if they are not radiating, i would go by what doc suggests... many do not have it put in from just a surgery but doc will know if the surgery he is having would be a slow enough recovery for eating that it may be suggested....

if there is radiation coming though ALWAYS have it done prior to starting radiation. the nurse told me that they see people wait until starting radiation, and then they come in for one and it is hard to get them to settle enough for the procedure because they are do uncomfortable ,..

but if no radiation and only surgery then it may well not be needed and waiting to see if needed may be in his best interest. you sure don't want one unless it is needed, but you sure as heck don't want to be without it if it is needed ... so see! I was sure a lot of help, wasn't I? LOL