Does this sound right?

robinem · 06-27-2006, 04:52 PM

I need to get medical clearance from my primary doctor before I can have my LAP-BAND^® surgery. My date is July 24, and I went to my dr. today.

He said that it is too soon to give medical clearance, and that he wants to see any physicals and blood work that the bariatric clinic has/will do before my surgery.

My concern is that, I'll run into time constraints. I go for preop blood work on the 10th, and my final weigh in on the 18th and I go to see my primary on the 18th (after weigh in). How long generally does it take to get results from blood work? I"m getting the blood work done in the same facility as I'm having surgery.

Did anyone have to get medical clearance from their primary physician, and did you have any problems getting it?

Thanks

seppi · 06-27-2006, 05:06 PM

YOu should be able to get the blood test results in time but maybe you can get the blood test done sooner so you don't have to worry.

JulieNYC · 06-27-2006, 05:42 PM

I had my bloodwork done for my general medical clearance 3 months before surgery. Then, as part of the admit process, the hospital did more bloodwork 3 days before surgery. I would call the band doctor and see if that's the way they work. If so, and if they're looking for a general medical release to pursue the surgery, ask for documentation so you can get your PCP to go ahead now with the understanding that someone will be looking at more bloodwork closer to the actual surgery date.

**Elisabethsew** · 06-27-2006, 06:27 PM

My medical clearance was 2 days before the surgery. They wanted to wait for the pre-op blood work, etc., that is scheduled about a week before surgery. Results are available a day or two later and can be faxed to your MD or you can pick up copies and bring them with you for clearance.

ralheit · 06-27-2006, 07:23 PM

I had my pre-op testing done a month before the surgery and I didn't need anybodies clearance. My primary never had anything to do with my getting banded.

MollyMolly · 06-27-2006, 07:26 PM

I did not need clearance or any sort of permission from my primary doc before having surgery. Is this an insurance requirement for you or is it the surgeon wanting to know your doc is on board?

[regardless, my doc was on board and encouraged me that he'd had several patients who did really well with Lap Bands.]

maryb · 06-27-2006, 07:35 PM

I called and scheduled my surgery to be in 2 weeks. I then had to take a paper to my Primary for a mini physical, get pre-op blood work, and get a chest xray. I went and got my blood work before going to Primary and chest xray after. All finished in plenty of time.

Kathi · 06-27-2006, 08:02 PM

My medical clearance took two weeks to run all of the tests and to get all of the test results in.

Leona06 · 06-27-2006, 09:36 PM

I had to have a pre-op with a physical, bloodwork, EKG, and chest xray. This was my first EKG and they found out I have an irregular rhythm problem and the right side of my heart does not pump reguarly so I'm now not sure if I'll be cleared for my surgery on July 5th. I am going to see the cardiologist on thursday... which me luck!

Carlene · 06-27-2006, 11:49 PM

My insurance company (UHC) required a clearance letter from my PCP, who was happy to give it. I had the PCP's letter before I did the nutritionist app't, the psych interview, etc.

juliegeraci · 06-28-2006, 06:26 PM

Blood work typically takes a couple of days. You should be okay.

beachgirl · 06-28-2006, 06:34 PM

Sounds like another stupid hoop to me!!!

robinem · 06-28-2006, 06:48 PM

Hi Everyone:

Thanks so much for all your input. I called the hospital, and they said that the pre op test results usually come in within a day and they can fax the results to my primary. I called my primary dr. and made my medical clearance appt for the 13th, so I should be ok to go.