4 yrs post RNY, Malnutrition now/tube feedings everyday

Does anyone here have a tube in ther tummy for feedings due to malnutrition? I have to have it in for a min. of 3 months, today is a week and I want it out now. I am so emotional, I just look down and cry (when my kids are in bed) I try to keep my feelings in because every then stresses and wants me to call the Dr. well I hope someone can share that has a simiular problem. thanks! Lori

Please read my profile or recent post. I am currently experiencing sever b12 deficiency due to the stomach not absorbing things after bypass. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope that I do not have to end up going thru what you are. What were your symptoms that made them put in a feeding tube? I am also 4 years post op.

Hi Kimberly! Well since my surgery just over 4yrs ago, I have had 3 blood transfusions, gave birth to my twins only 9 months post op RNY (should have waited longer, at least a year I think) and then on the 4th of July this year I woke up one morning and my whole boby swelled up with water. So it was on a weekend, so I had to go to a ER to make sure I was ok. Had no idea that they were going to tell me I was near death with malnutrition! wow! My blood work was horrible, low everything. but the big thing was my "albumin level" was very low. and I swelled up because of my protien loss, and protiens job is to hold onto my water in my body. So I found this wonderful DR in NYC Dr. Goodman :angel: , and I was admitted to the hospital for 4 days, and had a Picc line put in my arm for enternal feedings. Then went back to the hospital a few days later for another 5 days to get a g-Tube put in my stomach (but they had to put it in my small intestines because of surgery complication). Oh I hate having this in, I have stomach pains all the time now, but I think I might have too much fiber in my feeding formulas, not sure yet though. Hope I helped, LORI :wave:

Lori, I am almost 3 years post and haven't experienced what you are at this point. I am curious though, do you still use protein shakes and how many grams of protein are you required to get? Also how often did you get your labs drawn? I ask because I know what malnutrition is like I did it early on. I still do protein shakes and get my labs drawn every 6 months and continue follow-up with my bariatric surgeon. I know so many who say to get rid of the shakes but I just can't imagine eating enough protein.... I wish you all the best, it will get better and your kids need you. If you can see a therapist or attend support group again, it does help.

Can't you use sublingual vitaman B12? I used that for years for energy before any surgery. it melsts under your tongue--no Gi required.