So, I've read a lot of people mention getting an upper GI as part of their pre-op testing. Is this mandatory? I meet with my surgeon on Feb 3rd for an initial consult. I've "flunked out" of this test twice before (for unrelated issues) because I can't drink the barium and keep it down. So, I'm just wondering if this is a test that all surgeons require?

I'm not sure if all surgeons require it, but mine did. I just had it done on Monday. I almost threw up the barium. I had to drink barium 4 years ago, and I threw that one up, but I thought this one was easier. Four years ago I had a cat scan and had to drink two bottles of barium before I could do it. I think I threw up half of the second bottle. For some reason, the Upper GI wasn't that bad.

Does your surgeon have a website? They may list a couple of pre-op tests.

I will be having an upper GI because I have been diagnosed with gastritis in the past. So some surgeons may suggest u having the test to make sure u do not have any ulcers or issues if u have constant indigestion or heartburn. They don't want surprises where they need to place the band.

Mine did not require it, if I'd had a lot of GERD symptoms he would have. HOWEVER mine makes everyone do a barium swallow post-op before they get anything besides ice....Totally sucked, already nauseated from surgery, pain meds, etc then the first thing you get to drink was that stuff...YUCK!

Mine did not require it, if I'd had a lot of GERD symptoms he would have. HOWEVER mine makes everyone do a barium swallow post-op before they get anything besides ice....Totally sucked, already nauseated from surgery, pain meds, etc then the first thing you get to drink was that stuff...YUCK!

Mine required it thank goodness... they found polyps in my stomach and I had to have them removed surgically last Tuesday before I get the band.. to add to that.. I was told that I have a very swollen esophagus...

Why is this a blessing you ask... without the lapband requirement I wouldn't have found out about the polyps, without the removal of the polyps I wouldn't have found out about the swollen esophagus... now I can work with it.. they gave me a different way to take my reflux medicine and cleared me to have the lapband...

So... everything happens for a reason...