Question:
Why has my surgeon not ordered that I get these tests done?

I'm a a pre-op patient of BTC in Langhorne, PA (Surgeon is Dr. Marymor). I am presently waiting for the BTC in Michigan to call me to schedule the surgery, however, I was talking with an acquaintance in Florida who had a Lap RNY. She sounded concerned when I told her all the pre-op tests I needed were Echo cardiogram and Psych. evaluation. Why has my surgeon not required me to have gall bladder, sleep apnea, blood clot and blood gas tests? Also, shouldn't we attend some type of classes prior to surgery? Now I'm a little concerned!! Thanks for any imput!! It's greatly appreciated...    — Janine L. (posted on August 14, 2002)

August 14, 2002
Hi, I just had my pre-surgery testing and I was only required to get and EKG, chest x-ray, blood work, and a brief psych eval with a social worker. I was concerned as to why I didn't have to get a sleep study or see a pulmonologist (sp?) or cardiologist. The doctor felt that because of my age and history, these things weren't necessary. I didn't have signs of sleep apnea- heavy snoring, daytime sleepiness, waking several times a night, choking at night, etc. Also, because of my age he felt that my heart would not show signs of damage this early. Plus, I had never had any problems or been admitted into the hospital for anything related to my chest or heart. If you are concerned that your doctor is not taking enough precautions, SAY SOMETHING! That is what I did. Alot of times, they base these decisions on history YOU provide, so be sure to put everything down on your questionaire. If you had asthma as a child, PUT IT DOWN and so on. If you can't remember having any problems, ask a family member. Chances are they might remember a problem you forgot. I almost forgot to put down a lumpectomy! Well, I hope this helps. Good luck!
   — MoLyn

August 14, 2002
Having just gone through a BTC surgery in IL, I'm fairly sure they will do several tests in their Pre-op testing one week before surgery. I had blood gas CBC and a whole series of blood tests, a respiratory evaluation, ultrsound...which detected gall stones and an xray. They just don't schedule them until you have a surgery date and then they will schedule for more pre-op tests for about a week before. This is just my experience, but I'm guess BTC probably has standardized procedure regarding this.
   — Scott L.

August 14, 2002
Thank you for the answers and I will definately look into it prior to surgery!
   — Janine L.

August 14, 2002
It all depends on your comobidities too.
   — jenna F.

August 14, 2002
I did not even have the psych eval. All I had was blood work and gallbladder ultrasound. It depends on your doc, your comorbidities, and your insurance requirements. Oh, and I did have to go to one of his support group meetings before I would be scheduled also.
   — Vicki L.

August 14, 2002
The pre-op tests I had were an EKG, gall bladder ultrasound, psych eval and some bloodwork. I guess all surgeous require different things.
   — Jennifer G.

August 15, 2002
I think you are right to be concerned. ASK THE DR! I think for anyone who is MO, sleep apnea should be a concern even if you don't think you have it. The pain medication and anaesthesia can make a mild case worse. If the hospital is not aware of it you could do serious damage or die before anyone knows what is going on. If they know to watch for it they will likely keep you in ICU the first night. <p>Trust your gut feelings. If you feel uncomfortable or that your dr is cutting corners, SPEAK UP! This surgery is risky enough even with all the precautions in place. Don't become a statistic. Your best patient advocate is YOU!
   — ctyst

August 15, 2002
Janine, the only pre op tests I had was an echo, chest x-ray and lab work. Nothing else at all, no evaluations, dietitians, nothing. My surgey went great and I had no complications. Hope this eases your mind a bit:) Post op 11-12-01 -140lbs
   — Lynda T.

August 15, 2002
My only pre-op tests was a blood oxygen test, psych eval, routine blood work (cell count, enzyme levels, etc), an EKG; and a breathing test (blowing into a tube to test air flow. I would have had a sonogram on my gallbladder - but I had that removed 5 years ago... so they didnt need to look for it. I didnt have a sleep apnea test at all.
   — Valerie H.

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