Radiology Tests - From a Pre-Op Perspective

Hey everyone... I'm a step closer to surgery. Today I had THREE appointments in the Radiology Department. They did a chest x-ray (I think they were primarily interested in my lungs), an ultrasound (they seemed to focus on the spleen, liver, stomach and maybe kidneys), and an Upper GI. The GI was disgusting. The barium was bad but not nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

There were some details about the Upper GI that I wasn't prepared for so I figured I'd share here in case there are any other pre-ops that want to be aware.

#1 Before drinking the dreadful barium, I was asked to swallw a medicine up full of "pop rock" like contents and immediately flush with water. This was supposed to cause my stomach and digestive tract to expand so they could see better. I couldn't swallow them and they kept blowing up in my mouth so they did the test without it. If you can't swallow them, it's not a big deal.

#2 The test was conducted on a table that rotated beginning from a standing position to laying on my back and stomach. I was asked to drink barium in between. At this point, the barium wasn't as thick and tasted slightly better because they made it thinner and put vanilla flavoring inside.

#3 This hasn't happened to me yet but I was told that stools may become white after the study and that barium turns rock-like after while so I'll need to drink plenty of fluids afterward. I do that anyway so I'm not too worried.

Now I have to do:

• Cardiology
• EKG with primary doctor
• Sleep Study - scheduled
• Psych Visit
• Nutrition Class
• Support Group seminar
• Blood work
• STOP SMOKING FOR 2 MONTHS in order for surgeon to give me the green light.

The ultrasound is a good thing they did, because they are also looking for stones in your gallbladder.  I didn't know I had any until they did the ultrasound prior and when they found a few stones.  The surgeon went ahead and took it out which I was really thrilled because many folks on here have to have surgery after the weight starts dropping off rapidly.  Not all and some patients are put on a medication after surgery to help prevent stone formation.   Good luck and you are getting a great work-up!!!!   Jane

Thanks, JaneJetson60! I thought it was a bit extreme when I saw the long list of things I had to do but it's best to be safer than sorry. I kept hoping they would tell me they found something medical that was causing the weight gain and I wouldn't need surgery, LOL It didn't't happen but I feel like I'm in good hands.

I hope you will just straight out stop smoking-not just for 2 months!

Sounds like everything else will fall into place soon enough!! :)

Hi PetHairMagnet,

Yes, I'm going to stop smoking for good. They scared me straight with all the ulcer talk. Besides, I want to be healthier all around. I've quit before and really want it to be better this time around.

This is the same as my list...except I never smoked.  It was the best part of the whole affair because I know that my health is basically excellent.  It is a great feeling.  Of course I had the co-morbidity issues but they were resolved afterwards.  I'm really grateful for the thorough attention to my health by my surgeon.

Thanks... good to know I'm not alone. Although there are several things on my list, it's not as long as some. I also appreciate only having to do 3 months of medical weight management.

Be prepared for delays.  My 3  month schedule turned into 4 1/2 months for things like surgeon vacations, a heart cath. that was an unexpected test, and etc.  It didn't matter in the end because I was losing weight the whole time.

Good luck to you.  

Thanks for the heads up. I don't mind. I'm not rushing. There is actually a group of us at work all starting the process. I'm a little ahead of them so I don't mind waiting a bit. I'd actually prefer to do this after the summer so I can make my "debut" next year when it gets warm. LOL