What is upper GI?

[Keia 4]

I've had my psych consult, had the bloodwork, EKG and met with the dietician. My insurance company makes me complete 6 BLAST (Bariatric Life After Surgery). I've been reading other people's posts about having their upper GI. What is that?

[jllybean1982 0]

its a test where you have to swallow stuff so they can make sure everything goes down properly. they give you this stuff that tastes like alka selzer to fill your belly up with air. then they make you drink contrast and swallow it. While you are swallowing, they are taking pics/xrays of your esophagus/belly to make sure everything is okay.

[danielle b 32]

Well mine didn't taste like alka seltzer....you drink this thick, chalky liquid called Barium. By the end of my test, I thought I was going to puck.....then about 30 minutes later, I had a severe cramp on my left side....I had a reaction to the Barium. Cramp lasted about 7 hours. It is not very often that happens....:thumbup: Good luck!

[Keia 4]

Thanks. There's a lot of stuff I still have to learn.

[jllybean1982 0]

Don't worry Danielle, I drank the chalky stuff too and it was horrible! They did give me this stuff that tasted like Alka Selzer first though. It is used to expand your stomach, so they can see better when you swallow the chalky stuff. AND it was NASTY!!!!!!!!! Keia, it doesn't take very long, so don't worry!