Pre-Surgery Tests

[choosehope 233]

I see a lot of people saying they had to get an endoscopy and a pulmonary function test prior to surgery. My doc doesn't require that - just psych, cardiac & barium study. Why do your docs ask for the other two? Want to cover all my basis so surgery will be as safe as possible. Trying to figure out if I should ask my GP to do these. Thanks.

[James Marusek 5,244]

The purpose of Pre-Op testing is to identify any problems or complications that can make you weight loss surgery unsuccessful. Generally you go through a first round and if that detects any anomalies, then you are directed to undergo a second round performed by specialist in those particular fields.

[dhrguru 1,238]

My doc asked for the PFT because I'd listed that i got winded easily climbing stairs (who wouldn't at 335#'s!!). So it was precautionary for me-- and ruled out me having asthma.

I never had to do an endoscopy.

[theatrejo 29]

My Dr has found that he has less problems with his patients having really bad Acid Reflux/Indigestion if he does the Scope Pre-Op to look for any hiatal hernias. If there is one there, he fixes it while he is doing the Gastric Surgery.

[Mini_me007 121]

I second what @@theatrejo said. I just had my scope this morning as my surgeon was looking for hiatal hernia.