What Medical Tests Do I Have to Go Through Before Bariatric Surgery?
Millions of people around the world are suffering from obesity and related health conditions like diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, gallbladder disease, etc. Losing excess weight is the best option to prevent these complications, and it can be achieved through weight loss surgery. Bariatric surgeries (weight loss surgeries) like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are popular treatment options to achieve desired long-term weight loss.
The decision to undergo bariatric surgery to lose excess weight can be life-changing. So it is vital to remember that, before undergoing this bariatric surgery, a thorough evaluation and preparation are necessary.
During the evaluation process, doctors conduct important medical tests to analyze the overall health condition of a patient, determine whether they are a suitable candidate for surgery, and ensure safe and successful results.
In this blog post, Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight loss surgeons in Hyderabad, provided an overview of the medical tests that a patient needs to undergo before undergoing bariatric surgery. From initial evaluations to detailed diagnostic procedures, understanding these tests will help you understand the process, give you confidence, and prepare you physically and mentally for the weight loss journey.
Initial consultation and evaluation
The first step in the bariatric surgery journey is to consult a doctor who specializes in weight loss surgery. During this initial evaluation, one can discuss their weight loss goals, learn more about the weight surgery process, and evaluate whether they are a good candidate for the process.
You will have the chance to learn various aspects of bariatric surgery during your initial consultation. You will become familiar with different types of bariatric procedures, like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding, etc. You will understand how they work to achieve weight loss.
Doctors will also discuss the potential benefits, possible risks, and long-term outcomes if you undergo bariatric surgery. In the end, you will gain the knowledge to decide whether bariatric surgery is the right choice for you.
Tests and procedures one must undergo before bariatric surgery
A physical examination is conducted to evaluate patients’ overall health and their ability to undergo weight loss surgery. During this examination, doctors measure their vital signs, calculate BMI, and assess the health of their cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems.
Multiple lab tests will be performed to determine their health status and find out about underlying conditions that may affect the surgical procedure or the recovery. These tests include:
- Complete blood count (CBC) test to identify any blood disorders or anaemia
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test determines metabolic health by evaluating the function of the liver and kidney and the levels of electrolytes, blood glucose, and protein in the body.
- Lipid profile tests to assess cardiovascular health
- Thyroid function tests are used to determine the function of the thyroid and disorders that affect metabolism.
- Coagulation tests to evaluate blood clotting capacity in order to make sure the surgery is safe and lower the risk of excessive bleeding
These examinations and tests provide precise information on a patient’s overall health, allowing the doctor to design a customized surgical approach based on the patient’s needs.
Imaging and diagnostic tests
The following are other sets of tests crucial in the evaluation process before undergoing any bariatric surgery.
The purpose of these tests is to get detailed information about internal organs in order to determine any additional medical conditions that might affect the surgical procedure or the patient’s ability to recover.
Common imaging and diagnostic tests are:
A chest X-ray is done to assess the lung’s health, which helps to find any respiratory problems.
Abdominal ultrasounds, or CT scans, are tests done to evaluate the health and find any abnormalities in the abdominal organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
An echocardiogram is a test that provides details about the structure and function of the heart. This test helps to find cardiac abnormalities that may interfere with the surgical procedure.
A sleep study (Polysomnography) is done to determine whether the patient has sleep apnea or any other sleeping disorders.
Endoscopy to find problems related to your belly’s muscular tissues or the ability to properly absorb food.
Additionally, patients might require a psychological evaluation, exercise stress tests, and nutrition counseling.
The purpose of these tests
Before undergoing any type of weight loss surgery, an accurate health evaluation is crucial to prevent complications during surgery and recovery. For instance, in the case of a diabetic, special measures will be taken to regulate blood sugar levels. Cardiac stress might be increased due to surgery, and it can be prevented by a thorough evaluation of the heart. All these tests would determine if there are any organ malfunctions, excess fluid in the tissues, abnormalities in body fluids, etc.
We at our bariatric centre are aware that choosing to have weight loss surgery will change your life. So our bariatric team, led by Dr. Venugopal Pareek, an experienced bariatric surgeon in Hyderabad, carefully evaluates and prepares you for surgery. The comprehensive assessments offered by the doctor are tailored to ensure the safety, success, and long-term well-being of the patient. If you are looking for the best bariatric surgeon, you can call +91 91-777-77715 and take your first step by scheduling a consultation with Dr. V. Pareek.
