Question:
What the heck is an NG tube?
I am scared to death. Surgery date Feb. 16 and I am a basket case. What about bowel prep? Any advice to calm me down. I am literally nauseous with the waiting and wondering and worrying.. — Jill E. (posted on January 18, 2001)
January 18, 2001
Jill, it will be okay! Bowel prep is a day or so of clear liquids only
--tea, broth, clear juices, jello--followed by a cleansing laxative to
empty the bowel for surgery. An NG tube is a flexible clear plastic tube
the diameter of a pencil which goes through one nostril, down the back of
your throat, thru' the esophagus and into the stomach for the first day or
two after surgery. A gentle suction keeps your stomach empty so you won't
become nauseated or vomit. It is put in while you are asleep and does not
hurt--only a bit disconcerting and irritating. No bid deal coming out
either, though you might sneeze! So no need to worry! Hugs, Jesse--who's
due for one on 1/23--if all my tests come back okay!
— Jesse M.
January 19, 2001
Jill
NG tube (naso gastric tube) is a tube they insert through your nose (you
will be asleep...don't worry) it will pass your throat, and reach your
stomach....they need this put in while your surgery is taking
place...certain leak tests they will do during surgery...it will more than
likely stay in until a day or two later (some docs take it out before you
wake up...so ask your doctor how he handles the NG tube) you will have to
pass a "swallow" test...a test that looks for any leaks, and
ensures that your new opening is opened. It is uncomfortable...but not
horrible....
If you are making yourself sick with nerves....it sounds like you should
make a phone call to your doctor's office to ask some questions. Maybe make
a list of all the fears you are having, and either talk to him on the
phone, or set up an appointment with him...I'm sure that he would want to
know that you are really scared, mainly because you don't have all the info
that you need from him...I'm sure he would be happy to arrest any fears of
the unknown. But remember, that every doctor does things differently than
the next doctor...you could get a lot of great knowledge from this
site...but the only knowledge that will be the very best is straight from
your own docotr's mouth...after all, it will be him doing your
surgery,right? Try to breathe....you will be ok...take care
— lynne S.
January 19, 2001
Jill, each doctor is different. I didn't have to do a bowel prep and my ng
tube was out before I woke up from surgery. My advice to you is call your
doctor and ask him about these things. His answers should be able to calm
your fears. My doctor even gave me names of his patients who I could call
and talk to. Trust me I called a couple and asked them some questions about
the surgery and recovery. It help calm me down.
— Dottie D.
January 19, 2001
Jill,
An NG tube is used to keep the stomach empty. Not every doctor uses them,
it is a matter of preference, not necessarily standard. I understand your
nervousness, it is certainly justifiable-this is a big step to make. I
found that my jitters actually got better the closer to the date of my
surgery. I know I drove my friends and family nuts. This website worked
very well to put me in a calm frame of mind when I really felt torqed. Also
the more I read about the positive results people had from WLS, the firmer
my resolve was that it was the right thing to do. I am two weeks post-op,
and read the postings on the website daily. It has been enormously helpful
for helping me solve some of the common post-op discomforts. One suggestion
was the use of a vibrating heating pad for the alleviation of gas
pains(Sunbeam, 24.99@KMart)I wish I could kiss the woman who suggested it!
It was wonderful. Good Luck!
— Margaret S.
January 19, 2001
Jill..it's ok that you are afraid...I'm 4 days postop..and I was more
excited than scared UNTIL THIS WEEK...I was a basket case a couple days
before...but I'm here to tell you it's going to be ok..
— Debora H.
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