Oscopy Day!

sophrosyne · May 16, 2007

So, before I can get a lapband, I have to go get an endoscopy/colonoscopy done in a few weeks. Both procedures are going to be done simultaneously. Has anyone else here done that? What should I expect? watch out for? be prepared with?

I've had an endoscopy done once, 14 years ago, but never a colonoscopy. Do they normally do them simultaneously?

sophrosyne · May 17, 2007

<insert Jeapardy theme music>...

My, on this board of thousands, am I the only one to ever be scheduled for a simultaneous endo/colonoscopy? Now, that worries me!

I started on Nexium, to try to heal whatever damage I have going on in there, so that the lapband gets okayed...

sophrosyne · May 17, 2007

Is it just me, or does anybody else hate the new layout?

sophrosyne · May 17, 2007

So, how about those Cubs?

I swear if it wasn't for all the testing, I'd have that dang lapband by now.

Teachlady · May 17, 2007

Nobody's talking to you, eh?? lol Well, I've had a colonoscopy, but not the other and it was not required before I had the lap band surgery. Do you have some issues the doc is concerned about?

sophrosyne · May 17, 2007

The endoscopy is for all the damage severe GERD did during the pregnancy, while I wasn't allowed to take any meds. After delivery, it's taken me a year to be able to swallow meats. So they want to see if the lapband is viable (the surgeon's been pushing for a bypass).

The colonoscopy is 'cause my dad died of colon cancer. I've never had that done before, so I guess it's good to get it done. :/

I just wish it was all being done sooner. Everyone around me is losing weight like crazy from the lapband!

Teachlady · May 17, 2007

Your turn is coming, my dear. Just try and be patient and know that all these tests will insure a successful lapband surgery for you!!

Evilah · May 17, 2007

i have to wait until july, and i have tons of pre-op testing to do. Tomorrow I have an endoscopy! If you read the lap band Dr.'s manual online (put out by inamed) There are warnings and to evaluate the patients eligibility for the surgery, the only way to do so usually is by endoscopy.

I'm on liquids today so I'm kinda groggy, but check out that lap band instruction manual for surgeons and you'll see why an endoscopy is so important. Reading that made me feel better about all this testing!

Evilah (my dr.'s lap band practice is a center of excellence with asbs)

sophrosyne · May 18, 2007

So, if I get an okay on June 18 from the GI guy, how long do you think it'll take to get banded? Hubby wants us to go to Chicago in July, but I don't want to go if it means putting off the surgery! How long does it take usually between the endoscopy and the surgery?

How come there are smileys between each letter when I try to edit my post? That's weird!)

And what's up with the little symbols at the bottom?

Carlene · May 18, 2007

I've had an endoscopy done once, 14 years ago, but never a colonoscopy. Do they normally do them simultaneously?

Sometimes they do. Just be sure they sterilize the equipment between procedures - especially if they do the colonoscopy first. LOL

green · May 18, 2007

I had a colonoscopy. Actually I had two. :tired The first one was awful - lots of pain and she never did get around all the corners and finish the route. The same doc did it again 3 years later and she did a much better job the second time around. I guess practice does make perfect. Make sure they give you lots of drugs. It is less unpleasant that way. With enough drugs you might actually enjoy the experience and you will get to watch yourself on the colon TV network. That can be kind of a trip....:rolleyes

Evilah · May 19, 2007

when you get to the smiley face page, just write in your reason for editing, and press edit my post, then you'll get to a normal pagewhere you can edit the plain text of your post.

Time between endoscopy and surgery varies. For me it is about 2 months.

sophrosyne · May 19, 2007

Two months? I was hoping for two weeks! LOL!

You were awake for your colonoscopy? Last time I had an endoscopy, they gave me some stuff that put me right out. And from what the doc was saying, I'd be out again for the two simultaneous oscopies.

Sigh. Not looking forward to it. Grrrr.

I guess I should have started the process earlier! Oh well. The longer it takes to get the surgery, the older the baby will be and the more able she'll be to climb up on things herself, without me lifting her.

green · May 19, 2007

Oh! Yah! I was awake for both of my colonoscopies. Ugh! This seems to be the way they do 'em in my city. I have heard they take a kinder, gentler approach elsewhere. Colon TV was kinda cool, though....but only if you have enough drugs!

Evilah · May 21, 2007

Well, I have respiratory issues and they limit the amount of meds they'll give you without a breathing tube-- so they gave me as many meds as they could then put a towel over my eyes and did it.

Also, I was drugged and date-raped as a college student, and I was in and out, trying to fight the drugs the whole time. Now when I'm given drugs, I just have an instinct to fight the drugs because I think someone is going to hurt me. (so it's hard to knock me out)

Evilah