Question:
RNY Rescheduled- How Long Before I Need To Repeat Pre Op Tests?

My lap RNY was canceled 2 weeks ago after I experienced a slow heartrate at the beginning of the procedure. A cardiologist checked me out and didn't find any cardiac problems and my surgeon said I can still have the surgery (with a temporary pacemaker as a precaution). I am still waiting on a reschedule date and was wondering how long I can wait before I have to have my pre-op testing redone. I had a cardiolite stress test, echocardiogram, chest x-ray, gallbladder ultrasound, venous ultrasounds of both legs and all kinds of blood work. I'm worried that if I don't get a new surgery date soon I'm going to have to repeat a bunch of tests and also that my health insurer (State Health Plan of S.C.) may give me some problems about having such expensive tests done again so soon. Has anyone else been through this? Thanks.    — etaylor58 (posted on August 4, 2003)

August 5, 2003
Of the tests you mentioned, they are all good indefinitely except the chest x-ray - that is good for anywhere from a month to a year, depending on your doctor. The ones that will need to be done again no matter what are EKG and labs. If your gallbladder ultrasound was negative but you have pain, they may repeat that, but if your surgeon plans to take it out, they won't need to repeat it.
   — bethybb