Upper GI test... what's it like?

[PatientEleventyBillion 851]

14 minutes ago, PatientEleventyBillion said:

Mine was a barium swallow.

Couldn't eat or drink anything for 8 hours.. as a diabetic this was torture.

Then I was given some super tangy pellets that looked like uncolored dippin' dots.

Then they made me swallow 6 cups of barium Fluid, which is just disgusting.. not sure what's worse, barium drink or Glucerna.

Then they took some x-rays of me. Then I had to drink more barium drink, they flipped me nearly upside down on this same machine, took more x-rays, then I lied down in different positions with them taking more x-rays.

I hadn't started my liquid diet yet at that point so I rushed to get a burger to stop feeling sick to my stomach.

Then of course poop turned fricken pale gray for 2 days because of the barium.

Oh yes, before I forget.. the tangy pellets they gave me were gas pellets that effectively inflated my stomach causing gas to build up. I could not burp or swallow or else they would give me more. Not to mention the swallowing thing would give tremendous gas. Thankfully I made it. Afterwards was also burping my head off.

Edited March 7, 2017 by PatientEleventyBillion

[SeaShells82 96]

I think people are talking about 2 very different tests. An EGD is typically done under conscious sedation (groggy/out of it, not necessarily 100% out but you won't remember it afterwards) and involves a scope with a camera being advanced down your throat, into your stomach and the beginning of your intestines so that the physician can actually see the organs. It is an outpatient procedure but you will need someone to drive you home afterwards because you'll be loopy. Think of it as a colonoscopy but for the top half of your body.

An Upper GI is done by x-ray and involves drinking a contrast solution and requires no sedation as it is entirely non-invasive. You will have to drink a thick, chalky Fluid and most likely be required to roll around on the table to help completely coat the inside of your stomach with the barium. Then you will drink a thinner contrast liquid while they take multiple x-rays. It's actually a pretty interesting process and the science nerd in me was fascinated watching each sip going down on the screen!

[PatientEleventyBillion 851]

12 minutes ago, SeaShells82 said:

I think people are talking about 2 very different tests. An EGD is typically done under conscious sedation (groggy/out of it, not necessarily 100% out but you won't remember it afterwards) and involves a scope with a camera being advanced down your throat, into your stomach and the beginning of your intestines so that the physician can actually see the organs. It is an outpatient procedure but you will need someone to drive you home afterwards because you'll be loopy. Think of it as a colonoscopy but for the top half of your body.

An Upper GI is done by x-ray and involves drinking a contrast solution and requires no sedation as it is entirely non-invasive. You will have to drink a thick, chalky Fluid and most likely be required to roll around on the table to help completely coat the inside of your stomach with the barium. Then you will drink a thinner contrast liquid while they take multiple x-rays. It's actually a pretty interesting process and the science nerd in me was fascinated watching each sip going down on the screen!

Yeah, I'm thinking some people don't need both or don't get both so they might think there's only one procedure.

But given my GERD that's lasted quite a long time regardless of my weight, they said I was a must for both of these.

If one just goes into a clinic with an Upper GI stated on a requisition, they're likely doing the barium swallow.

If they go to a day surgery department in a hospital, that's the EGD. Edit: I've heard that some people have it done at private doctors offices in the US. Never had surgery my entire life living in the US (this will be 2 in Canada) so take this post here with a grain of salt.

Edited March 7, 2017 by PatientEleventyBillion

[Newme17 3,444]

I've actually done both tests. The EGD and the Upper GI. I wasn't awake at all for the EGD and it wasn't uncomfortable at all for the Upper GI (had it few years back).

[Tashagirlxo 41]

So you're put under for the test? That's kind of awesome, because I've never had a surgery and have never been put under so this will be good practice. Thanks!

Yeah I looked at it as practice. They do everything as if you're getting a surgery

[az062217vsg 40]

I have my EGD on Friday! One step closer to surgery.

[vsg_queendiet 73]

My upper gi was swallowing different types of liquid and you lay and stand on this table and they pictures of it going down. Alot of doctors do this test before surgery to check your acid reflux. Because the sleeve causes tons of acid reflux.
Upper Endoscopy is different from the upper gi. They send a camera down to your stomach to check the size and if you have any hernias so there not surprise when they go in on day of surgery.




HW: 420 (January 2016)
CW: 273 (March 2017)

Instagram: vsg_queendiet

[talkingmountain 83]

6 hours ago, clc9 said:

I wasn't put under. An Upper GI, they usually have you drink a barium solution (like a gross chalky milkshake) then roll you around to distribute it, then have you drink sips periodically as they take xrays from lots of different angles.

No cameras down your throat.

Yup, that's what mine was like too. The solution was disgusting but the test itself was painless.

[recreatingcate 132]

It kinda seems like you're getting answers on two different procedures..

The Upper GI (UGI Xray) is when you go in, drink a milkshake consistency like liquid with barium in it, and the tech takes different pictures of you swallowing to make sure everything is normal. They might even take some pictures of everything floating around in your tummy to check that out, too. You'll be awake, and it should only take about twenty minutes.

The endoscopy (EGD) is when you go in and get put to sleep with anesthesia so that the doctor can put a camera down your throat and take pictures of the inside of your esophagus/tummy, and typically look for a hernia. You will need a ride home from the hospital because you're being put out, so they usually won't let you drive. It's a good nap, you're sleeping for about an hour.

Hope this is helpful! Good luck on your journey!

Edited March 9, 2017 by recreatingcate

[GMen88 70]

It kinda seems like you're getting answers on two different procedures..
The Upper GI (UGI Xray) is when you go in, drink a milkshake consistency like liquid with barium in it, and the tech takes different pictures of you swallowing to make sure everything is normal. They might even take some pictures of everything floating around in your tummy to check that out, too. You'll be awake, and it should only take about twenty minutes.

The endoscopy (EGD) is when you go in and get put to sleep with anesthesia so that the doctor can put a camera down your throat and take pictures of the inside of your esophagus/tummy, and typically look for a hernia. You will need a ride home from the hospital because you're being put out, so they usually won't let you drive. It's a good nap, you're sleeping for about an hour.
Hope this is helpful! Good luck on your journey! [emoji4]

That's perfect! Thanks for making the distinction between the two. My surgeon only asked that I get an Upper GI test done, not and endoscopy. Good to know the difference. Thank you so much!

[BigDog Bryan 262]

1 - Arrive at the Gastro Office

2 - Put on the "suit" (Surgical Gown) and get the IV started

3 - Meet the Anesthesiologist

4 - Roll into the room

5 - OUT COLD

6 - Wake up in Recovery - ALL DONE

[Kimba Maria Wiggins 81]

Mine was a barium swallow. I had to take sips and move around while my doctor took x-rays. No being put to sleep and a camera down my throat.