Certain basic blood tests are done prior to surgery; complete blood count, electrolytes, thyroid hormone levels, phosphorus, albumin, liver enzymes, cholesterol, uric acid, magnesium, lipid profile, PT/PTT, HgbA1c as well as referrals to other specialists (Endocrinology, Cardiology, Psychiatry, Pulmonary) as indicated.

Medical problems, such as serious heart or lung problems, can increase the risk of any surgery. On the other hand, many serious medical conditions may improve or resolve after successful bariatric surgery. Back to Top

Certain basic tests are done prior to surgery: a Full Blood Count, Urinalysis, and a Biochemistry Analysis, which gives a readout of about 20 blood chemistry values. Often a Glucose Tolerance Test is done to evaluate for diabetes, which is very common in overweight persons. Patients may require an X-ray and electrocardiogram. Many surgeons ask for a gallbladder ultrasound to look for gallstones.

Routine electroencephalography (EEG) can be a useful tool in classifying a patient's seizure syndrome. Some seizure manifestations are typical for seizure onset in the temporal, frontal, parietal or occipital cortex. Specific electrical discharges from these areas can help determine where seizures originate. Unfortunately, EEG is limited by the amount of time that can be sampled. The prevalence of any specific abnormal discharge is difficult to estimate from standard EEG.

It is important to have your blood sugar and A1C-a measure of your average blood sugar levels over 2 to 3 months-checked regularly by your health professional. You will also need to have blood tests to check for serious or active liver disease prior to starting duetact therapy, and periodically thereafter per the clinical judgment of the health professional. You experience an unusually rapid increase in weight or swelling or develop shortness of breath or other symptoms of heart failure.

Give you a hemoglobin A1C test at least twice a year, to determine what your average blood glucose level was for the past 2 to 3 months Test your blood lipids (fats) ? total cholesterol; LDL, or low-density lipoprotein ("bad" cholesterol); HDL, or high-density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol); and triglycerides at least once a year You should also get a dental checkup twice a year, a dilated eye exam once a year, an annual flu shot, and a pneumonia shot.