Diagnostic Tests for Bariatric Surgery

Diagnostic Tests

To fully optimize patients pre-operatively, we require the following diagnostic tests. These should be completed within six months prior to surgery. These diagnostic tests will allow us to provide you with the best care possible, and are always meant to assist care, not deny it. You can work with your primary care physician to complete many of these tests.

• CXR
• EKG
  
• Blood work
  • CBC
  • Complete metabolic panel including calcium and liver function tests
  • Thyroid function tests
  • Lipid panel
  • Fe Panel
  • B12
  • Folate, thiamine
  • Homocysteine, C-Reactive protein, lipoprotein a – to assess cardiac risk factors
  • HgbA1C (if known diabetic)
• Cardiac echo – hx of phen-fen or long-standing sleep apnea or cardiac risk screen
• Stress test – abnormal cardiac echo, family hx, IDDM, HTN, >20-pack year history, age >50, other cardiac risk factors – elevated lipids, crp, lipoprotein a, homocysteine
• Greenfield filter – Your surgeon will make this decision and is usually indicated if history of blood clots in your lungs or legs, severe sleep apnea, weight >400 lbs. The filter helps prevent blood clots from traveling from your legs to your lungs where they can be fatal. Stanford  physicians are able to place temporary filters that are removed 2-4 weeks after surgery.
• Cessation of smoking, steroid use and immune suppressant medication. Use of any of these drugs will jeopardize your recovery.
• Endoscopy and/or Upper GI