I'm petrified about having an upper GI endoscopic exam. Is this purely an insurance company requirement? Does anyone know if you self-pay if you can forgo this exam? I don't want to do it; in fact, it's a deal-killer as far as I can see. For those of you who had it, would you describe the experience. They "say" you'll be asleep, but my husband had a colonoscopy that they told him the same thing; he not only wasn't asleep, he watched the procedure on the monitor until it started to HURT and told them. Their response was yeah, it can hurt in the tight turns! That's kept me from having a colonoscopy, period. The upper GI scenario sounds like it'd have the same outcome. Yeah, you'll be asleep (wink, wink) until they've got you in there and it's too late to escape. I'm really freaked out this. I've had a nuclear stress test and Echo cardiogram and that was no biggie, but wouldn't want to repeat it. Can anyone comment on using ins. vs. self-pay, test-wise? Thanks very much.

I'm seeing doctor today for 1st consult. Nervous.:smile2:

I believe it is a surgery requirement not an insurance company mandated thing. There is a medical reason but I can't remember at this point what it was.

If I remember correctly, I was put out for it. But my throat did hurt like hell for a day or two after.

No one says to themselves - hey today I think I will go get a medical test for the fun and pain of it. But saying this is a "deal breaker" Really???

Assuming you went ahead with the band - the pain the day or so after is way worse then the Endo pain. But the up side can be out of this world.

Assuming you didn't get the band you end up with the long term pain and health risk assoicated with being overwieght.

Seems to me like no matter how you slice it there is some pain involued.

Hi,

I didn't have to have an upper GI. It was never mentioned to me along the way, and I went through insurance.

I did have to have a psych exam, a consult with a dietician and have 6 months of a medically supervised weight loss program, as well as 5 years of documented obesity.

I didn't need the upper GI though!

Good luck and try not to let it deter you!

Deal-killer because the whole thing freaks me out. Not the pain, I don't think there'd be any real pain, there'd be real FEAR about having a camera put down your throat. I get freaked out having blood tests; needles are not my thing. IVs, that's another fear situation. They can't put an IV in my arm, it has to go in my hand and that hurts. I insist on Lidocaine before IV insertion and then it's pain free.

IF they can assure me that I'd be OUT BEFORE tube/camera insertion, then OK, fear would be alleviated. But I don't trust doctors/technicians to do what they say. As I said my husband had an IV started for his colonoscopy and whatever they gave him (or didn't give him) had no affect on him. He was wide-awake and watching until it hurt. That's what I mean about they tell you one thing and do something else, but you don't know that's going to happen until you're on the table and they're ready to start, kwim?:smile2:

I had an upper GI and I was out for it. I just remember laying there on the table and they put some stuff in my iv and then I was out. Don't be terrified. Don't let this procedure prevent you from getting your band.

no upper GI for me --- the surgeons said it was not needed.

I THINK it is needed for those people with GERD, hernia, heartburn, etc.

OK, I feel better now hearing that they really do put you out.

As I say I go for the consult today so I'll find out for sure. However, when one of the surgeon's assistants called me she said this was a required test. They don't know my medical history, nor did she ask, so there was no mention of GERD, heartburn, etc. All the tests are done at the hospital which is Cedars-Sinai in West Los Angeles, which is a rather over-whelming place all on its own.

Thanks for telling me your experience that you were put OUT. Maybe someone else will chime in with how their scoping procedure went so I can feel more confident.

Is a 6-month medically supervised diet mandatory as well? No one has told me this. Just wondering what all hoops I'd have to jump through.

the requirements are different -- and depends on the surgeon and also depends on the insurance.

I'm petrified about having an upper GI endoscopic exam. Is this purely an insurance company requirement? Does anyone know if you self-pay if you can forgo this exam? I don't want to do it; in fact, it's a deal-killer as far as I can see. For those of you who had it, would you describe the experience. They "say" you'll be asleep, but my husband had a colonoscopy that they told him the same thing; he not only wasn't asleep, he watched the procedure on the monitor until it started to HURT and told them. Their response was yeah, it can hurt in the tight turns! That's kept me from having a colonoscopy, period. The upper GI scenario sounds like it'd have the same outcome. Yeah, you'll be asleep (wink, wink) until they've got you in there and it's too late to escape. I'm really freaked out this. I've had a nuclear stress test and Echo cardiogram and that was no biggie, but wouldn't want to repeat it. Can anyone comment on using ins. vs. self-pay, test-wise? Thanks very much.

I'm seeing doctor today for 1st consult. Nervous.:smile2:

you really are TOTALLY out for the procedure. first time i had to have one i was scared to death of the entire thing. the anticipation was a million times worse than the test. don't worry, it's really nothing.

