Question:
I am afraid cardiologist may not refer me

Hi all, I have been working towards having this surgery since April. My insurance is pretty good about covering this but they require 3 seperate consultations before t hey will give final approval. 1 of those consults is with a cardiologist, which I did 2 weeks ago. Imagine my surprise when after listening to my heart for about 2 mins he said I either had a slight heart murmur or a slight blockage and he would need to do a treadmill and echocardiogram before he would give his approval. Has anyone else had this happen to them? Does this mean that if I have a blockage i will not be approved? I shouldve asked these questions when I was there, but duhhh..I was just so surprised that there was something wrong.    — Eva C. (posted on October 20, 2000)

October 20, 2000
don't worry about it, i took phen-fen, i developed problems and my cardiologist is my greatest supporter,viola canton...
   — viola C.

October 20, 2000
I am in the same boat as you.. The cardiologist told me today that due to my previous heart problems, family history of heart disease and also my age.. 47.. that before he will give me clearance to have open RNY .. I have to undergo an echocardiogram and also an exercise stress treadmill test.. I will be having these tests on Nov. 9.. I am praying that all goes well and leaving in it God/s hands.. I dont plan to worry about the testing.. Best of luck to you .. Hugs,
   — Gina Landers

October 20, 2000
Your cardiologist only has YOUR best interest at heart. If you have a blockage, then it will probably have to be corrected before you can proceed with your WLS. Do not lose heart. This could be a complication that could cost you your life. Have the tests done and find out what is going on. Then, take things one step at a time. If you have a blockage and have it corrected, you should be able to proceed with your WLS. You would want to have it taken care of anyway because the blockage could cause you to have a heart attack, and chances are, after that, you may not be able to have WLS. You should keep in mind that many people have had angioplasty (a procedure to clear blockages from the arteries of the heart). Also, keep in mind that even skinny people have heart attacks quite frequently because of blocked arteries. I know that this is a scary situation for you, and I would be scared, too. But remember that this could be a good thing that you have found it before there is damage that is irreversible to your heart. Good luck!!!
   — SnowWhiteDove459

October 20, 2000
Do not be concerned that you have to see a cardiologist for pre operative clearance. It is very good practice to have this kind of consultation before any major surgery-and Bravo!!! Your insurance company wants this done. Everyone can agree that because of morbid obesity we are all at greater risk for surgical complications. Whenever screening tests are done it is always with the intent of reassuring the doctor and the patient that they are in the optimum expected condition and that there should be no surprises at the time of surgery. Then, if for whatever reason there is a problem, it occurs not out of ignorance or lack of medical expertise but for an unexplained reason that was unexpected. I know that I went into my surgery with a cardiac consultation showing a normal EKG, normal Echocardiogram, and normal Stress Test and the cardiologist's blessings. My surgeon did not want this clearance but I did and insisted on it!!! I knew that I was as prepared as I could be so that whatever happened I wouldn't be kicking myself with the "Should have's" I also had a consult with a pulmonary specialist and had Pulmonary Function Tests and Arterial Blood Gases drawn. Again, my surgeon never wanted these tests but I did. So that when I went up to New York for my operation I was fully cleared by my doctor here at home and went up with confidence that all I could have done too ensure my safety had been done. Remember. many, many people have to have a psychological evaluation and also a nutritionist consultation. IMHO,as necessary as those two are, the medical clearances are much more significant and important. Rest assured and be calm. If there is a problem. try to think positive and be glad that you would know this ahead of time and not have the surgery canceled at the last minute (or worse yet, while you are in the Operating Room-eeeekkkkk!!!) Fran
   — Fran B.

October 21, 2000
Hi, I too have to consult with my cardiologist but it is upon my surgians request. I had my consult on 19 Oct. and while at his office my blood pressure was 190/110. Needless to say he was very concerned and so was I. I have had 2 strokes and one heart attack since 1998 and have a 30% blockage. I have an appt. with my cardiologist for the 31 of Oct. to confer with him about the surgery. Before I go I plan to put together a file for him on Bariatric surgery because I was informed by his nurse that as far as she knows none of his patients have had it. I want to be prepared for any pros and cons. So far this is not something I HAVE to do but my surgian doesn't want any surprizes and thinks it a good idea the my cardiologist be included in this endevor. Wish me and you luck.
   — Jackie L.