Is a colonoscopy a requirement for the sleeve surgery?

[largeininc 16]

I have had both. The Colonoscopy for my diverticulitis and the endo as prep for my wls. Neither are horrible. The worst part was the mask for endo getting caught in my beard.

[Sharon1964 2,530]

Ah, okay. I thought the issue was raising costs for patients. I see what you're saying now.

I find it reassuring that my surgeon requires that his patients take care of all of the recommended screening procedures that are appropriate for their age and situation. As part of the life changes that I have to make, I have to take care of all of me. YMMV.

[scstxrn 213]

I would find it odd as a requirement, since I've never heard of it before your post... but at the same time, it would SUCK to have a surgery that removes much of your ability to eat and then find out you had cancer. Especially a cancer that required removing part of your absorbing what you eat.

For that reason, if I fell in the age or I had a family history, I'd have the test before I had the surgery... just to be sure. My husband had to join the colonoscopy club early due to family history. I'm grateful he did... but I would want him to have a whole other series within just a few months of having bariatric surgery, as his nurse wife... because I worry like that.

[snowbound 60]

not me

[galadriel535 43]

OMG!!! I would hate that! I had a colonsocopy a couple of years ago and got sleeved on 12-23. The prep for both is huge. I would not want to have to do that at the same time. Just my take on it. Also, I had to do a full liquid diet 10 days before the sleeve, so it really would not have worked. I could see if it was a couple of weeks apart: no biggie.

[snowbound 60]

I have diverticulitis had to have a colostomy in 2009 9 surgery since,the worst part of the colonoscopy is the prep I could not get it down now , you have to sip on.liqs.how would you do it.was not a requirement from my doctor.when. I had surgery my doctor thought I might have a leakhad a colonoscopy,no prep_had my sleeve on March 6 2014 I have lost 110 lbs could never have done it without the sleeve,still.want to lose 40 lbs am happy just to be here

[Elizabeth21 176]

hmmm...how about anyone in KC with the KC Bariatric hosp? I"ve asked friends who had the surgery and they didn't either, but my OBGYN told me today that they won't do the surgery without a colonoscopy. Never heard that before.

All due respect to your OBGYN, but maybe he/she leave the bariatric specifics to the doc that specializes in that.

The requirement for any and all pre-surgery tests pretty much fall to your surgeon. I have heard a WIDE range of differences in these requirements by the surgeon. One of the things I like about my surgeon, he only required practical necessary pre-surgery tests. They did NOT include an colonoscopy (or an endo or mammogram or more than three days of liquid diet prep, etc.) I'm amazed by the number of obnoxious hoops people are having to jump through.

YOU are the client!! If you do not want to do the prep the doc is requiring -- find a different surgeon. Be your own advocate!!

Good luck to you!

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

@@Elizabeth21 Thank you! You nailed it. My OBGYN has been pressuring me to have a colonoscopy for years. My Grandpa on my Mom's side died from colon cancer.....he was 100 years old, about 50 years ago, I have no other blood relatives with this issue. I've been doing the poop test every year. If anything was ever found, then I would have the test. I prepped for it a couple years ago. Waited in a gown in the waiting room hooked up to an IV for 8 friggin hours, and finally pulled out all the needles got dressed and left, The Doc was walking in from the parking lot, he saw me and asked me where I was going. (some nerve!! Hubs was with me and told him off in spades!) He still billed my insurance as if he completed the colonoscopy!! I reported him. I don't believe he still practices in my city anymore. That just left a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to this test. If I need it, I'll get it done. otherwise, count me out. For now.

[Sharon1964 2,530]

OMG!!! I would hate that! I had a colonsocopy a couple of years ago and got sleeved on 12-23. The prep for both is huge. I would not want to have to do that at the same time. Just my take on it. Also, I had to do a full liquid diet 10 days before the sleeve, so it really would not have worked. I could see if it was a couple of weeks apart: no biggie.

It's not done at the same time. My colonoscopy is scheduled for January; I have four months after that of monthly visits (supervised weight loss) before I can have my vsg.

[athena3127 199]

Wasn't a requirement for me. However all Drs have different sets of requirements. My mother had the surgery with the same surgeon and she had it as part of her requirements. I think there are various factors which dictate what the requirements are for each person... Age.. Insurance.. Pre medical history...ECt.

Wishing you all the best

[TEXASLADY52 264]

I had both done at the same time. I had never had the coloscopy before. I refused at first. The doctor explained to me that they are going to have to put me under and that was the worst part, I might as well have both done while I was under. I was worried about all of the prep and if my stomach could handle it. He gave me some stomach medicine and some stuff you mix up the night before, put it in the refrigerator, and then drink it through the next day. It had a citrus flavor to it. I did not have to take laxatives or hand fulls of pills like my husband and friend had to do. It wasn't bad at all.

[CountryGirl5584 115]

My surgeon just requires a endoscopy

[CountryGirl5584 115]

I have heard from some folks that you get a colonoscopy same day/time as the endoscopy. (2 birds with 1 stone) Any truth to that rumor? Not sure why a colonoscopy would be needed IMHO.

I don't know why they would require a colonoscopy...they're not touching your intestines

[GingerDiane 34]

Ive been asked for an Endoscopy on January 19th..due ti me having heartburn...i have my surgery on 28th January..I cant wait!

[GingerDiane 34]

Mine too..im not looking forward to that part lol