Abstract: Various embodiments of a gastrostomy method and applicator device are shown and described. The gastrostomy device has an elongated body for insertion into the patient's stomach, a removable for piercing a channel through the stomach and abdomen walls, a shield means for removably covering the needle as it is inserted into the stomach, and an actuating means for moving the needle forward to pierce the channel. The gastrostomy method includes piercing the channel from the inside of the stomach to the outside of the patient's body. The method includes insertion of the invented device into the stomach, placement of the needle, unshielding the needle, and actuating the needle to pierce the channel. Optionally, the method may include steps of drawing a strand through the channel and out the mouth, attachment to a feeding tube, and drawing the feeding tube into the stomach and into the channel.