What's this 'leak test' like?

[sarahgirrl 12]

Hi everyone! I am scheduled to have my sleeve surgery on 2/27 and I am getting really, really nervous. I have been reading everything I could on what to expect, but im curious about the leak test that will be done in the hospital before we can drink liquids. What is all involved in this? Do we have to drink something? I had an upper GI test done before I got my surgery date to make sure everything was ok and I had to drink a ton of this nasty barium. Im hoping the leak test isnt like that. Thanks for your input!

[NotSoTall 33]

My leak test was an abbreviated version of the upper GI. First I had to take lots of little sips of some sort of Fluid while 3 angles of pics were taken, then repeat with a thicker barium. It wasn't bad, but I definitely told the resident when I couldn't swallow any more of the barium and he didn't insist on more.

That said I've read some other folks have docs who leak test during the surgery or others that haven't done any so there is definitely some variety out there.

Congrats and best wishes!! It will be here before you know.

[LML8789 52]

I didn't have a leak test the next morning--my surgeon checked for leaks during surgery. I think every surgeon is different so ask yours what he does. Here's wishing you a quick recovery! Lisa

[BigGirlPanties 957]

yep, mine did it after surgery, before "sealing me up"

[Nell65 44]

Well I was to do it before I left the hospital, but mother nature put a kabosh on it as the Dr nor the radiologist could get into there because of a snowstorm. I was given the option to stay another day in the hospital or go home. I went home. I have to do it tomorrow at my post op.

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

My surgeon did two - once during surgery and once the day after. The leak test after wasn't really hard - I had to sip the solution b/c I couldn't drink it all at once and the x-ray tech fussed at me for that (I guess he didn't understand ...). But it was pretty cut and dry.

[Z28ChevyCamaro 45]

Drink some thick watery stuff as they watch it flow down to your stomach. Its easy. I had to actually have two. One after surgery, and one a week later because I was re admitted for complications. No sweat.

[purplegerber 29]

Mine wasn't too bad it wasn't Barium. I forget what it it is called but it was probably three sips/gulps and turn here and move here. Then it was all over then he showed my new and improved stomach which was leak free.

[onedaycloser 136]

Must have had mine done in OR because I didn't post-op...Thank God!

[ccaramel27 56]

Hi everyone! I am scheduled to have my sleeve surgery on 2/27 and I am getting really, really nervous. I have been reading everything I could on what to expect, but im curious about the leak test that will be done in the hospital before we can drink liquids. What is all involved in this? Do we have to drink something? I had an upper GI test done before I got my surgery date to make sure everything was ok and I had to drink a ton of this nasty barium. Im hoping the leak test isnt like that. Thanks for your input!

Mine was barium and it's disgusting! The technician called it liquid windex!

[steveelea 61]

I am getting sleeved on the 27th feb also sarahgirrl....I am going for my pre op visit with the surgeon on thursday this week so I will ask him what he does....I am so nervous about surgery.

I had a failed lap band and have decided to have the sleeve but am so scared of complications

[pharmd08 18]

I had one done during surgery and one at 5pm that evening. I had to eat blue dyed ice chips 30cc at 30 minute intervals. It was no big deal.

[steveelea 61]

That sounds easy enough pharmdo8

I hope my surgeon does something that easy too!!!!

[RSifers 39]

I had the leak test a few hours after surgery. They wheeled me down to radiology and took an Cray with me standing up. Then gave me something cherryish mixed with crystal light and had me take a sip then hold my breath about 3 times in a row, while I turned to each side. It went OK, but ya the drink is yucky and I almost threw it up. I think the only thing that kept it down was telling myself how much it was going to hurt if I heeved.and she told me I would have to do it over as well, if I did and there was no way I was going to let that happen. Overall, the whole process from surgery to recovery has gone well for me and I was just as scared and nervous as you and everyone else. Try not to worry and instead focus on the positive! 8 days out and down 14 lbs!!!feeling good and actually looking forward to summer!!

[kj44 215]

I had mine day after. Worst part of the whole procedure. Had to drink bitter yellow stuff and the only thing that kept me from throwing up was the thought of having to start whole test over