questions about barium

October 13, 2003

When do you have to do the barium? Also is there any kind of testing they put you through b/4 the surgery?

Thanks for any info.

Dawn

quakergirl · October 13, 2003

For me they did the barium test the day after surgery.

Only pre-op tests I needed were blood tests and an EKG.

Ginger2120 · October 13, 2003

My surgeron requires that everyone have an upper GI as part of pre-op testing. It wasn't fun, but it could have been worse, she could have wanted an lower GI!

Alexandra · October 13, 2003

Everyone has to have some sort of swallow test before being released from the hospital after surgery. That's how they know the band was placed correctly and that you can take in nutrients. In my case they didn't use barium, but some other sort of radio-opaque Fluid that tasted absolutely vile.

From what I hear, barium will be a pleasant change. I'm hoping that's what will be used at my fill later this week, which will be done under fluoroscopy.

GingerRenayd2 · October 13, 2003

NOT ME!

I had my surgery done in Indiana by a great doctor-Dr. Evanson

He has been doing and watching the lapband surgery for 3 years now. He said if you can get liquid down and if he sees no problems durning surgery than no upper Gi before you leave the hospital. If you are doing okay with liquids there is really no reason to put you though the grossness (if that is even a word) of the GI.

I'd ask your doctor.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

donali · October 13, 2003

Me neither. My surgery was late afternoon, and I didn't have anything by mouth except ice chips until the next morning. I was given hot tea with brown sugar, orange juice, and something else I can't recall.

When the doc came in later that day he asked how everything went down, and I said fine. I was released that afternoon.

No barium until my first fill.

Alexandra · October 13, 2003

That's really interesting, Ginger and Donali. I didn't know that some people are released without any x-ray or swallow testing. The variations among pre- and post-op care are amazing!

marsha · October 13, 2003

My pre-op tests included an upper gi, gallbladder ultrasound, esphageal motility test (this was the worst test), chest xray and blood work!

I'm also amazed at the differences in pre and post op testing and pre and post op diets! I guess there really isn't a "Standard" for what is needed prior to and after lap band surgery. It seems to be up to the surgeon.

Marsha

October 15, 2003

Thanks soooo much for all the info everyone emailed on barium and testing b/4 surgery. LOL

Dawn

soon2bskinny · October 16, 2003

I had my surgery done in Mexico and the only pre-op tests (EKG and blood work) are done after you have been given "na na land" meds and they are done in the operating room. I also had no post-op tests before leaving the hospital. I had a liquid Breakfast and when there was no trouble with that I left. I guess everywhere is different.

donali · October 16, 2003

I had my surgery done in Mexico, as well, but had all my tests the day prior to surgery. This included blood work, EKG/meeting with a cardiologist, meeting with a nutritionist and a counselor. The day of surgery I met with a respiratory therapist, and the anesthesiologist.

I did not have any post-op tests, only a liquid Breakfast.

I felt that all the pre-op stuff was very thorough, and did not give a thought to any post-op stuff... lol