Question:
Cardiac clearance

Is having a cardiac clearance a necessary part of WLS? I finally got my surgery date for May 15 2001. I did't have any problem being approved by my insurance company which is MVP. Lorraine    — Lorraine L. (posted on December 26, 2000)

December 26, 2000
Lorraine - I too had to have a cardiac cleareance. I don't think it's standard among all surgeons, but mine insisted since I had been on Phen-Fen for a period of time. My insurance covered all my "clearances". I had to have a pulmonary clearance also. My sugery was December 20, 2000. I'm still sore, but doing very well. Already have lost about 15 pounds! :-) God Bless - Ronda [email protected]
   — Ronda M.

January 1, 2001
I was required to have cardiac clearance because I have a recent history (12 months pre-op) of arythmia and I take Lanoxin and a blood thinner. My cardiologist said I could have the surgery but he would not give me clearance because he didn't approve this type surgery. I found another reputable cardiologist who ran EKG and Echo tests and said he saw no reason why I couldn't have surgery and gave me clearance. I felt that the requirement of cardiac clearance was to cover the surgeon's butt if I experienced any problems and under my circumstances, I understood and complied.
   — marciejayne