A decompressing and feeding device for safely feeding in the gastrointestinal tract of a recovering patient continuously aspirates and feeds at a rate commensurate with the ability of the intestines to absorb fluids including nutrient. Air is also aspirated in the process so that neither air nor excess fluids cause distension in the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive juices and nutrients that are aspirated are continuously refed together with unused feeding material into the gastrointestinal tract at a location that more efficiently moves and digests the food. The device may include two aspirate reservoirs to and from which aspirate is alternatingly transferred. To provide the continuous and alternating flow, a solenoid valve and timer switch device is provided. Alternatively, a device with a single aspirate reservoir to which and from which aspirate is transferred can be used. A feeding and aspirating tube assembly having a plurality of separable lumens can be incorporated.