Question:
Anyone have extra pain due to G Tube connected to old stomach?

My doctor has begun adding what is called a G Tube which connects the old stomach to the outside world. This tube is then used as supplemental access for additional liquids ( water, Protien shakes) for a 3 to 5 week period following surgery. Now 2 weeks Post Op and still very painful HELP...    — Don S. (posted on February 27, 2003)

February 27, 2003
I had open RNY on 10/15/02 and had the G tube. The cap at the end of the tube can be removed and the allow liquid to drain out to relieve pressure and the bloated feeling. I *used* to be an avid weight lifter ( semi pro powerlifting) so I have according to my surgeon, the thickest stomach muscles he has ever seen on a wls patient...so I ended up having tons of muscle spasms and I could sit and watch the G tube twist a half way around and suck into my stomach about 2 inches....man you talk about hurt..that was the most painful thing that I had once out of the hospital. As soon as I felt a spasm coming on, I would hold the tube to keep it from twisting and being pulled in. That prevented 95% of the pain. It is amazing how strong stomach muscles are. My surgeon only left mine in for 10-11 days. Removing the thing sucks....it involves him twisting and pulling at the same time...OUCH... BUT it only lasted for a few seconds and then NO MORE pain at all...even though I had the spasms for another month or so. Would I do it again? YOU BETCHA...4 1/2 months out and down 76 lbs.
   — cherokey55

February 27, 2003
I had that dreaded tube, and especially towards the end (I just got mine out yesterday YEAH!!!!) I was walking like a 100 year old woman, hunched over and in pain. That sucker hurt!!!! I feel like a new person with that thing out! They pain on mine never went away (there were some duller moments) until it was gone!
   — sheri H.

February 27, 2003
I also had a g-tube for just short of 3 weeks. It was originally supposed to come out at 2 weeks but because I was having diarrhia problems he had me using it to get in enough water so I would not get dehydrated. <p>At first the g-tube didn't bother me much but the longer it was in the more it hurt. The last week I also started getting spasms that not only felt weird but hurt some. I'd feel it coming on - it was almost like slow-motion spasm. It felt yucky! I was so glad when it was gone. I actually was focused on the doctor working on my holes in my incision when the nurse pulled it out. I jumped at one point as it hurt a little but it was over quickly. The only reason it hurt is that it had so much junk built-up around the tube from the inside so they were pulling something the diameter of a quarter through a hole the size of a dime. It's healing up now. Still not up to the surface in 1 week, but closing down more each day and then it will scab out like my drain hole. <p>I'd really talk to the surgeon at 3 weeks and if you are doing well, I'd push for it to be removed. It really is liberating. Chris
   — zoedogcbr