Question:
Post-op upper GI?

I am pre op RNY and recently went to one of the required support groups. I found out there that my surgeon does not do the upper GI post op unless your heart rate is elevated, or there are other signs that you may have a leak. I have heard nothing but great things about my surgeon, but it bothers me that they will not do the upper GI to make sure all is well before I leave the hospital. The nurse at the support group said they will test the pouch with fluid during surgery. Should I be concerned? Has anyone NOT had the upper GI at the hospital and done fine? Thanks!!    — Clumsybarbie (posted on May 21, 2009)

May 22, 2009
I did not have an upper GI after surgery and have done fine. I did not ask about my surgeon about this, but I assume he only does one if signs are there to indicate possible problems. I would go with what you have heard about your surgeon's abilities and if you are really concerned about this particular issue, talk to him about it specifically before surgery.
   — Renee W.

May 22, 2009
I have not had an upper GI post op...I am 5.4 years po. I believe surgeons have different skill levels and experience...Some will check their own work and some don't feel it is necessary...Your surgeon doesn't have any of his stats on OH when I clicked on his name in your profile; only pages of patient reviews...wow! He is loved! You can always ask him about it if it really bothers you...I learned long ago that our surgeons are all very different in their opinions on diet, how we eat, what labs to do, vitamins to take, and general protocol. It is based on THEIR experience with RNY and whatever classes they took on nutrition,and what their own patients have experienced, etc...Ask him questions...He's the only one who can give his reasons for not doing an Upper GI...I never asked I had no reason to doubt my surgeon based on what other surgeons do or do not do and left the hospital with confidence that all was well and healing in only 4 short days...If you are going to trust your surgeon while you are asleep, to cut you open...Trust him to answer your questions while you are AWAKE! :) I asked mine all kinds of questions that I think are pretty silly now! LOL But he answered them all or his staff did when I called with a concern pre op! I'm sure they have heard it all!
   — .Anita R.

May 23, 2009
i think you're lucky not having the upper GI. i had a really bad reaction to the opaque dye.
   — greenpunchbuggie

May 23, 2009
I DID NOT HAVE A POST-OP UPPER GI.MY SURGEON WAS SO COMFORTABLE WITH HIS WORK HE SAID IT WAS NOT NECESSARY.I AM 11 MONTHES POST-OP NOW AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS.IF IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I WOULD WORRY ABOUT THEN I WOULD DEMAND HE DO IT.GOOD LUCK
   — akins33