question

Hi everyone, I've heard a few people talk about the swallow test after surgery. It does not sound like a pleasant experience. What is that exactly?

oh it is nasty...................... i couldnt wait till it was over. i think i had to at least 4 swallows...... Anita

Mine wasn't too bad. One try. Basically what they do is test your pouch for leaks. Over in an instant. You swallow some kind of liquid and while you are swlalowing, its taking a picture of your pouch looking for leaks. Not too too bad. Marie

Janet, If I recall, you are planning your surgery with Dr Rosati? If that is the case, he does open surgery, rather than laproscopic and does the leak test while he's got you open on the table. Therefore, unless you are symptomatic of a leak (excess pain, fever, etc) he will not do a swallow test. If I am incorrect about your choice of Dr Rosati, the swallow test, although not the most fun thing in the world is a 10 minute test where you swallow a radio-opaque dye and they Xray you while you are swallowing to see if any leaks out of the pouch. Not a big deal, so don't fret! Hugs, Amy

Janet, It really is nothing to worry about, you just have to ask for meds that help with the sick feeling because the stuff is nasty that you have to drink. I had to swallow about 4-5 times and I knew one more would send me over the edge so I told them if they need more then I will have to rest a bid to make sure it did not come back up But it was fine and all was good. It was pretty cool to watch yourself swallow and see it go down on the screen, it was neat! They watch to make sure it goes to the new tummy and then leaves without problems. I wish you all the best! Debra P

my leak test was just a full medicine cup of this blue stuff.. i drank it and if it came out my drain then they knew that there was a problem. i had to do it twice cuz i threw up the first time... but I had some other problems too (see my recent post) Jenny