Question:
I am horrified about being given a feeding tube during WLS.

I haven't heard of anyone else having one. I take no meds and don't have any health problems other than my weight. I don't understand why a feeding tube is a routine procedure. Any thoughts or comments, please.    — Marie M. (posted on November 12, 2000)

November 12, 2000
I had an open RNY and did NOT have a feeding tube. When I came out of anesthestia, I had a catheter and a PCA IV, but no tubes in my mouth or nose. I had no surgical complications.
   — Nanette T.

November 12, 2000
This sounds strange to me. If I was you I would double check about this tube because my understanding is that our stomach pouch is so small and the opening to it is so small that RNY patients are not allowed to have feeding tubes at any time, not even after surgery. As a matter of fact, I would think it would really be bad after surgery because your stomach is so swollen from the surgical procedure. I'm not a doctor but I would make sure before I let anyone put a feeding tube in me.
   — christine L.

November 12, 2000
I didn't have a feeding tube. Talk to your doctor - he/she can explain exactly what you can expect.
   — georgiacarol

November 12, 2000
Lots of people have this after surgery. Some people call it a G-tube. It is a tube that goes in through your abdomen into your "old" lower stomach. In case you have trouble eating, drinking, or taking your medications after surgery, they can put those things in through the g-tube to sustain you until you recover. Lots of people have said this tube turned out to be a life-saver for them. At worst, it will probably just be an annoyance for a week or two. Don't confuse it with the j-p drain which is a tube under your abdominal tissue to drain excess fluids under the incision, nor with the n-g tube which goes up your nose and suctions out your new stomach pouch for the first day or two after surgery. If this tube really scares you, talk it over with your surgeon. I bet he will be able to put your mind at ease. Good Luck!
   — Lynn K.

November 12, 2000
Marie, I loved my Feeding Tube. It makes it so easy to get in all the protein and water. You don't have to worry what the protein tastes like, because it bypasses your taste buds!! It is easy to put liquid meds in also. At times, I wish I still had mine!!! It made life alittle easier. Good Luck and God Bless You --
   — CohenHeart

November 12, 2000
Marie, I read some of the other responses and just want to put your mind at ease. The feeding tube is NOT a big deal but is does ensure that you get adequate nutrition until your "new" stomach can handle "real" food. The tube goes into the "old" stomach (not your nose or mouth) which is much better at absorbing vitamins and minerals. Please remember that part of this operation is that the "new" stomach will never absorb as much of what you eat as the old one. This includes the bad fats but also the good vitamins. I had open RNY on 6/23/00 and my surgeon gives all his patients the feeding tube. He says that good nutrition the first 6 weeks after surgery is one of the reasons so many of his patients don't have problems with hair loss and bad skin six months down the road after surgery. I am now 5 months post op and down over 70 pounds. I have had no complications. I was not thrilled with the tube while it was in but as soon as I had to taste the protien drink I had been pouring into it...well let's just say I kinda missed the little bugger. Good luck and hang in there! Andie
   — Andrea P.

November 13, 2000
Yes, some are confused about the various tubes. The feeding tube you are thinking about is also called a G-tube or Gastric Tube. It protrudes through your skin after surgery from your "old" stomach to shrink it, drain lots of gastric juices, etc. Through this tube, they can also insert medication and yes, nutrition, if need be. My g-tube stayed in for a couple of weeks following surgery. I never took any nutrition through it, but they did give me some medicines through it while in the hospital. In the hospital for a few days, the tube drained into a bag which the nurses emptied daily or whenever need be. Before I went home, the bag was removed and only about 6 inches of the tube were left hanging and a little cap was put on the end. Periodically throughout the day, I would go stand by the sink, remove the cap, and drain the contents of the tube into the sink. The amount draining slows down each day. It seems an odd thing to do, but its fine and didn't hurt when my personal physician removed it the same day he removed my staples. (my surgeon was 3 and 1/2 hours away, so my personal doc did these things.) Hope this helps clear up things for you.
   — Cindy H.