I got my surgery date!!

(deactivated member)
on 11/5/18 11:28 am, edited 11/5/18 11:31 am

I have tried 3 times before to get WLS since 2014 with the past 15 years struggling to diet and keep weight off on my own. This is #4 with a surgeon three hours away but I have surgery scheduled for January 10! I am feeling a little scared and excited. This is a long time coming.

I received paper work which explains what I need to do. The usual was checked off, psych evaluation, dietitian, and pre-op tests (ekg, bloodwork and chest x-ray) but also a pulmonologist was checked. Has anyone else needed a pulmonologist clearance before getting surgery? What does that mean, do I need to go see a specialist or can I get this done at my GP?

***EDIT *** Well the second I posted this my doctor emailed me and said the pulmonologist clearance needs to be done by a specialist. My question still stands, anyone else need to do this?

(deactivated member)
on 11/5/18 11:30 am
Grim_Traveller
on 11/5/18 12:58 pm
RNY on 08/21/12

It's pretty common. Many of us were required to do sleep studies for apnea, and spend a certain amount of time of a machine, with a log of the machine's use. Some have to take nicotine tests. There are lots of others. Hoops to jump through, but they all add up to a safer surgery.

6'3" tall, male.

Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.

M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.

(deactivated member)
on 11/5/18 1:57 pm

I suppose it all depends on the surgeon. Thanks for the information!

Grim_Traveller
on 11/5/18 6:37 pm
RNY on 08/21/12

The surgeon, and the hospital also has its own rules. They want to make sure you dont spoil their reputation by having a complication.

Before you know it, all this preop stuff will be a distant memory.

6'3" tall, male.

Highest weight was 475. RNY on 08/21/12. Current weight: 198.

M1 -24; M2 -21; M3 -19; M4 -21; M5 -13; M6 -21; M7 -10; M8 -16; M9 -10; M10 -8; M11 -6; M12 -5.

malkee
on 11/7/18 6:27 pm
VSG on 10/25/18

My pulmonary doctor wrote an extensive letter to my primary care physician, although it wasn't required.

If you are a former or current smoker, have asthma, COPD or emphysema you should not be surprised by the pulmonary requirement. I have issues but was fine through the surgery and with luck you will be too.

Height: 5'3"

HW - 327

SW-272

CW - 243

GW -140

Surgery date: 10/25/18

(deactivated member)
on 11/8/18 4:18 am

I am going to contact my primary today to see if I can get some kind of direction on what they think I'll need. I don't need a referral for the specialist but I would need referrals for certain tests according my to health insurance.

I have never smoked in my life, not even tried it, no asthma or other respiratory issues. I am okay with being safe than sorry. I was just surprised because throughout all of this process between different states and different surgeons I haven't heard of going to a pulmonologist until this time.

Thanks for the info!

Most Active
×