Question:
Using Your G-Tube for Meds & Protein

Hi. Just thought that I would share this with other new post-ops who have come home with a g-tube (NOT a drain) coming out of their "old" stomach following RNY. My Doc and his nurse said that I could make use of my g-tube and use a syringe to slowly pour all liquid meds,liquid & powdered protein and any crushed/powdered tablets or opened capsules into the tube. This lets me avoid the disgusting taste of the protein supplements and to get all of my meds in without swallowing anything. It's kind of a gross procedure- you have to crush all the pills and mix all the liquid and then slurp them up with a syringe and then open the end of the g-tube and slowly push the mixture in. You also need to push in some clear water to clean the tube when you finish. The nurse said that I could probably put up to 100 cc's in at one time, depending on my comfort level. I plan to PLY myself with protein this way while I can! Please let me know if others do this/try this. Thanks and good luck to all!    — Rebecca T. (posted on August 30, 2002)

August 30, 2002
i used my g tube to give myself my protein drinks. i hated the taste of milk and was not drinking anything but water and i started using my g tube and felt better. i took about 1/2 hour to finish a drink but then i found out it didnt go into my new stomach it went in to my old stomach so i could have pushed it tru faster and when i was done i just needed to flush it out with water to clean it out. it grossed everyone elese out but i didnt think it was that bad.
   — jessica B.

August 31, 2002
Hi Rebecca, I did the exact same thing for two months. I had the G-tube to insure I would get all my heart meds without the risk of throwing them up. I also pushed the liquid protein in, but I hated that. After the one bottle of liquid protein was empty, I never bought any more. I was gross pushing it thru because it was so thick, but still glad I didn't have to drink that gross thick stuff. Sometimes I miss my g-tube after having it for 2 months. Good luck to you!
   — Skinny M.

September 1, 2002
Oh, what a good thing. Kinda makes me wish I had had a g-tube post op!! For anyone that does not know that they are talking about...a g-tube stands for gastric tube. It is placed into the old stomach to help with draininge if needed. In this instance, it is also used for meds and protein!! Make sure that you check this idea out with your individual surgeons before implementing this good idea. Also, do not confuse a g-tube with a t-tube which drains bile following gall bladder surgery, or drains that do not go into ANY place, just the tissues. Putting anything in these tubes could cause great problems.
   — Vicki L.