I keep reading about people having drains put in after surgery. No one has mentioned this to me. Does everyone leave with drains and how long do they typically stay in?

Just got home today form having the sleeve done, I had my drain for 4 days. The research I have read states that 4 days is average. I had a complete mastectomy and reconstruction using belly fat and had to have 4 drains for three weeks. I had NO problem having this one for 4 days.

YEAH! no more band!

PS Hi Bill, how are you?

Edited January 3, 201016 yr by FabBy50

I had a drain for 5 days. I did go home with it, and I had to empty it 3x/day. Mostly it's just a nuisance to remember that you have it. On my removal day, I tried to put my pants on and pulled it. It was just uncomfortable, and the removal was weird but not painful. My surgeon also said it was to monitor was was going on inside. He said that it sould only drain serousanguinous fluid at <120ml/8hours. Mine, once home, drained less than an ounce per 8 hours. Mine was also in my left side in a seperate incision from the trocars.

Was operated last march 23.I have a drain since then(12 days) and I dont like that.But I may be wrong.

Since the operation(vsg) I feel perfectly well.Nothing to complain about and my surgeon is a very reputable one.But the drain keeps me wondering.For the first seven days I had an average of 320 ml of blood.Since then quite less at about 170 ml.The total takes me to more than 2.6 liters.Out of my predicted reserve of 6 liters it makes a hughe proportion.

Cause of that I stay home "to rest"instead of going out for a walk.

I am also wondering if that fluid is full blood or partly blood and partly"serum".But the color is real red.

Meanwhile the two assistants of my surgeon(it's a big university hospital) keeps telling me not to worry:"it's all fine!"

Anyhow they will remove it this tuesday(april 6) EVEN if it still run.That I dont like too.The idea to have this blood pouring into my abdomen does'nt please me.

Did somebody ever lived that ?All pertinent comments will be greatly appreciated.

I am a 67 years old male of 330 pounds(down from 355).

I think I'm confused, you still have a drain 12 days later? Has your Dr told you why you still have one? That is a long time to have a drain. I would try to get some answers, and fast.

Good luck to you!!

I had my surgery this last Monday and the drain will be in 7-10 days. My first post-op appointment is scheduled for this next Wednesday. I know my surgeon will be removing the drain then and I wonder how it feels to have it removed. When my husband empties my drain now it gives me a queezy feeling. Is there any pain involved in the removal of the drain? Also, do you feel better after the drain has been removed?

Thanks FabBy50 for your reply.

On march 25 the surgeon,with the two assistants,visited me in my room and said with a smile "you are doing real fine..I agree that you leave today but my two assistants wants you to wait for tomorrow".It was fine with me.

The next day the assistants were back.One was ready to terminate with the drain.I objected:"How can I go home with such a constant blood loss?"On the nurses board they could see that it was 340ml.What will happen to that blood?It will reflux in your abdomen...we also have other fluids in there said it.At last the other assistant replied:"We can not take it out: it bleeds to much" to the surprise of the other and to my surprise.I said I dont mind keeping it for weeks if need be.But they both explained the danger of infection if kept too long.

Before I go on I must say that they are both very nice young gentlemen.

Few days later the nurse called for an appointement and a blood test.I went there and also saw the doctor who wanted to remove the drain.I was also scheduled for another scan.He said that again every thing is fine.The blood count was still very normal.The scan showed no leak,no fistule but an healing hematoma.It had gone from 15 to 4 cm. I was not surprised because I feel very good.Before I left he reminded me that he would definitely take out the drain next tuesday(april 6).

The last 24h I had 100ml in my drain.I hope for a miracle before tuesday 10am.Thanks for reading.

Today I still have about 100ml for 24h.

Uh, does every sleeve patient get a drain?

Nerval

Sorry I did not mean to question the Dr, that just seems like a long time to have a drain. I had 4, count them 4 drains in for 3 weeks. I had them removed and one had to be reinserted due to too much fluid. So I would much rather leave it longer than to have it reinserted! (My drains were for another surgery) This time I had the one drain for almost 4 days, they really are not that bad.

Good luck to you, and happy losing!!!

Thank you FabBy50 for your comment.It never came to my mind that you questionned my surgeon capabilities.

BJean, it is reported that only 1 per cent of the patients have such a big hematoma.It may be my age plus I have very big bones and lot muscles and tissues.As I said I don't have any pain or discomfort.I don't even feel the drain.It's the loss of blood...

I keep reading about people having drains put in after surgery. No one has mentioned this to me. Does everyone leave with drains and how long do they typically stay in?

Mine was removed the morning of my discharge. . .

Thanks you all. It really helps take some of the mystery out of it to hear what's going on with you.

Happy end!The drain is now out.Still feel real good.Back to real life.Thanks to all!

I am now drain free as well! It feels great to have it out. Having the drain in was not painful for me, but was uncomfortable. My movement was restricted; I was unable to reach above my head comfortably. I guess where your drain is positioned is up to each surgeon. The drain was located on my left rib cage. The most uncomfortable part for me was that the drain was putting some pressure on my ribs. I slept on my side (in my bed) for the first time since my surgery. Yay!...no more recliner nights. :cursing: