I had my first visit with my doctor on Monday, and he wants me to get an upper GI.

What are the details of an upper GI? I know they make you drink a Fluid and take pictures of your GI tract. How long does it take? Is the fluid have any effects like upset stomach, vomitting? Does everyone have to have an upper GI done?

Thanks in advance!

Suzette

I had one as part of my Pre-op workup. I had to drink about a shot glass size of really sour fizzy stuff. Then they gave me a cup of the chalky barium to drink. It doesnt really have a taste or smell, it was the consistency of thick, melted milkshake - but it was still gross.

They took xrays while I was drinking the barium standing up. Then they had me lay on the xray table - took several different views without drinking the barium. Then they had me roll onto my stomach - took more pics while I was drinking the barium.

The whole procedure lasted about 5 minutes. I thought I was going to sick during the drinking part of it - I just closed my eyes and concentrated on swallowing the stuff. I did not get sick.

Good Luck to you.

Thanks for the heads up!

Are in a hospital gown? Are you allowed to wear a bra with underwire?

Thanks again!

MaggieB gave you an accurate description so I'll answer your 2nd question.

My experience was hospital gown, bra off but I was allowed to wear my underwear.

kagead

MaggieB gave you an accurate description so I'll answer your 2nd question.

My experience was hospital gown, bra off but I was allowed to wear my underwear.

kagead

Hospital gown, bra off, mypants stayed on.

Hospital gown, no bra.....my experience was different. It took about 45 minutes to do mine. The barium is disgusting, I had way more than a cup to drink. And about an hour after the test, I had a very bad cramp on my right side that didn't go away for 8 hours, doctor said I had a reaction to the barium. Good luck to you....

I work in xray at a hospital. upper gi studies are pretty quick. they will have you drink some barium, have you move on your side drinking it, etc. they will probably have you 'swallow "fizzies," similar to alka seltzer to expand your stomach. at the end sometimes they will have you swallow a pill that they can see on the xrays and how it goes into your stomach, of it gets caught up or not. Overall a fairly simple procedure. Better than a small bowel study, which people can be there for hours. with Upper gi you have to be undressed with just a gown, pants may be ok. hope this helps ya