A chest X-ray provides a black and white picture of your lungs, ribs, heart, and diaphragm muscles. This type of pre-operative imaging test is typically performed two to three weeks before surgery and will alert your bariatric surgeon to any heart or lung issues that could cause complications in the operating room.

In most cases, chest X-rays are conducted with the patient standing. A radiologic technician or technologist will help position you against the film, which looks like a large board, so that the clearest picture may be obtained. You will be asked to take in a deep breath just before each picture is taken. The technologist will leave the room or stand behind a screen while your X-ray picture is taken. The results will be ready in a few days.

If any risk factors or underlying conditions are detected, your surgeon will address these issues before performing your bariatric procedure.