I've found a new favorite drink - thin liquid barium! Yummy! And on an unrelated note, if you believe that, I've got some lovely beach-front property on sale in central Kansas.
Anyway, it all started in August when I was about six months out from my gastric sleeve. I found myself craving sweet, cold foods like ice cream, foods that were easy to swallow. At the same time, I could not force myself to eat solid proteins. When I did eat them...well, let's just say it wasn't pretty.
I was sure that this ice cream binge was just another manifestation of my superior ability for getting in my own way. My bariatric surgeon, however, thought it might be a physical problem. Because I trust her completely, I allowed her to schedule an appointment for me to get a series of x-rays known as an upper GI.
Not a happy camper, I reported to the outpatient radiology department on Wednesday. I changed clothes, pleased to note that a single patient gown could cover my new, thinner body. Then I positioned myself on a table that tilted back and forth like a misplaced funhouse ride. Every now and again, a radiology tech held a straw up to my mouth and instructed me to drink more barium.
Suddenly, I heard the radiologist say, "That's it. That's why she's having a hard time with solids."
