Why do I need a chest X-ray and blood work a week before surgery?

[Joymarie333 41]

Did anybody have these test done and if so did you go to a Quest diagnosis for the test and do you have to pay cash up front

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Well, you're about to have major surgery. They want to find out if you have any cardiac issues or other conditions that indicate WLS surgery would be dangerous at this time or whether they should take specific precautions during surgery to avoid complications.

These tests also offer your surgeon and others on the surgical team a baseline of your body's condition before surgery. If something happens during or after surgery, they can more swiftly determine what has gone wrong and how to fix it.

This is very standard procedure.

I didn't pay for anything "up front." It was all covered by my insurance.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Most insurance companies work with Qwest diagnostics. You shouldn't have to pay anything up front. I had my chest xray done at the hospital my insurance is capacitated to for things like xrays and scans and I had my bloodwork done at the hospital I was having surgery at.

[Waler 330]

Those tests are standard for the most part. The blood work is to make sure you are not anemic, and to make sure your body chemistry, and your blood clotting factors are where they should be to give you the best possible outcome for your procedure. As was already stated the chest x-ray is to give them a look before they start because we are all different on the inside just as we are on the outside.

Best of luck to you!

Edited November 6, 2015 by Waler

[Joymarie333 41]

Thanks so much.. I'm just kind of what if something comes up that prevents me from having surgery... I guess I'm over thinking it because i want the surgery so bad... ????

[2goldengirl 2,076]

Thanks so much.. I'm just kind of what if something comes up that prevents me from having surgery... I guess I'm over thinking it because i want the surgery so bad...

Blood work needs to be recent to check for anemia, clotting times, and to assure that you don't have an active infection. Chest X-ray to assure that you don't have TB, pneumonia, or other infectious lung issues. These are protections for you. Believe me when I tell you that you want to be as healthy as possible before undergoing the stress of surgery.

[net0girl 13]

My dr only did blood work back in june