In preparing for a feeding tube, I've read about a lot of people that blend all types of foods to pu

NeckCancer
NeckCancer Member Posts: 20
edited August 2020 in General Cancer
Have any of you done this? I know there are nutrient requirements, I've read some recipes that are quite involved and some of the things that are part of the recipes are amazing that I wouldn't have thought of for protein. I'm going to try a few things to supplement the commercial formula. I'm just curious about what you might have tried?

Comments

  • andreacha
    andreacha Member Posts: 196
    edited August 2020
    I was on a feeding tube from Oct. 9th to Dec.10th 2006. To be honest I don't now what they fed me but I'm sure it was healthy. My only memory was one nurse who said at one breakfast that she just knew I loved bananas and she added some to my breakfast. The truth is I do like bananas but they don't like me - at all. I couldn't say anything quick enough as I was on a ventilator and I could only watch as she pressed the food into the tube. I could immediately taste it and cringed. Let's not go into detail and just say bananas were no longer part of my diet after that day.
    Perhaps you could go to your local hospital and speak to the nutritionist. She might share recipes and tips for you. I'm sure that by now you now you need a decent piece of equipment in your kitchen with which to puree. Best of luck to you.
  • Jayne
    Jayne Member Posts: 134
    edited August 2020
    I have not had the "pleasure" of a feeding tube but can imagine it must be challenging. Hopefully you will get some tips from others on this site with experience....and hoping things go smoothly for you!
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited August 2020
    There is a facebook group 100 Recipes Pureed for Head and Neck Cancer Patients https://www.facebook.com/groups/365681030262784 It was started by a fellow head and neck cancer patient who was going to be on a feeding tube long term. There are lots of recipes there.
  • Carool
    Carool Member Posts: 787
    edited August 2020
    I wish you everything good, NeckCancer.
  • LiveWithCancer
    LiveWithCancer Member Posts: 470
    edited August 2020
    Wishing you the best of luck, NeckCancer. I am fortunate enough to not have needed a feeding tube so don't have any practical advice.
  • GregP_WN
    GregP_WN Member Posts: 742
    edited August 2020
    This is my second time having a feeding tube. The last time I never tried anything other than the formula. This time it's going to be a longer term with the tube so I've started throwing stuff in a magic bullet blender to see how thin it has to be. So far I've just made a couple of strawberry, banana smoothies. I added some honey for some more calories and some milk to thin it. It worked pretty well. I've been reading about people blending about anything you could eat on a normal diet. Some people get creative.
  • Rustysmom
    Rustysmom Member Posts: 37
    edited August 2020
    My heart goes out to all of you who need to deal with a feeding tube, either short term or long term. My only experience with a feeding tube was with a lab I had who had one for about 2 1/2 years. I made her food 3 times a day, and it was a blend of her meds, supplements and her kibble. What I learned was that a Vitamix blender was a lifesaver. You can puree gravel in that thing.

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