Hi

I was wondering if the post op leak test requires you to drink barium. I was told nothing by mouth until I had a leak test. I cannot imagine swallowing barium after surgery. Please advise.

Thanks

That is true and I did not find it too difficult. They tell you drink as fast as you can, I drank it down in two small gulps and didnt feel a thing.

I was anxious to get the test done so I could get something to eat!!

I don't know if my leak test was barium. I didn't ask what the viscous blue fluid was. I just stuck the straw in my mouth and tried to swallow it without turning my teeth blue!

hmm...my leak test stuff was clear...and thick....

I was given a big cup full, and told to keep taking tiny sips over and over...

And I didnt have to drink the whole cup...maybe 1/4 of it.

It was gross tasting, but over fast.

I did it the morning after surgery and I had to drink maybe 45 cc of fluid. It's a contrast mine was not barium and it was awful, i cried.You will survive!

mine was a tiny cup of thick clear fluid--it went down in one gulp--not that big of a deal

Mine, was a Kool-Aid consistency blue/purple drink. They made me take several sips and it was awful tasting!