A number of different tests and evaluations are typically necessary before proceeding with surgery. The list below represents most of the evaluations that your surgeon may order.
- Supervised Medical Weight Loss – A period of physician supervised diet counseling. Typically, this is required by the insurance company, however some programs also require it.
- Psychological Evaluation – Most insurance plans require a psychological evaluation prior to surgery.
- Medical Clearances – Typically this can by done by your primary care doctor, however, occasionally other specialists are required as well.
- Pulmonary/ Sleep Study – Many programs ask that you have an evaluation for sleep apnea if you have specific risk factors.
- Endoscopy – Most surgeons will perform an upper endoscopy (while you’re asleep) prior to moving forward with surgery to make sure there are no problems in your stomach or esophagus.