Has anyone had a colonoscopy?

Hi, I am 9 mo out today and lost 74.5 lbs. Very very slow the past few months and I am a bit down about it. My question is: Has anyone out there who has already gone through weight loss surgery had a colonoscopy? With our intestines a bit different, is there any risk? Is there pain? Is it advisable to have one even if there is no suspicion of anything? You know they keep advising everyone over 50 to have one, but I don't want to go thru this if it isn't absolutely necessary. Please help. Thanks! Tootsie (Lap 5/11/04) 255.5/181/145 (135)

Hello Tootsie, I had a colonoscopy in August 2004, it is a lot like the scope and dialation that my surgeon did when I had a stricture. You don't remember a thing. I had the colonoscopy because this doctor (a specialist) thought I might have had a blockage also. I could not eat much and I suffered from constipation so badly. But I haven't had a problem with eating since October. I am able to eat almost anything. Suddenly, this happened. I have not lost anymore weight since about November. I have been on a plateau, and it is kind of discouraging, but I think at least I am not gaining. According to my 9 month checkup about two weeks ago, I had gained 1/2 lb. since October, but it could have been my clothes. Now if it had been 5-10 lbs. I would surely be worried that I am doing something wrong. You and I are just about on the same track it seems. We had our surgery a day apart, and we have lost about the same amout of weight in the same time frame. How is your appetite now? Can you eat anything? I seem to have much more control about what I eat, maybe because I still don't get hunger pains. Does your stomach make a lot of noise after eating? It is like a fighting match is going on inside. Hettie RNY/Lap 212/132/125 5'2" 05/10/2004

Hi Tootsie, I'm over 50 too and I keep putting this off. But we really really REALLY should get our butts to the doctor (lol) and get this test done. If what they say is true and you don't feel a thing (or at least, don't remember feeling a thing), it's awful silly not to have the test. The alternative is pretty awful ... a friend of mine lost her 54-year-old husband to colon cancer, he'd never had a test or showed a symptom until it was way too late. Hope I take my own advice soon! Donna

I agree with you Donna. I was a bit scared to have the test, but I just said a prayer and when thru with it. They did find a few polyps, but they were benig, thank God. I am 54 and I knew that I had to have this test because I had not had one before. I had flexible sigmo (can't remember how to spell it) many years ago, but that was all. I am so glad I did this finally. No, I did not feel a thing or remember either. I had the test done at a gastrointestinal center here in Shreveport, LA. Good luck to you two. Get it done if you haven't already. Hettie RNY/Lap 212/132/125 5'2"

Glad to see this post came up as I have to have one as well. I just spent another four days in the hospital and found out that I am anemic. Due to showing some blood when I have a bowel movement, the Dr wants to investigate. (Which is fine by me) I have been told over and over again that I'll be knocked out fairly well. I hope so. Don't know why the thought of this procedure scares me after all I have been through. Good luck Tootsie and let us know how you make out. Maggie

I had one once before my surgery. I'm not sure if the surgery will affect it or not. I would think so. The only warnings I've ever seen is to avoid nasal intubation. I don't they can 'get up there' far enough, or have the need. Once they give you the sleepy time drugs, you won't feel a thing. I remember them giving it to me, next thing I knew they were telling me to wake up. Not bad at all. I would consult your surgeon first just to make sure though. I don't know about the age part. I am just barely halfway to 50. But it is a good diagnostic tool. That is just my opinion though. Good luck! Don't worry, it'll be fine. Valena Lap RNY 5/3/2004, -122