CT Scan..how much contrast can you drink?

It is time for my annual CT scan..(making sure the colon cancer never comes back..) and the radiology place doesn't know what to do with me because I can't drink as much contrast as they need me to. How has anyone else handled this?  I can drink about 3 oz at a time.

Julie, I don't know the answer to this, but if your surgeons office tells you,  could you post the answer?  I'm curious becasue I know I'll need one soon!   Mary C

is there any way that one of the IV contrast agents could be substituted?  I was surprised I only had to do two tiny sips for my barium scan the day after surgery.  i know this is probably a specialized scan since you're checking for recurrences. Nuclear scan?

Congratulations on your surgery and the success of your WLS. Be sure to called the CAT scanner outfit and ask them what arrangements or modifications they make for a WLS patient.  You will need to explain to them your situation in great detail.

When you get to the x-ray suite for your CAT scan, the first words at of your amount should be, "I am a weight loss surgery patient, I can only drink 3 ounces at a time".

Most CAT scan places try to make you drink 2 quarts of dye at one setting.  For you that is physically impossible.  Most and knowledgeable x-ray places that have done CAT scans on WLS patients have them drink about one half quart of the dye over about a one hour period of time.  Make sure to bring a book to keep you entertained.  They may have you drink a small amount right before putting you in to the CAT scanner.

Finally, if you can not get your point across, call your WLS surgeon so that his staff can set demonstrate for you.

Dr. Dirk Rodriguez

Deaconess Hospital

Cincinnati, OH

Any information given in this message is general and not intended to address specific

Hello!  I am very familiar with the x-ray world :-) Unfortunately IV contrast and oral contrast serve 2 different purposes.  IV runs through the vessels and the oral fills digestive organs so they can be distinguished from other organs and fluid levels can be evaluated. I would check with your surgeon and the Tech's that will be doing your scan.  Chances are they will tell you to drink what you can or even possibly change what you have to drink.  There are other options like a substance called gastrograffin that you may be able to dilute in clear juice or a clear protein drink.  I would check into that too. Best of luck.  Please post the answer.  I think we are all curious.

Thanks for all your responses!! This is what the Imaging place told me: The day before the CT....start drinking 3 oz per hour 4 hours before bedtime The day of the CT,  4 hours before, drink 3 oz per hour until the scan.