             
|
| |
Overview | Goals & Risks | Candidates | How It Works |
Procedure | Preoperative Testing | Complications of Surgery | Postoperative Care | Long-term Care | Expected Outcome | Case Studies | Questions and Answers
Preoperative Testing for Bariatric Surgery Patients
The following tests or work-ups may be recommended prior to surgery:
- Test to check for gallstones. If necessary, the gallbladder can be removed at the time of surgery
- Heart work-up, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or stress test
- A bone density scan may be performed to check level of bone calcium
- Laboratory tests, including:
- Hemoglobin--measure of red blood cells
- Electrolytes--measure of the various salts in the blood such as sodium, potassium, and calcium
- Glucose--measure of blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C
- Cholesterol and triglyceride levels--indicators of fat content in the blood
- Vitamin and mineral levels, such as iron, folic acid, vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Thyroid and cortisone levels
- Pulmonary function tests
Other preparation for surgery includes:
- Clear liquid diet for 3 days prior to surgery
- Abstain from aspirin use 2 weeks prior to surgery
- Stop birth control pills and estrogen hormone therapy 2 weeks prior to surgery
- No eating or drinking after midnight the night before surgery
|
 |
 |
|
|
