Upper Endoscopy

So after the horrific Manometry I was terrified of the upper endoscopy. Alicia went with me for moral support. For this one I would have an IV put it, which also scared me - second IV I've had. The IV took two tries, but she got it in. They would sedate me - I wouldn't be 'out' but they said most patients do sleep through it. My brothers both told me horror stories of their experiences, so I was a bit worried. They had me in a hospital gown, laying sideways on a bed, and had me put a plastic thing in my mouth to make it easier for them to put the tube down my through, then sedation.

Procedure was easy - I did wake once, gagging on the tube, but I fell back asleep pretty quick. The next thing I knew I was waking in recover with Alicia by my bed. Much more pleasant experience then the Manometry! The IV did leave me with a pretty bruise though!

Manometry

That sucked. Soooo completely sucked! I was scheduled for a Manometry at 10:15, I had the impression it wasn't too bad of a procedure, they would put a small tube up my nose and down my through, then have me take sips of water. They have you fast first, and they numb your nose with a spray to help with the comfort.

First off its good they had me fast, because I have one hell of a gag reflex. I have no problem with my nose being messed with, but once the tube hit my throat, my body said 'NO way!'. I threw up the little bit of water they had me swallow. The pushed it down the rest of the way quickly to get it over with. At this point its suppose to become less noticeable. Nope, not for me. My eyes watered, my nose watered, and tears ran down my face the entire time the tube was in. I tried sooo very hard to do everything they asked, but my body fought me like mad the entire time. Worst medical experience ever.

Consultation appointment with Bariatric Surgeon

So, though Dr. Beingesser recommended Dr. Swartz, and I do trust her opinion, I decided to go with Dr. Higa. Kim has been super with providing information and suggestions. Higa recommended the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG or 'sleeve) over Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. I really had gone into this thinking I would just do the Roux-en-Y like my sister did, but I trust Higa, and this procedure can be converted later if I do not have the desired results long term. He was uncertain of the ovarian cyst removal at the same time, and so added imaging of that to my list of pre-op appointments:

• Nutrition Class
• Psychological Evaluation
• Blood Labs
• Manometry
• Upper Endoscopy
• Ovarian Cyst Imaging

I am happy with my decision, we will see where this takes me next...