An EGD (as the edoscopic camera exam is called) is done under sedation -- my gatreoenterologist used versed when I had one to examine a bleeding ulcer. I only had to do the Upper GI (where you swallow barium) for the surgery but the purpose was to see if there was a hiatal hernia so that the doctor would be prepared to repair it in surgery as the existence of a hiatal hernia would interfere with the operation of the band itself. Both times I had it (for diagnosis of the ulcer and then for follow-up after some treatment), they put the Versed in my IV, sprayed the back of my throat with some numbing stuff, and put a mouthpiece between my teeth which was a guide, and then I was G-O-N-E.

/ Thank you Cathy and Suse! You've helped me relax about this.:smile2:

I had a history of GERD, but was not required to have endoscopy done for the band surgery, just a nuclear stress test and an echo.

However in the past I have had one along with a colonoscopy during the same procedure (I asked the doc if I could have a 2-for-1 special and he said sure).

I think he used Versed, and I warned him I had a very active gag reflex (I gag on tongue depressors!). He said it is all in the prep. They started the IV, he sprayed my throat, I think put the guide in my mouth, and then before picking up the endoscope, he covered my eyes. I was out like a light, came to slightly during the colonoscopy (but not uncomfortably so--just awareness they were doing something). As long as they weren't in my throat, I was a happy camper. I think, like the other poster, I had a dry throat for a day or so, but other than that, no big deal, and no pain.

Even though I had the history of GERD, they didn't require it for surgery. I am happy to report I no longer take the GERD med, or the two cholesterol meds I was on, or the two blood pressure meds (just stopped the last BP med recently). All I take now is Vitamins, and occasionally Sudafed for nasal stuffiness or a mild antihistamine for spring itchiness.

Don't let this stop you from having surgery. It is a big committment to eating right, exercising, and smaller portions (what the band helps you do), but it is worth it.

That's a good one, the 2 for 1 special at the gastro's office. Too funny, well it'd be funny if somebody else would be getting it. Yeah, those guys love to scope away. You're a more brave woman than I. IDK what happened to my husband b/c he had IV and medication for colonoscopy but had no affect. He even asked them, "Aren't you going to put me to sleep?" and the answer was "No." I said WHY did they start an IV then?? I like the part where he covered your eyes. Probably best to do that so you don't even see it coming.

I had a history of GERD, but was not required to have endoscopy done for the band surgery, just a nuclear stress test and an echo.

However in the past I have had one along with a colonoscopy during the same procedure (I asked the doc if I could have a 2-for-1 special and he said sure).

I think he used Versed, and I warned him I had a very active gag reflex (I gag on tongue depressors!). He said it is all in the prep. They started the IV, he sprayed my throat, I think put the guide in my mouth, and then before picking up the endoscope, he covered my eyes. I was out like a light, came to slightly during the colonoscopy (but not uncomfortably so--just awareness they were doing something). As long as they weren't in my throat, I was a happy camper. I think, like the other poster, I had a dry throat for a day or so, but other than that, no big deal, and no pain.

Even though I had the history of GERD, they didn't require it for surgery. I am happy to report I no longer take the GERD med, or the two cholesterol meds I was on, or the two blood pressure meds (just stopped the last BP med recently). All I take now is Vitamins, and occasionally Sudafed for nasal stuffiness or a mild antihistamine for spring itchiness.

Don't let this stop you from having surgery. It is a big committment to eating right, exercising, and smaller portions (what the band helps you do), but it is worth it.

I've had 3 endoscopies. My gastro doctor puts an IV in my hand. Then I bite on this tube thing then - I'm out. I wake up feeling perfectly fine - no sore throat then or the next day. He comes out, gives me pictures of the procedure. I would have this anyday over the upper GI barium swallow. The first time I had that before my surgery I had to have my daughter go with me. I gag easily and was sure I would never be able to swallow that stuff. My fear was greater than the actual procedure. I still don't like to drink that stuff but it was slightly flavored and the radiologists have all been great. I have had it about 4 times now. Just make sure you talk to the gastro doctor first and ask what they use and how "asleep" you are. Don't let this stand in your way of getting the band. Good luck.

Hello everyone!!! I'm new here. I had my upper GI done yesterday May 12,2009... All I had to do was drink some milk like liquid and they took xrays... NO PAIN!!!!!

I wasn't required to have an upper GI. The doc did find a hiatal hernia when she was in there to do the operation and just fixed it then. I think all insurances are different in their requirements. Just check with your surgeon, let them know your fears and you should be fine. Get a surgeon who understands you and will go that extra step to help alleviate your fears. Don't let a test stop you from being banded. You can do this!:crying: