Question:
Barium Swallow

I am scheduled for a barium swallow next week. I have two concerns, is there concern for radiation exposure and will it harm my pouch in any way? The doctor doing it has no prior experience with gastric bypass and I am too far from my surgeon to go back to him. I am hungry a lot and have been gaining weight even after never getting closer to 50 lbs. from my goal weight. Please advise. Thanks.    — Linda K. (posted on August 3, 2002)

August 3, 2002
I'd call my WLS doc to check on it.
   — KCAllen77

August 3, 2002
I had to have a barium swallow twice immediately after my surgery, once to see if I had a leak (I did) and once a few days later to see if it had healed (luckily it had). I would think if this is how they tested for leaks you should have no problems, but I agree about calling your surgeon just in case.
   — sheltie

August 3, 2002
Linda, Barium is a radioactive element. The radiation exposure in inevitable with this procedure (or any x-ray). That should not be a worry for you, however. Tighter restrictions have been put on the use of radioactive equipment and supplies over the past several years. You would have to be exposed a whole lot more that this to be in any danger of complications from it. I had this once before my rny and the day after. Just imagine you are drinking a very bad batch of vanilla pudding. Good Luck.
   — Tina B.

August 3, 2002
Linda, I almost forgot. Ask for a lead jacket or blanket to be placed over the lower abdomen to protect your ovaries. It is a good idea for any x-ray (even dental). You'll see x-ray tech. males with an apron over their groin area to protect their testes.
   — Tina B.

August 3, 2002
Linda, I am a Radiologic technologist (x-ray tech) and an educatior in the profession (who conveniently happens to be 3 months post op!) I'd like to address your concerns. First of all, the radiation exposure from this exam will far outweigh the benefits from having it done. Although you should always be concerned about radiation exposure from x-rays, you need not worry about the exposure. The technology has advanced so much in the past few years that the exposure has been greatly minimized. I would also like to clear up something from another poster. This individual stated that barium is a radioactive element. This is an incorrect statement. Barium is a contrast medium. Although bones can easily be visualized by an x-ray, soft tissue organs such as our stomachs, small and large intestines, kidneys cannot be seen that well. BY using a contrast medium, such as barium, (when examining the digestive system) these organs can easily been seen and how well they are functioning can be determined. Lastly, the radiologist should be familiar with the surgery. They will take a patient history from you---just tell them why you are having this done. Hope this helps.
   — Jennett I.