid levels, CBC, coronary risk, psych eval, EKG, and upper GI series. And that was only after my first visit with him! I'm seeing him again 5/9 and I don't know what else he'll be scheduling for me after that visit. I'm especially concerned since I know I'll be on a supervised weight loss and exercise plan until surgery (something both my PCP and surgeon want me to do). Will they want me to repeat any of these exams?    — antiques55 (posted on April 25, 2003)

April 25, 2003
I will get them down ASAP-if they have ordered them already I would do it, it's one last thing you will have to worry about if or when your insurance approves you-I wish I had gotten my tests done earlier, I took me about 6 months to get all my tests in order-so I would get them done to help speed up your process.
   — TotallyTori

April 25, 2003
I would say get them done as soon as they will let you. This gives you a window of time to take care of any issues you need to, that could mean not having to set your surgery date back due to a small problem. Good Luck to you, those tests are exhausting! Open RNY in 14 days!!
   — Sylvia E.

April 25, 2003
The way it worked for me was that the only stuff that was scheduled prior to my insurance approval was the psych and nutritional consults (they ended up occurring after my approval, but the appointments were made at the time of my initial consult). <p> The surgeon - not the PCP - ordered the other tests for me. He's the one that knows what he wants to see. In my case, he wanted a cardiac clearance, upper GI (cancelled because I weighed too much for the table), abdominal ultrasound, pulmonary function test w/ABGs and then the standard pre-op tests (blood tests, chest x-ray & EKG). <p> If the surgeon's fine with the PCP ordering your tests and is OK with the timing of them, then go ahead and get them done. You may just want to give him a heads-up, though...JR
   — John Rushton

April 25, 2003
Funny that you ask that...I had my original tests January 2003, went to meet my surgeon in Feb...he requested re-tests so I did those end of March. I'm seeing the surgeon again on May 13th and I'm willing to bet that I have to re-take at least a few tests. But its ok...insurance covers it. I think the original tests are to rule out something other then genes or whatever for your weight problem. The doctor's want to rule out that its something that can be treated with pills and not surgery. I think certain tests (like the blood tests) are redone to make sure nothing has changed. But generally the bigger tests like EKG aren't re-done unless there was something abnormal on the first one. Its better have them re-do tests then not do them and not catch something before surgery.
   — Renee B.

April 25, 2003
Some of the tests are only good for thirty days up to six months.,depending on the test.Why is your PCP doing this and not your surgeon? I personally would let my surgeon handle all this unless he specifically told you to get your pcp to do it. My surgeon took care of all that for me.
   — Delores S.

April 25, 2003
I met with my surgeon for my initial consultaion 4-25. I did my psych evaluation on 4-17 and have my sleep test scheduled for 5-18/19. I have attended my support manditory support meetings. All my surgeon needs is my drs records. Then the info will be typed up and sent off to insurance. The only thing I was told about scheduling appointments is ... Do it close to your consultation date.
   — Sarah H.