In our personal experience it was a huge mistake to not get the PEG tube from the beginning. My husband had his put in when it was almost too late. He was severely dehydrated and rapid weight loss and the surgery was REALLY hard on his "beat-up" body. But even with all the sheer hell of getting it put in he said he would do it again and again. We put formula, water and meds down the tube. Even at his VERY worst though he never stopped swallowing. He still carried something to drink around with him to take little sips.