Is it a Drain or Gastric tube

I have seen references to G tubes, Drains, and even NG tubes. As far as I know: 1 -a G tube is a gastric tube. it is a tube that goes directly into the stomach and food is put into the stomach through it. 2 -an NG tube goes through the nose, down the esophagus and into the stomach - again this is usually used for feeding. 3 - A drain, which is what I think most wls pts. have, is a tube that is in place in order to allow drainage of fluids and to prevent problems relating to leaks around the anastomosis. Drains are common but not used by all docs. they stay in anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks - depending on the doc. My dd had one my ds did not. I will have one in for about a week. Is there anyone here who actually has gone home with an NG or G tube? Or are you calling the drain a G tube? Thanks, Louise

I have a G tube. It is designed as a feeding tube, but is used as an emergence air escape tube for the unused portion of the stomach. My doc had a patient once that ruptured the staples in the stomach from forced air from a CPAP machine and now puts them in ALL CPAP (sleep apnea) patients. I have no problem with that, except that he leaves it for a MONTH! Gees! Joy

Ok, finally I am understanding some of this...apparently I am not having it or my doctor hasn't told me yet or is waiting to see. The CPAP is something I didn't know either, but I do not have sleep apnea, so now I understand why....what does it do?

CPAP is a positive air ventilator. A reverse vacuum cleaner with a mask. It keeps the airways open while you sleep. Sleep apnea patients sleep with one--otherwise you get roused from deep sleep before you get enough REM sleep and you are always exhausted. Some sleep apnea patients tend to fall asleep driving because of the exhaustion. Some wake up choking because they stop breathing (I never have done this). Because it is blowing air in your nose, it is possible that you could get your wires crossed (especially on drugs) and swallow the air. If it goes down and back up the Y to the unused stomach in a RNY patient, it has no way to get out. Ouch! Thus the drain. Hopefully after I lose some weight I will not have the apnea problem at all. Fat in the throat causes the air passage to narrow, thus snoring and apnea. Joy