Once an individual qualifies for a bariatric procedure, he or she must undergo extensive preoperative testing. Some of the testing may include:
A psychological evaluation
A nutrition evaluation
A sonogram of the gallbladder
An upper GI series in which the patient drinks barium and x-rays are taken
A chest x-ray
An electrocardiogram
Measurements of energy expenditure and respiratory capacities
A large amount of blood work
Once all testing, follow up and preoperative requirements are complete, the patient can be scheduled for surgery.