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.

A - We may stimulate the electrodes with tiny electrical currents in order to map out important areas of function in your brain such as speech and motor areas. This is done by the doctor in your room. You will be asked to read and do certain tasks to help define these areas.

We will offer to you all tests recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), as well as those of the State of Texas. We will offer education on the screening, so that you can make an informed choice.

A week or two before surgery, your ophthalmologist will measure the curvature of the cornea and the size and shape of the eye. For patients who will receive an IOL, this information helps your doctor to choose the right type of IOL.

echocardiogram is essential for all patients prior to a Maze procedure. The echocardiogram is an ultrasound study of the heart that helps physicians to evaluate the structure and the function of the heart and the valves. In addition, all patients over the age of 40 will need to have a cardiac catheterization to assess the coronary arteries for evidence of blockage.

All patients must have had a brain MRI at some time since the onset of dystonia. All patients must have a detailed videotaped neurological evaluation by Dr. William Marks, lasting several hours, to document the severity of dystonia.