endoscopy after bypass? advice?

Well, partial good news from the oncologists.  My MRI and ultrasound came back "unremarkable" (which they had expected).  They consulted with each other, and one of them talked to Dr. Pupkova as well.  They've pretty much discounted all of the lesions except the one on the small intestine.  For that one, instead of doing a laparoscopic exploratory, they want to try to do an "upper GI endoscopy" with a possible biopsy of the lesion.  

I asked the doc whether the scope would fit through the anastomosis and he seemed very confident that it would.  Keep in mind that I don't have a full bypass at this point... just the small pouch at the top of the stomach, connected to the larger 'original' stomach which is still connected to the small intestine.  Kinda like a "sewn" lap band.

My questions for you guys, though, are whether any of you have had anything like this done... and if so, what was your experience?  Were you "out" completely?  Were there any complications that might be expected for a bypass patient that would be different than the regular population?  Any advice you can offer? Thoughts on recovery time?  This actually has me more freaked than the though of another lap procedure!  

Thanks!
Karen

As far as the endoscopy it is nothing!  You are totally out and will just wake up with a bothersome sore throat. Make sure that the Dr doing the procedure is 100% aware that you have had WLS, the pouch is small and fragile and they have to take extra care passing into/through it.

You will be fine afterwards - I think no driving for 24 hours because of the anestesia but I was fine that afternoon and the next day. I did drive myself to work the next morning too - had to!

Good luck with and let's hope that this too is nothing!

Liz

I agree with Liz -- it's nothing!  I had one done about eight weeks after my surgery because of some pain I had (turned out to be damage from my pre-surgery acid reflux, oy!).  I was super nervous about my pouch being hurt, but it turned out I had nothing to worry about.  

Good luck with it.  I'm very happy to hear that so far your news from the oncologists has been good news. I hope that continues for you!

Lesley

 Been there done that, many times before and after RNY.  Ulcers.  You will be fine.  Can't drive for 24 hours afterward.  Can't eat before, just like surgery.  You will sleep like  a baby, and wake up a little sore in your throat. 

Planning it for the end of the week is a good idea, if you can.  My gastro doc only does them on Wednesdays.  I am due for my other end test, as I am over 50, and am waiting for summer vacation for it.

Hugs,
Trish

Trish,

Been there, done that on the other end, due to a significant history of early colon cancer in my family (dad diagnosed at 39).  That's a test you want to schedule for a MONDAY, because the prep is worse than the test itself!  And also one that you have to make sure to remind them you have bypass for, because of the issue of how much you have to drink during prep and how quickly...and what type of laxatives, too...

Good luck!

Karen

The endoscopy is really no big deal. I used Ginsberg and highly recommend him. My local guy refereed me and claims he`s the best.

Gregory G. Ginsberg, MD
Director, Endoscopic Services
Gastroenterology - Gastrointestinal Cancers, General Gastroenterology Consultation, Interventional Endoscopy

http://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p16860

https://secure.pennhealth.com/wagform/MainPage.aspx?config=a pptrequest

Thanks, Liz!  That's so reassuring!

The oncologist I'm working with for it is great...seems VERY knowledgeable about WLS and is very much aware of my pouch and its "newness" :-).

Might make sense for me to either plan to take the next day off or to schedule the procedure for a Friday, just in case. 

Thanks, as always, for the great advice!
Karen