Sorry but I have to put in my medical $0.2...

Tubes that go down your esophagus are not only for feeding. Yes, long-term feeding tubes go into your stomach through the abdominal wall. But in a trauma situation, the contents of your stomach must be suctioned out to prevent vomiting and aspirating into the lungs. So they put a tube in your nose that goes down into your stomach for such a purpose.

NG tubes may also be used in an inpatient setting for people with intestinal blockages or post-operative care.

The point is that for Lap-Band® patients (and I suppose gastric bypass as well) these tubes should never be placed "blindly" in the field or the ER. Fluoroscopy (live x-ray) should be used so that the end of the tube can be placed without accidently pushing too hard and perforating the stomach or intestines.

Personally, I see this important enough to wear a medical ID bracelet. I have seen perforated bowels and it's not pretty. The one I have is not even ugly!

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Banded 7-30-07
Dr. Boyce
Knoxville, TN