the need for a Pulmonologist??

Lisa*in*NJ · September 27, 2005

Just a quick question ~

One of the pre-op requirements for my surgeon is to see a pulmonologist(sp?). I have to have a chest x-ray and a couple of other tests and then bring the results to the pulmonologist. My PCP seemed a little concerned about this, he said that if the tests and x-rays come back good, there should be no need to go further...it doesn't really matter to me but he really thought that this was overboard. Has everyone had to go through this? I'll do what I have to do if it means that I have a better chance of staying healthy through this surgery.

Just wanted some input, thanks!

Alexandra · September 27, 2005

Not everyone has to go through this, but some doctors want as much information as they can possibly get about a patient before proceeding. If you're trying to convince an insurance provider to pay for the surgery, too, the more information (ammunition) you can gather, the better.

And it's always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any unusual symptoms or indications in your medical profile, more testing may indeed be warranted before surgery of any kind. General anaesthesia is nothing to play around with.

Teresita · September 27, 2005

I did not have to see a pulmonologist, cardiologist yes.

Anwyn · September 28, 2005

I personally didn't have to see a pulmonologist. It could have to do with your medical history. At any rate, I like the idea that they're being as thorough as possible so I say go without complaint. Good luck with your surgery!

La_madam · September 28, 2005

Even i n Mexico where the pre op tests are either done the same day of surgery or the day before surgery I had to see a pulmonologist

giveyouthemoon · September 28, 2005

Since the band can affect your breathing it's not really out of the realm of reasonable. The whole pre-op test work is a pain, but heck, just stay head down, get through it. Just think of it this way. You are one step closer to your band!!

Jachut · September 28, 2005

I must admit that I just dont get the need for all the testing and it p*&s me off that I have to pay for it. If I went into surgery to fix my bad ankle nobody would do anymore than a quick urine test and take my blood pressure. Nobody gave a toss before about whether I sleep well at night etc etc and they sure as heck dont do this type of testing before any other surgery. Why now? Its not huge surgery in the scheme of things and in Australia it doesnt have to be done really to qualify either, they see you're fat as a house, they do the surgery, simple.

To me its a big time waster and an unecessary expense. But I guess we've all got to jump through the hoops.

nickie456 · September 28, 2005

I went to Mexico because it was going to take six months to get all the test and classes that the US Dr. wanted me to do. Went to Mexico had all the test done in oneday.

Lisa*in*NJ · September 29, 2005

I don't have any bad health history and I dont take any med's or have any present problems(that I know of). My insurance is paying for these tests and to be honest- I'd rather these tests be "overboard" than not enough. I just want to be banded TODAY - so I am just impatient.

thanks everyone

j.s. · September 29, 2005

I had to see a pulmonologist but that was because I was a smoker and flunked the pulmonary function studies. After quitting for a month (while I waited for that pulmonologist appt.) when I did get in to see her she said I was fine, just from smoking and since I had quit, my lung function was already much better. Think they just like covering all bases. Even the pulmonologist said it was foolish to have sent me to see her. oh well, what ya gonna do?