Do I need a Gastroscopy

[Magic 0]

Hi all,

I got my appt for the midband with Dr Frering in France in Feb.

As I was reading my confirmation letter, it says that the day before the surgery I will sleep in the hospital for a Gastroscopy. They said its an endoscope that goes from the mouth to check out the stomach and intestine.

I got really horrified once I read this, especsially that they will use full anesthesia for the endoscopy one day before the operation. And that menas I would need another anesthesia the following day for the band. So is this normal? And did all of you guys had the gastroscopy/endoscopy? cause i'm freaking out in here:(

[tizag 0]

Hi Magic,

Over the past 5 years I have had about 8 gastroscopes/endoscopes and I promise it sounds much worse than it is!

First, it's common practice to have one done before the banding.

Secondly, they don't put you to sleep, you just get something via IV to make you drowsy for 5 - 10 minutes while they do the procedure.

I just had one last week, so this is how it went. I was lying down on a bed on my left side. The doctor sprayed something in my throat to make it numb so that I wouldn't gag. I then got IV of something that made me feel very good and drowsy. The doctor then put a tub (with a small camera on the end to see inside the esophagus/stomach) in my mouth and told me to swallow. Honestly I remember hearing him say 'swallow', but I have no memory of swallowing anything it all. You are really 'out of it'. It lasted about 5 or 10 minutes, but I don't remember much. I think I did gag a few times, but really, as I write this now I honestly cannot remember!

I "woke up" about 15 minutes after, and enjoyed the side effects of the stuff they gave me via IV for the next hour, and that was it.

I happened to be hospitalized last week (see my post "Unbanded after 4.5 years), but I have had at least 6 of them as outpatient, and within an hour I have always been back to myself, walking around, etc.

The only side-effect I have had almost every time is a sore mouth after because they put something plastic in your mouth to make it easier for the tub to go down, and I guess I must bite pretty hard on it, cause my mouth is sore for a day or two, but that is it.

Really, don't worry!

Good luck!!!

[Magic 0]

Tizag,

You are the angel of mercey:)

I'll tell you why? 20 minutes ago, I checked my post and there was no reply. So I went to read others posts as usual, and then I went to your thread, and I read your long story, every word of it. By the time I finished reading your post, I went back to my question and there is your answer!!!! it seemed like we both read each others posts in the same time:)

Your story was very touchy, and I felt sad at first, then I got really happy as I read "Mom I want some juice" you said you wouldn't have heard this sweet voice if u didn't get the band.

I'm glad you got 2 little angels to spread happines in your life, and I'm glad you are strong.

Thanks for your reply to my question, best of luck to you and all the best:)