Does anyone know what they use for contrast during the leak test? I have final consult with my surgeon Thursday, but the question just hit me. A few years ago I had an anaphylactic reaction to gandolium (MRI contrast dye) and now drs won't take any chances with that.

I had just assumed it would be a barium swallow, but then I started thinking "how are u able to swallow enough?" Just curious.

Thanks ????

I had to drink barium. I don't know if that is the standard for a leak test. But it was served to me in one of those paper cups they use when bringing a patient their meds.

It wasn't very much, maybe a tablespoon or 2. I had to drink it in 2 swallows. I drank the first bit, had to wait a few seconds and then drank the other half. It was tough, but I got it down.

Edited January 9, 201511 yr by joatsaint

Just hold your nose and drink it down. I didn't taste a thing and it was down no problem. You'll be fine

You won't get gandolium, that's for MRI scans. The barium will be fine. Not tasty, but fine.

@@amyecpa They use barium sulfate. It's two chemicals mixed together,Barium sulfate is in a group of drugs called contrast agents. Barium sulfate works by coating the inside of your esophagus, stomach, or intestines which allows them to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Barium sulfate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

@@amyecpa Oh and you will get it down but I'm not going to lie it taste disgusting!! And I had to do it twice!! Just keep thinking the positive! It's a good test for reassurance and safety. Good luck

I don't remember doing any leak test with my surgery???

When do they do a leak test? On your first follow-up?

Typically the day after surgery.

They did my leak test as part of the surgery.

@@GoGirl2014 They did mine the day after surgery and then again at my one week checkup

Thank you @Elode. My follow-up is in 2 weeks. I will ask about it then. If they did anything in the hospital I was not aware of it- don't remember any talk of it at all.

I had the leak test. I had to lie in a table then they tilted the table up so u kinda standing up n u drink that stuff. I was only able to keep it down for like 3 mins n up it came. Next day had to repeat it but kept it down a Little longer cuz I took small sips lmaoo. The lady was like I need u to take a big gulp. After the 3rd gulp it came back up, but I had no leak