G TUBE

I have a date of August 6, 09.  My surgeon mentioned inserting a G-TUBE this time...  Something about "decompression" of the old stomach?   can anyone give me information on this other than what he described to me?  I had two drains with my first surgery... If anyone can describe the purpose for the G-TUBE with the revision surgery i would appreciate it... Also- looking for information concerning care while the  G-TUBE is inserted.

Thanks in advance.

M

What kind of suregery did you have the first time??  And, what are you revising to??
I cannot get into your profile to get any info to help you answer these questions.

-Jamie

i had a RNY open bypass 6/11/02.  I am having a revision to that surgery 8/6/09.

my profile should be open to public now.  thanks for responding.

OK, Thanks!!!  The G-Tube is also referred to as a "feeding tube".  Here is a link from the Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-tube

I would also post this on other boards.  I personally do not have any experience with a feeding tube, but I do remember a few details from someone on another board ( and I am sure that there are more ) said the reasoning was for hydration.


Hope that helps!!!
-Jamie

Hi, I have a feeding tube right now.  I have a J-Tube.  It is my understanding that the two types of feeding tubes.  J and G and it depends on where they are inserted.  A J tube is inserted into the bowel, a G tube is inserted into the stomach.  They are used to avoid food irriatating the the GI tract so you will heal properly.  Also proper nutrition through a feeding tube promotes healing.  My food is a liquid that comes in a can and is delivered over 12 hours at night through an IV pump.  I also deliver water and protien powder mixed with water through a large syringe directly into my J tube.  I believe with a G tube (I am not sure) that you can deliver food faster in a boulus form.  I have to sleep at a 30 degree angle so the liquid food does not back up but goes down like it is supposed to.  I sleep in a very comfortable recliner.

As far as care of the tube.  I just keep it clean and dry with a special tube gauze taped over it.  If you are not inserting food then you have to flu**** with water to keep the liquid food from drying or clogging the tube.  I just flu**** and go.  I tuck the tube into my binder and go about my normal life.

I will say is sucks not being able to taste food.  But after 2 monthes I am used to it.  I know that the important thing is for me to get this nutrition and heal.  I do not feel hungry with the tube feeding, it delivers all the calories I need.  I am losing more slowly at this time but as I said the important thing is to heal right now.

I hope this helps you.

Aloha M-

Jodi speaks from experience. A G tube is placed directly through your skin into your stomach, a J tube would be placed directly through your skin into your jejunum ( small intestine). Either tube allows for direct placement of nutrients into your GI tract- bypassing your mouth and esophagus. In the case of a J tube, it would bypass your stomach entirely.

The single most important nutrient required to heal is protein- if someone is inappetant ( won't eat) because they feel crappy, or cannot eat because of a damaged stomach, or is a poor healer for whatever reason, then the surgeon will place one of these tubes in order to ensure protein/calorie  intake and facilitate healing. You can also be fed intravenously ( TPN or Total Parenteral Nutrition) but it involves placing a central line (specialized catheter into a large blood vessel) and is reserved for more extreme ort long term cases (involves more risk and aftercare).

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/421427-overview


These are probably different from the drains you had after your first surgery- those probably were drains to keep fluid from accumulating in your subcutaneous tissues and are usually pulled after 3-7 days. Nothing goes into those tubes, they are placed to allow healing from the "inside out" in some patients.

Good luck next month! XOLori