Question:
Questions about tubes...

Does everyone have a tube put in? If not, why do some and not others? Also, how long did you have it in? Did removing it hurt? Also, what is the difference between proximal and distal and why do some have one and some have the other?    — Kimberly S. (posted on December 22, 2002)

December 22, 2002
Hi Kimberly I had an open RNY and had 3 tubes. One in my nose for four days, it keeps your new pouch drained of fluid, one on my left side under the breast, called a G tube, it sits in the old stomach and drains bile and stuff, it stayed in with me when I went home. My surgeon says it has to stay in case of a problem or emergency they could feed me through that tube. It came out on day 12 with my staples. I also had one on the right side that was long and thin, called a JP drain, it sits inside the abdominal cavity and drains fluid built up from surgery. It stayed in for three days. None of the tubes hurt coming out, but felt like long slimy worms coming out. More a weird sensation, not pain. The proximal/distal thing is the amount of bypassed intestine. The more distal it is, or longer the bypass, the more malabsorption and weight loss. This is what my surgeon says, I'm not sure 100%. I had a 100cm bypass which he considers proximal. Hope I have answered a few of your questions. Hugs, Kim S. Open RNY Nov. 4/02 (-38 lbs.)
   — Kim S.

December 22, 2002
I'm not sure which tube you are referring to. I had an NG tube, which went up my nose into my stomach. The doctor pulled it out and it wasn't painful just a bit uncomfortable. That drained liquid out of the stomach and not all doctors use them. There is also the G tube used to drain fluids fromt the body. I didn't have that one. You will need to ask your doctor whether you will have that. There is also the tube from intubation which is the respirator that you breathe on. Everyone gets that. Usually they put it in when you are out and remove it after you wake up. Some don't remember having them. I didn't remember it on the last surgery I had (tummy tuck). But for my WLS, they intubated me while awake and I had to keep the tube for two days. I had a problem moving oxygen in my body. That was uncomfortable and is something I would never want to do again. Thankfully, weight loss has helped me in that area.
   — Lisa N M.

December 22, 2002
Hi there, I had no tubes to speak of at all! I know that in the OR I had the plastic thing in the mouth and throat, but that was put in after I was "out" and before I woke up. Other than that, I had no tubes what so ever.....no feeding tubes, no drain tubes, nothing! I am 5 weeks post-op and have had no problems at all. Love and light,
   — medium

December 22, 2002
Hi Kimberly, I had a JP Tube and a G Tube. JP came out in a week and G Tube 2 weeks. Not a bad thing. I would not worry about it Peter Hopkins
   — Peter H.

December 22, 2002
I had lap RNY and only had the NG tube (down the nose to the stomach). It wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as not being able to drink water. Removing it didn't hurt but wasn't something I would do for a good time. However, removing it meant that I could have ice chips, so I didn't complain! :)
   — ctyst

December 23, 2002
I was intubated, removed before I awoke. I had a g tube that went in the old stomach, had it four weeks and put 64 ounces day liquids and crushed meds through it at home. I had two drainage tubes, but one may have been for gallbladder I am not sure. Honestly when I had the drainage out it did hurt. My dr assistant removed it and just twisted them together and jerked. She had told me it would feel weird like little snakes, but not. The nurse told me that she did not do it the way she was supposed too. If I had it to do over I would have made sure the doctor did it. Now the same assistant remove the gtube and it was painless.
   — Carrie R.