Morbidly obese patients tend to have numerous co-morbidities that are occasionally occult. To fully optimize patients pre-operatively, we require the following diagnostic 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)
• EGD – note H.Pylori Status
• Cardiac Echo – hx of phen-fen or long-standing sleep apnea or cardiac risk screen
• Stress Test/Cardiac Catheterization – abnormal cardiac echo, family hx, IDDM, HTN, >20-pack year history, age >50, other cardiac risk factors: elevated lipids, crp, lipoprotein a, homocysteine

These diagnostic tests will allow us to fully care for our patients and are always meant to assist care, not deny care. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.