Now that I am doomed to a PEG tube for life, I started researching how to get some nutrition instead of the cornsyrup aka Jevity 1.5 crap. A poster here referenced the G-tube list serv at syracuse where they referenced a Yahoo group called Blenderized Diet. Mostly it is mothers of children who have PEG tubes or buttons who have noticed how much better their children thrive on real food that is blenderized rather than the cans of cornsyrup prescribed by their doctors. both places mentioned that if you get your doctor to write a "prescription" for VitaMix stating that it is a "medical necessity", you can get a refurbished VitaMix 5200 for only $299 plus S&H. This beats the best prices I could find by at least $100. Both groups swear by the Vitamix blender. If you are interested here is the contact information;
Sandy Ventimiglia email : [email protected]
phone 1-800-848-2649 ext 2649
I sent her an email late last night with my phone number and she called me first thing this morning and took my order. I scanned in the prescription from my ENT which had the magic words "medically necessary" and emailed it to her, but she said you can mail it or fax it also. Consumer Reports rated the VitaMix as the very best, #1 blender (list price $400)and that was for the old 5000 model, not the new 5200 with a better motor. It should get here in two weeks and I will be starting regular posts on how the blenderized diet works instead of the dreaded Jevity.
Charm

Charm, it's about time you got a break. You have helped so many and deserve this one. Let us know how you do and the best od luck to the old frack for sure.

Charm

Thanks for the info about the G-Tube list serv at Syracuse. I had seen the link on another post here a few days ago, clicked on it then I had a major brain freeze. I couldn't figure it out. LOL. Subscribed to the list today. Very interesting. It is really amazing with the moms and kids. The post with the person working on a new website with info for all g tubers, etc. really caught my eye. Wish it was up and running today.

Best of luck with the Vita Mix. Out of the budget here, the blender will have to do for now.

Linda

Hi,
You won't be sorry for your investment in a Vitamix blender. It has been the best piece of kitchen equipment I have. With it comes a receipt book for soup.veg. drinks, smoothies, and Ice cream. All is blended to s very smooth consistancy. It makes the soup hot and freezes ice cream. The food is very nutricitional and good for you. When you think of the money your spend on Ensure,etc. you quickly pay for the machine in addition to getting much better nurtition. I had a peg for a year and I used the Vitamix during that time as well as now PEG less. Thank Goodness.

Hacklene

Linda

I know my way around computers (just spent two hours getting rid of the Internet2010 Security malware/virus on our old XP machine) yet I had the same reaction. I even posted a plea for help before I figured out it was a two step, double registration process (first join SyrEdu then go back and join Gtube).
Yes, extremely interesting site and I am glad you enjoy it.
charm

Hacklene

What size was your PEG? The answers I am getting on Gtube list serv and Yahoo blenderized diet have all said that my little 14FR PEG will work - I just might have to use a sieve to strain the mixture. Interestingly, my theory that no matter what size your PEG or button is, the Y extender tube is the same size seems to be correct. Still, OCF remains the gold standard for me, so did you have any problems getting the Vitamix blended food down your PEG?
Charm