Question:
Are NG tubes used in all bariatric surgeries?

FOR ALL OF YOU NURSES AND DOCTORS OUT THERE!! I had a complication during the surgery I needed to repair a bariatric complication. My question is, are NG tubes used in all bariatric surgeries and, if so, what are they used for specifically? Are they used to drain the stomach just before the surgery? This is a very important subject for me, so I would appreciate as much specific, clinical information as possible. Thanks for your help :)    — Allison B. (posted on November 28, 2001)

November 28, 2001
Not a professional here but my surgeon doesnt use NG tubes. They are used to keep the stomach empty after surgery.This way you can drink a bit of water after surgery but it doesnt move down the intestine and is no hazard if you had a leak.
   — bob-haller

November 28, 2001
I had lap rny and I didn't have an NG tube.
   — Kimberly L.

November 28, 2001
I had a Lap VBG and the only thing attached to me afterward was my IV. No tubes of any kind.
   — Amy E.

November 29, 2001
No NG tube here! I had open RNY and post op had only my IV for pain control. I am also a nurse, but don't play one on the internet. LOL!! Shelley
   — Shelley.

November 29, 2001
I had no tubes or drains following my lap RNY. For the most part, everything depends on the type of surgical training that your surgeon has received and what techniques he/she has become comfortable with. Ask you surgeon during the first visit what his practice is in this area.
   — Diana T.

September 19, 2003
NG tube here, as well as a Penrose drain, and Jackson-Pratt drain and a g tube. The NG tube was a b*tch. Fortunately, it was also the first one yanked out. I had open RNY, by the way. The NG tube hurt where it rested inside of my adominal area. Hurt like blazes. My stomach would spasm, and that blasted tube just hurt. Don't look at it when they yank it out either - as you can imagine, being in your nose and down your throat, it is coated with stuff that is guaranteed to get your gorge rising. Fortunately, I only had to put up with the pain for 3 days before it was removed. Hope this helps. Cathy.
   — defatbroad

October 13, 2003
I haven't had my surgery yet, but my surgeon said that the NG tube was to allow gasses to escape from the stomach so that your belly won't get distended after surgery. I was told that the building gasses could be very painful and dangerous. Hope you get a doc or nurse to answer this for you, though.
   — redfearne

October 14, 2003
I had lap RNY and had an NG placed after I was unconscious and removed before I left the OR. No other drains or tubes.
   — koogy