Which tests are needed before weight loss surgery?

Before bariatric surgery you will usually need a full blood count, blood sugar, liver and kidney function, lipids, thyroid function and clotting tests, vitamin D, B12 and iron levels, plus an ECG, a chest X-ray and an abdominal ultrasound. These follow the general recommendations of the ASMBS/AACE/TOS perioperative guidelines, 2019; your surgeon sets the final list for you.

Many patients also need an upper endoscopy before surgery to look for reflux, a hiatal hernia or H. pylori, because these can change which operation suits you. A heart, chest or nutrition review may be added if you have related conditions.

Send any recent results to Dr. Yasser’s team on WhatsApp and they will tell you what is missing before your consultation, so you do not repeat tests needlessly.