Question:
NG Tube questions
I haven't seen many mention about the NG tubes after surgery and its one of my biggest worries. I know this is going to largely depend on my surgeon, but I need a general idea here. Does everyone have to get them? How long do they generally stay in? Is the removal of the NG tube as awful as I'm imagining? Why can't they put the barium in you thru the NG tube for the leak test post-op? Is the upper GI post-op as yucky as I think its gonna be? — thumpiez (posted on July 29, 2002)
July 29, 2002
I just had my surgery 6 days ago NO NG tube for me I did have a drain
in my side that that to be emptied 2 times daily--it was blood nothing
more--I got it out today---I went for the leak test--the hardest part of
that was to lie still on the table and drink the fluid while in a prone
position--guess if it doesn't leak then not going to
GOod luck and ask your dr about the ng tube... he can tell you
— Linda L.
July 29, 2002
The NG tube was one of my fears as well. The NG tube was in there when I
woke up, but they took it out later that evening. It smart a bit coming
out, but not too bad. I had previously had an NG tube put in while I was
awake.....that didn't go over real well. But the fact that they put it in
while you're asleep makes it much easier to accept!
Good Luck on your surgery!
— jeannieree
July 29, 2002
Hey there, for my open rny I DID have an NG Tube, and unfortunately my
surgeon made me keep mine in for 5 days...I hated every minute of it
because it kept making me gag, which obviously hurt my stomache
incision...but it's nothing to fear, it's mostly just uncomfortable. And
taking it out wasn't a big deal either, ..again...it was uncomfortable, and
made me gag some more, but it's over in seconds and doesn't hurt at all.
It'll totally depend on your surgeon and how you're doing after surgery,
when it comes to how long you'll have yours. Good Luck, and don't worry!
It's minor compaired to the major benefits you'll have once you start
losing weight!
— Jennifer M.
July 29, 2002
Christie, My doctor doesn't do NG tubes, so I can't help you on that one.
As far as the good 'ol contrast you drink post op...well, I think it is
composed of iodine. It is terribly bitter, after taking their pictures of
me swallowing it, they gave me some barium to swallow so they could get
more pics. It was wonderful to have that nasty crap after the first stuff.
I don't know if you can relate, but the brown contrast stuff tastes worse
than a chewed Tylenol and not as bad as Flagyl (Metronidazole). The barium
could be a lot like a bad batch of vanilla pudding. Sorry I could not say
it was great, but it's over pretty quick.
— Tina B.
July 29, 2002
Well, I have surgery next week, and my Dr. does require the NG tube until
they know there is no leak. Your not alone in feeling anxiety about it, I
do too! But, I have heard it's not so bad. As far a upper GI's go (I'm
the expert here, I've had a few already) they are no big deal!
Twice I've done the one where you drink the barium and they take pictures,
and twice I've done the one where they put you to sleep and go in with a
scope. This whole process and all we need to go through is stressful and
the test result in more stress (missing work, worrying that this test may
be the one that stops the process....) I'm rambling now, anyways, I hope I
answered your questions. Good luck to you!
— Dana B.
July 29, 2002
I had my NG tube in for 4 days post op, until the leak test was done. It
was more of an annoyance than anything. I was very nervous about it, but
honestly, the first day or 2 you are pretty out of it, and don't mind. I
learned how to connect and unconnect it to go walking...no big deal! The
worst part was that I have bad sinuses, and my nose was constantly clogged
in that nostril. The leak test IS yucky, but I only had to swallow 3 tiny
sips, and it was over, then they gave me some water to wash it away. The
tube feels weird when pulled out... my nurse pulled it pretty fast, stings
just a bit, then HEAVEN! I could blow my nose and felt 100% better right
then and there! You'll do fine!
— MaryBeth R.
July 29, 2002
That was a biggy for me too. I told my doc that I wouldn't even want
surgery due to the NG tube. He said he pulls it before we awake. He does
the leak test while your still under and you dont' have to drink any yucky
stuff. He has specialized in Bariatric surgery since the early 80's and has
lost 1 patient in 91, so perhaps you can talk to your doc about this
method?? Just a thought.
— ZZ S.
July 29, 2002
I had my NG tube removed 2 days post-op. I was so doped up on morphine,
that I barely remember it being removed. Wasn't a rememberable experience
for me. Good luck with your surgery. You will do fine!
— Christine L.
July 29, 2002
I was really worried about the NG tube also! My surgeon only leaves them
in for 24 hours on the lap patients. So since i had open, I had the NG
tube in for about 5 minutes after I woke up! The upper GI to test for
leaks is really not a big deal. Fortunately, they can't make you chug huge
amounts like regularly since you just had surgery! But, if you do have an
NG tube, they will use that to put the barium in for the leak test. Don't
fret over these things as I did. I promise its no big deal!
— emilyfink
July 29, 2002
Thanks for asking this - I had the exact same question and concerns! Did
you ever notice how something doesn't really occur to you until you see it
asked here, and then it's like: Wow- what a good question!!
— jen41766
July 29, 2002
Not every surgeon uses NG tubes. My surgeon placed my NG tube while I was
still under anesthesia, and he generally leaves them in for 24 hours,
unless there is a good reason to leave it in longer. Removal is not
particularly awful or painful if you make yourself relax. The idea with
the leak test post op is to make sure that your whole upper digestive tract
is operating properly including the esophagus which would be by-passed by
an NG tube (goes straight into the stomach).... the upper GI contrast
medium that they gave me tasted godawful, don't know how I got it down. But
other than that, it wasn't too yucky, and I would do it again to get the
results I've gotten. Margie B
— Marjorie B.
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