Presurgical testing

What tests do you have to go through before surgery? Also, what other appointments do you have to have? Thanks.

You may have to have a sleep study, barium test, blood work, h-pylori test, social worker appointments, nurse appointments, dieticians, internist, surgeon.

If you read my signature lines that will give you an idea of the timeline and order.

Thanks. What is an h-pylori test?

A test to see if you have contracted H-Pylori. It can be carried on the legs of houseflies. It is a known precursor for ulcers and needs to be treated before they would operate.

I had to have a colonoscopy as well as an endoscopy in addition to all the other tests already mentioned.

What does the endoscopy entail? I had a bronchoscopy and it was horrid. The sedation didn't work at all.

I wonder if colonoscopy is just for those getting bypass? I'm hoping for the sleeve. Colonoscopy scares the daylights out of me.

To be honest I don't know exactly. I was out and don't remember a thing. They did it at the same time as the colonoscopy. Don't remember that either. The prep is worse than the actual event. LOL

Essentially, they pass a tube down your throat into your stomach to look around and see what's going on. They noticed a hiatus hernia and irritation in my stomach when they did it. The hernia was fixed when I had my RNY. Two for one!

It depends on your age and which clinic you go to. Mine required bloodwork, a sleep study, abdominal ultrasound, EKG and a gastroscope. My family doctor arranged all of those tests for me (except the scope because he thought the clinic would be looking for specific things and felt it was better that they arrange it. I started getting these tests done/arranged even before orientation because sometimes it takes a while to get an appointment to do them (ie: sleep study and scope). As for appointments with the clinic, I had orientation ; then a group nutrition class; nurse's appointment; social worker; internist and dietitian. Next is the surgeon appointment (waiting for that now) and then another nutrition class where they teach you how to eat after surgery and then Pre-op. Seems like a long list but you quickly work your way through. Good luck with everything!

Thanks. That's a good idea to get your GP to arrange some tests. How was the gastroscope? That and colonoscopy scare me. The other tests don't.

I was worried about the gastroscope but honestly - it was a breeze. I had mine done at St Joes Hamilton and they put you to sleep for it. I woke up feeling that I had the best sleep I've had in my entire life and I felt nothing at all. No sore throat after or anything. It is nothing to be nervous about whatsoever. I didn't need a colonoscopy because I'm under 50. But from what I've heard from others, you don't feel anything with that either.

Having your GP send you for tests puts you way ahead of the game.

Good luck and keep us posted about your progress!