Question:
Can the pre-op endoscopy detect my bulemic history?

I am a recently recovered long-time bulemic. I am in therapy and determined to start a healthier life - the 1st step being wls. My surgeon requires a pre-op endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach. Can the doctor tell I've had past bulemia?? In all the time I was bulemic, I never threw up blood, had stomach pain, really no physical problems that I'm aware of. I know I should divulge my past, but am ashamed and afraid it might hurt my chances on getting the wls. Any info. would be appreciated.    — Carly H. (posted on August 24, 2003)

August 24, 2003
I would encourage you to be honest with your surgeon. Is it fair to hav ehim operate on you without full knowledge od your WHOLE medical history.
   — **willow**

August 24, 2003
I agree with the previous poster, if you haven't told your surgeon you MUST be honest with him/her they need to know your previous medical history and I honestly am not sure you should be doing this if you are worried about them finding out. Take care!
   — Saxbyd

August 24, 2003
I was anorexic and bulemic as a late teenager, and I did have some damage in my esophagus but they thought it was from bad reflux. I was honest about my past. I also had severe constant vomiting with both pregnancies all nine months which can also do damage to the esophagus. For your own good, please be honest. If you do have damage it will be to your benefit to have surgery as cancer risks are much greater with esophageal damage.
   — Happy I.

August 24, 2003
Please be honest with your surgeon. You are trusting him with your life and he is trusting you to be 100% honest with him too about previous medical conditions. And don't be embarrassed or ashamed, there is no reason to feel that way.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 24, 2003
I am assuming you have had a psych eval. If not, then he may require one. I would consider asking your therapist to write him a letter indicating your situation and the progress you have made and that they feel you have this condition under control and are ready, as one can possibly be, for the life of a post-op WLS patient. <p>The only comment I have is, How long has it been since you have been bulemic? How long have you been in therapy? The only reason I ask is to be sure that these habits are truly put to rest before having WLS. The stress of WLS can work on your head big time. I am a 8-year survivor of severe depression after losing 200 lbs back in 94/95. I had no idea the depression existed. Losing weight should have been the best thing I ever did but it turned my life upside down for many years and ultimately I gained it all back. I spent 4-5 years getting my depression under great control. I take my Celexa every day and feel like a totally normal person. However, since surgery my head still plays some occassional games with me. I have lost the weight the same way this time, very fast - 157 lbs in less than 7 months. Some of the same issues are coming up this time. Fortunately I am already in counseling and we are able to work on these things earlier, rather than later, which should help me not let them get a strong hold again. Maybe this time I can finally put the few things that still hang around, to bed for once and for all. My thoughts are with you as your go through this wonderful but confusing and emotional time. Feel free to write me directly if you wish. <p>One last thing, tell your surgeon, but with your head held up high. You are recovered and have taken responsibility for your previous actions. You have nothing to be ashamed about! You have gotten help and have changed and continue to work on the reasons it happened. You should be so PROUD of yourself. It is not an easy thing to overcome. Blessings, Chris D.
   — zoedogcbr

August 24, 2003
In answer to the being able to tell question, I am going to guess and say no. He would much more likely be able to tell from your teeth as bulimic's tend to have excessive wear on their teeth from throwing up the acid from their stomach. It is so much better to be honest with him before the test, otherwise if he does see something he will wonder what else you are hiding. JMO Chris D.
   — zoedogcbr

August 25, 2003
In addition to eroding the esophagus, repeated, long-term vomiting can erode the enamal of your teeth. In short, the odds are good that your doctor will see the damage and put two and two together. It would be best to tell him the truth and get it out into the open. After all, bulemia is an eating disorder, just like overeating, and eating disorder is what brings us to the bariatric surgeon's office in the first place, so he would likely not be surprised. You are trusting this man with your life. Don't you think you can trust him with this information? Be open and be honest. He may have to make decisions based on your past medical history and you want him to make the best, most well-informed decisions possible.
   — cherryswitch