Still Pre-Op But How Do They Test For Leaks After Surgery?

[MaryDrew 41]

I was wondering how they test if there are leaks after your surgery? Also, do many people have to have drains? Anything else I should know?

[Ailly 32]

Day after surgery I walked down to radiology and into a small room where my surgeon was standing next to an X-ray machine. I was handed a 1 oz cup of clear liquid to drink as I stood in front of the machine and watched it empty into my new stomach on a screen. I did not have a drain. One 1/2 inch incision, four 1 inch incisions and one two inch incision.

[traceyc 89]

Same as Ailly. I had to stand in front of the xray and swallow the liquid while they recorded the day after my surgery. It was about 4 small sips. They try to make it taste better with some orange flavor or something but it is gross. I did not have a drain either.

The best thing to know going in is to be patient. It can get frustrating being on liquids or purees for awhile or having pains from surgery or gas but they will get better. You will have stalls on the scale, but measure yourself before so you can track inches too. I have been mostly stalled on the scale since July but have gone down two pant sizes.

[kyllfalcon 768]

Same here. My surgeon did not routinely test for leaks, but I had a low grade fever for a couple of weeks. I had to drink nastiness and was put in an xray machine with a bed, which tilted this way and that and I had to turn this way and that, so they could video the nastiness as it made its way down. Not painful, just a pain.

I did have drains. They were not bad or painful, just in the way. They were removed the morning I left the hospital.

Eight months out it's all fuzzy and surreal. None of that mattered past the moment in which it occurred. What matters is the end result! And you will love that!!

[300PoundsDown 101]

Same with me. I just swallowed something so they could watch it pass through you. It isn't that difficult although the taste is gross!

[MaryDrew 41]

Thanks everyone. I just like to be prepared.

[shamr0ck 14]

They tested for leaks during my surgery, before closing me up. Then 2 days post op, i had to drink a very thin barium liquid while in front of the xray machine. Very cool to see the new anatomy.

I did have a drain, it was removed after the post-op leak test. Most uncomfortable part of the surgery, in my opinion.