xray advice please

October 24, 2003

I had gastric banding surgery and I then had a barium xray the day after surgery, then another 5 weeks later to check the 1st fill, but my surgeon said another xray might be needed when I get a 2nd fill.

My question is surely 3 bariums xays is a lot to have in 8 weeks as I have heard that, these type of xrays are quite high in radiation.

How many other Bandsters have bariums so regular, as I am very concerned and might refuse the 3rd.

I would be very grateful of any comments please

donali · October 24, 2003

Hi Carol -

I don't know if what you're calling a "barium x-ray" is the same as fluoroscope. Fluoroscope is an x-ray but works like an ultra-sound in that it shows movement, instead of being a fixed picture.

It is my understanding that fluoroscope radiation is very low, and that we get more of the harmful radiation from the sun than we do from fluoro. I have had 4 fills, all done under fluoro, between March and October.

I of course do not know that it's low for a fact, but it's not one of my worries.

GingerRenayd2 · October 24, 2003

Oh I hope that is not true. That berry junk you drink makes me really sick. I just had surgery on 10-8 so my first fill will not be till mid November.

I better check into that.. Thanks for the heads up!

quakergirl · October 24, 2003

I don't think that many x-rays are typical. I only had one barium x-ray right before I left the hospital, and that was it (haven't even needed a fluoroscope for fills; my surgeon just finds the port by touch).

If you're really worried about getting Xrays, I definitely think you should tell the doc your concerns. As long as you are not experiencing symptoms like vomiting or not losing any weight, I don't see why he would have to check the band's position so much.

alicia · October 25, 2003

The fluoroscope (barium swallow) with fills is a normal procedure and many doctors (not all) utilize it to ensure proper restriction. The amount of radiation you receive is low. You would get more radiation from a 3 hour flight on an airplane than from this simple and quick procedure.

I was a nuclear medicine technologist and am well versed in radiation safety. I have no concerns what so ever in the amount of radiaiton I will receive from this procedure, even if I have to have 10 fills in one year. Besides I'd rather have my fills by fluoro than not; how would the doctor know if the barium can pass through the newly adjusted opening?

But please talk to your doctor for reassurance. (If you are pregnant you MUST inform your doctor.)

Alexandra · October 25, 2003

Thanks for posting that great information, Alicia! I have to admit that the LAST thing I'd ever think about is the amount of radiation from an x-ray. I guess I just figure that unless I'm having them daily for a year there's really nothing to worry about. I have no scientific basis for that belief, but I'm happy. :cool: