Are you considering weight loss surgery, like gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy? It’s essential to understand the pre-operative testing process that ensures you’re in the best possible shape for a successful procedure.
This guide covers routine health maintenance testing, why each test is performed, and additional assessments that may be recommended based on your health status.
At Detroit Weight Loss Center in Southfield and Commerce Charter Township, Michigan, our caring team supports you every step of the way. If you’re undergoing bariatric surgery and want to explore your options, contact us today to begin a treatment program tailored to your unique needs.
Pre-surgery guidelines include the need for pre-operative tests. However, these tests mean more than paperwork. These tests are done to make sure you are ready for the surgical procedure by assessing your current health.
Tests can include analyzing your diet history and identifying medical problems before performing gastric sleeve surgery and other bariatric surgeries. They provide your doctor with an accurate assessment to help minimize risk and complications.
Test results can also guide the medical team to ensure you have the necessary medications, start any needed supplements, or make referrals before the procedure.
Before any surgery, especially one aimed at helping you lose weight and reduce excess weight, your medical team performs basic tests to collect pertinent medical data. These tests are in addition to your routine health maintenance testing.
They are vital to assess your current health and create a basic recovery plan. These tests can include the following:
A complete blood count checks for anemia and general blood health.
This test assesses blood sugar levels, liver and kidney function, and abnormal blood fat levels that may point to diabetes or heart disease.
Thyroid tests, such as the TSH, T3, and T4, ensure that an underactive gland doesn’t drive weight issues. An undiagnosed thyroid imbalance can interfere with weight loss, recovery, or complicate anesthesia.
An EKG is necessary to evaluate the heart’s function since surgery increases cardiac stress. People with heart disease or high blood pressure face a higher surgical risk; therefore, these tests confirm it’s safe to proceed.
A common sleep study used is called polysomnography. A sleep study detects abnormal stopping of breathing, which is crucial for anesthesia safety and recovery.
Tests are done to check your levels of iron, vitamin D, B12, calcium, and other micronutrients. These tests are necessary to screen for vitamin deficiencies and provide a baseline for comparison after surgery.
Imaging texts are necessary to look for potential issues and help decide the best type of surgery, like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Upper GI imaging/endoscopy is used to diagnose significant gastrointestinal symptoms like reflux or peptic ulcers. Gallbladder ultrasound helps avoid emergency gallbladder surgery by identifying stones before they cause trouble.
Your surgeon or primary care physician may recommend additional medical tests based on your personal health profile. These may include the following:
If initial heart screenings suggest problems, a stress test reveals whether cardiac stress tolerance is sufficient for surgery.
For those with lung problems, such as asthma or COPD, these tests measure your breathing capacity and resilience during anesthesia, especially since muscles relax during surgery and can depress normal breathing.
A psychiatric evaluation may be needed to assess mental readiness, coping tools, and support systems. It helps set realistic expectations and supports long-term behavior change through diet and exercise post-surgery.
Preparing for bariatric surgery involves more than just the day of the operation. By completing these routine tests, you and your care team gain valuable insights to personalize your procedure, improve outcomes, and create a successful long-term recovery strategy.
At Detroit Weight Loss Center, we’re dedicated to guiding you through every step. At our Southfield and Commerce Charter Township offices, we provide compassionate care and comprehensive pre-operative testing, including blood panels, sleep studies, and psychiatric evaluations.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, review your medical history, and begin building a personalized treatment program tailored just for you. Let’s create a healthier, happier future together.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Blake Movitz, MD, FACS
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“I highly recommend Dr. Movitz for his exceptional and comprehensive approach to healthcare. He meticulously reviewed all past tests and considered every aspect of my case then provided me with a well-rounded plan of action. He is truly a knowledgeable, caring, and personable professional.” Carol W.