What's endoscopy like?

NancyRN · July 30, 2006

I've seen some references to lapband patients undergoing endoscopy. I don't know much about it and would appreciate knowing when it's done, why, and what it feels like. I'm nervous because I hate having anything down my throat. Do you feel it? Do they give you anything to knock you out?:nervous

Alexandra · July 30, 2006

I had one last March after 2.5 years of being banded. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but they knocked me out and I didn't feel a doggone thing! Some people report a sore throat later, but I didn't have any after-effects. As always with me, the worst part was the anaesthesia. If you're good with anaesthesia, you have nothing to fear at all.

It's not a routine part of pre-op or post-op care as far as I know. If you have any gastro-intestinal issues going in, like reflux or a hernia, I imagine an endoscopy would be in order prior to surgery to see what's going on. Post-operatively, it's only used if someone is having symptoms that don't seem to be easily explained: an endoscopy is needed to diagnose erosion, for example. But it's by no means a test done on everyone.

Elisabethsew · July 30, 2006

My surgeon required an endoscopy before surgery and it seems like more and more are. I was not allowed to eat or drink after midnight the night before the endoscopy. On the morning of the procedure, I went into the room and an anesthesiologist started an IV. He gave me a medication called propofol through the IV and I woke up a few minutes later in the recovery area and then went home. The whole thing took about an hour.

robinem · July 30, 2006

I had one because my H Pylori count was high. I went in, got some anesthesia and came out. I had a sore throat for maybe four days afterward. Not much to it.

disneynut · July 30, 2006

I had one a couple of years ago because of severe acid reflux. I went in, got an iv, got some stuff that knocked me out and next thing I knew, I was waking up in recovery wondering when they were going to do it. Shook off the anesthesia and went home shortly afterwards. No sore throat, no nothing. It took no more than a couple of hours from when I got to the hospital until I left and went home.

ItsGottaGo! · July 31, 2006

I've had many, every few years, due to an ulcer I had back in my 20's. It was done right in the dr.'s office most times, but the last time, I had to go to the hospital and have it done. They put me out me some Valium and Demerol I believe (happy juice for sure) and woke me up right there when they were done. I will probably have to have one before my surgery, it's been about 4 years since my last one.

leatha_g · July 31, 2006

Had one in January. I was aware of them beginning to introduce the scope into my throat but don't remember a thing after. I did have a sore throat with both endoscopies I've had. My uvula was extremely swollen for a couple of days, then all was well.