Question:
Should I be worried??? My gut feeling tells me YES!
I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I've met with my surgeon, got insurance approval, everything is looking good, except now those pre-op heebie jeebies are setting in, and I'm questioning my choices. I adore my surgeon and feel comfortable with him, but he also happens to be the only surgeon in my state who does bariatric surgery, so I never spoke with anyone else to compare him to. My concern is my surgeon isn't requiring ANY pre-op tests other than a standard blood test, even though I have a history of GERD, enlarged heart, spastic colon and other problems. At first I thought that was great, no messing around with psych evals, cardiologists, upper g.i., etc. But now I'm scared! If he's not concerned about pre-op testing, maybe he's just not concerned, period. I called his nurse to relay my fears, and she just said he doesn't require pre-op testing in anyone under 40 years old, because its unlikely "young" people have major problems (I'm 38). Of course I know ANYONE can have major problems, under 40 or not. Anyone else out there whose surgeon didn't require any pre-op testing??? Thanks for the input! — [Anonymous] (posted on October 25, 2000)
October 25, 2000
I am soory to disagree with your doctor but I am 33 years old and I am
having pre-op testing and I dont have any health problems what so ever. I
mean none, not high blood pressure, diabetes or anything else.
this surgery is preventive for me but I am having the standard tests that
go along with the surgery. Dont do anything you dont feel comfortable with,
remember yur the client and you have the right to demand whatever makes you
feel comfortable.
— Lisa W.
October 25, 2000
The first Surgeon I went to ordered many tests ..isn't it
funny that his office offered all these tests
and the second Doctor who is doing my surgery only wanted
blood work..
he said it was over kill on the part of the first Doctor
who in the world needs a MRI on their knees and back for WLS
and 6 ultra sounds ...sound a bit fishy to you
so don't worry about only the blood work
I have never understood why some Doctors/Insurance companies
want Physic exams ..we are not nuts we know what we need
Kathy in CA
— Kathleen M.
October 25, 2000
I'm 41, had surgery 5/31, and my doctor didn't order any special test
either. I saw him once for my consultation and then once again the day
before surgery. When I went for pre-admit, I requested a chest x-ray, (I
have asthma) and they checked my heart, drew blood and did a urin test. I
am 5 months post-op and down 75#'s and I have seen my doctor twice since
surgery. 9 days after surgery to have my drain tube removed and get
weighed and then 2 weeks later to get weighed again. I am now officially
on my own. They did tell me that if I had some unforseen complication to
get in contact with them, otherwise if I need to have any follow up testing
done, I have to see my own PCP. Talk about wham, bam, thankyou mam.
— allendepot1
October 25, 2000
My only concerns would be not having an EKG and a chest x-ray. Some people
with heart or lung problems may need special attention when it comes to the
anesthesia ... or may not be able to withstand the surgery at all. I would
request and EKG and a chest x-ray of your lungs at a minimum. I am 36 and
I
am having both plus a gallbladder sonogram ... I'm not sure I agree with
the
"age" thing ... My husband had a heart attack and he is only 38.
Good luck and God Bless!
— Donna H.
October 25, 2000
I would call the doctor himself- not the nurse and ask him
exactly what you want to know. If his explanation satisfies
you, good- if not, try and decide how badly you want to ignore
your gut and how much cost/inconvenience will be incurred
to go elsewhere. Good Luck!
— M B.
October 25, 2000
Oooo, you're scaring me, too. Some of the tests they do seem overkill.
But gadzooks! They need to know what they got in there. Heart & lungs
are absolutely necessary. Those are the two that kill us off so easily!
Those things MUST be tested. Your anesthesiologist is flying blind without
those tests to guide 'em. Will your pouch be transected? Do you know how
big your pouch will be? How much is bypassed? What your post-op nutrition
will be? Like you, I'm thinking if they don't know what to test you for
going in, what do they know about aftercare, which will make or break your
success. I lost one of my emails buddies at age 25 because her surgeon
didn't know enough. He was treating her for a blood clot as she lay dying
of a post-op leak. Being young is no guarantee. On the other hand, people
of 65 fly through safely with an experienced bariatric team!
— vitalady
October 25, 2000
My surgeon doesn't require a lot either and I am 48. I just told him about
my history and I have had tests myself for my own satisfaction and
assurance. I told him I was afraid I might have sleep apnea and he doesn't
require that test so I am going on my own. If I have it, I will tell him.
Take charge of your own life medically and make sure he gets all the facts!
I am wondering if we have the same surgeon!!! Please e mail me and let
me know. Thanks and good luck. I am scheduled for Nov and I have had time
of the heebie jeebies too but I feel confident all this will be behind me
and I will be fine! Sit down and think...what would I do if I had no fear
at all? Then commit all your fears to God and relax! But make sure your
surgeon has ALL the facts about you and if you want a test, ask for it!
— [Anonymous]
October 25, 2000
My surgeon doesn't require a lot either and I am 48. I just told him about
my history and I have had tests myself for my own satisfaction and
assurance. I told him I was afraid I might have sleep apnea and he doesn't
require that test so I am going on my own. If I have it, I will tell him.
Take charge of your own life medically and make sure he gets all the facts!
I am wondering if we have the same surgeon!!! Please e mail me and let
me know. Thanks and good luck. I am scheduled for Nov and I have had time
of the heebie jeebies too but I feel confident all this will be behind me
and I will be fine! Sit down and think...what would I do if I had no fear
at all? Then commit all your fears to God and relax! But make sure your
surgeon has ALL the facts about you and if you want a test, ask for it!
— [Anonymous]
October 25, 2000
I am older than you (57)and my doc required extensive testing prior to
surgery this included lab work, chest xray,EKG and endoscopy. Today I
recieved word that my surgery was cancelled because the endoscope
discovered precancerous polyps in my stomach. This will need to be viewed
every 2-3 years to make sure cancer is not present and if I had theRNY a
scope would not be possible. I am very disappointed because like everyone
else I am desperate to loose weight and thought of surgery as a last resort
to preserve and enhance my health. I am also very grateful because if I
had not had the test the polyps I had could have developed into cancer and
I would not have known until I was ill. I think testing is appropriate and
what tests you need should be determined not only by age but by family
history and personal medical history. I would suggest you talk to your
surgeon and your personal physician to assure you of your own personal
testing needs. Best of luck to you. Kathy
— kathleen S.
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