Two more things I can check off my list. I got the abdominal sonogram today and the upper GI series. The sonogram wasn't too awful, but I was very self conscious with my huge stomach all exposed and it was painful when she pressed into my ribs (although I have had WAY worse sonograms, this tech was very good). The Upper GI though, was bad. I almost threw up, especially when I had to drink fast from that big straw while laying on my stomach. I tried so hard but I kept gagging. It was a miracle I didn't throw up. Will I have to do the barium again after surgery? If so, can they give you anti-nausea meds to keep from gagging so badly?

14 hours ago, Swanton_Bomb said:

Two more things I can check off my list. I got the abdominal sonogram today and the upper GI series. The sonogram wasn't too awful, but I was very self conscious with my huge stomach all exposed and it was painful when she pressed into my ribs (although I have had WAY worse sonograms, this tech was very good). The Upper GI though, was bad. I almost threw up, especially when I had to drink fast from that big straw while laying on my stomach. I tried so hard but I kept gagging. It was a miracle I didn't throw up. Will I have to do the barium again after surgery? If so, can they give you anti-nausea meds to keep from gagging so badly?

From my understanding, a good portion of sleeve patients will have to do another barium swallow as a "leak test" before they leave the hospital.

Two more things I can check off my list. I got the abdominal sonogram today and the upper GI series. The sonogram wasn't too awful, but I was very self conscious with my huge stomach all exposed and it was painful when she pressed into my ribs (although I have had WAY worse sonograms, this tech was very good). The Upper GI though, was bad. I almost threw up, especially when I had to drink fast from that big straw while laying on my stomach. I tried so hard but I kept gagging. It was a miracle I didn't throw up. Will I have to do the barium again after surgery? If so, can they give you anti-nausea meds to keep from gagging so badly?

I feel your pain! I knew I was committed 100℅ to surgery during the Barium swallow test. Yes you will likely have to do another swallow/leak test after surgery. Ask your team about the the details, but tbh you don't really care when you are on the other side of surgery. In the hospital they will provide you with anti nausea meds, pain management help, etc. just ask for what you need

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Thanks for your replies. Well, at least it is only once more. Hopefully from not so many positions....the laying on my stomach drinking out of that huge straw was the worst. One barium test down, one to go. Onwards to the sleep study tomorrow night.

None of the practices where I live do the swallow test. They do a blue dye test in the OR. There is a chance you will not need it!

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17 hours ago, Swanton_Bomb said:

Two more things I can check off my list. I got the abdominal sonogram today and the upper GI series. The sonogram wasn't too awful, but I was very self conscious with my huge stomach all exposed and it was painful when she pressed into my ribs (although I have had WAY worse sonograms, this tech was very good). The Upper GI though, was bad. I almost threw up, especially when I had to drink fast from that big straw while laying on my stomach. I tried so hard but I kept gagging. It was a miracle I didn't throw up. Will I have to do the barium again after surgery? If so, can they give you anti-nausea meds to keep from gagging so badly?

OMG say what?!?!?! I know surgeons vary on their requirements and such but I've never heard of this before. I know I will have to do a swallow test after the surgery (which I have been warned is awful; ugh not looking forward to that) but you had to do this pre-op as well?

Yes, but I won't complain because at least it is related to surgery, and this surgeon has fewer and more reasonable requirements. Some doctors require a pap smear for goodness sake. The upper GI seems common, it allows the surgeon to see what is in there before he gets in there.

After my sleeve on July 10th before discharge I had a swallownstidy thstvreiired me to drink from a teeny tiny cup. It was next to nothing.

Sorry folks for the misspellings. That required me to drink from a teeny tiny cup.

I did my barium swallow test about 24 hours after my surgery. That was the first thing I was allowed to eat or drink.

It was definitely my least favorite part of this entire process. It tasted like dish soap. Luckily they only gave me about 2 oz. I think I sipped about 1 oz total. I did become nauseated directly after, but I did not wind up throwing up. It passed very quickly though. By the time I was wheeled back to my room I was feeling better and they had all of my clear liquids waiting for me.

It sucks, but it could have been a lot worse :-).