I've seen a number of posts regarding people's drain. Does everyone get one? How long are they in? How is it then taken out?

Every surgeon is different. I have read where some people have had their drains for two weeks. My drain was is for a little over 24hrs. My dr removed it right before I was discharged from the hospital. It did not hurt when it was removed. However, it was uncomfortable. It felt like a snake moving through my body.

I did not have a drain. As the poster before said every surgeon is different.

My doctor did not use a drain with my surgery. Surgery done in Edmond, Oklahoma I'm a nurse as well. My patients tell me that the drain removal does not hurt. The drainage tube is a little pencil sized flexible tube that goes from the tissues to a collection bulb. When it's time to come out, a little surface stitch is removed and it just slides out. Had them with other surgeries. Was a total non-issue for me. Talk with your doctor ahead of time so you know what to expect. Lovin' the sleeve here

Mine was in for the first five days I was in hospital, and they removed it on night five, prior to my getting discharged the following afternoon, day six post-op (no complications, just SOP here). Didn't really hurt while it was in, just felt odd coming out -- took about two seconds to take it out anyhow.

I had a drain and it was taken out 2 days after my surgery. The Dr. just pulled it right out and I felt nothing. Some people have some pain, but I did not.

I didn't have a drain

Got one now, and I'm 4 days post-op. Due to come out in 3 days at my one week visit.

No drain here, guess it depends on the doctor... Through all of the pre-operation my office never mentioned a drain, but many here have them.

Thanks everyone for your responses. It had me curious enough to email my surgeon (he is great about responding to emails) anyway, he said I won't have a drain.

I did not have one..

It's definitely the doctor's decision. Of course my surgeon was the only doctor in the practice I went to that made you have it in for one week. It wasn't bad at all ~ the worst was not being able to shower until it was out. And of course I got a little visit from Aunt Flow the day before surgery....and then couldn't shower for one week! Ugghh! But ~ for those that do have to get one ~ no pain! It felt weird coming out as I did not realize it extended across my belly. But it was quick and easy to come out, and I had to wait 12 hours to shower once it was out (to give the hole a chance to seal up a little bit before I showered.) That shower never felt so good

My Surgeon did not opt for a drain. I did receive 3 injections in my stomach though which he said were because I wouldn't have a drain.

-Bellah

I had a drain and I HATED it! It bothered me to have something hanging from my stomach. I must have had a rough nurse because it hurt like hell when she pulled it out! As much as I disliked the drain, I would do it all over again for my sleeve!

OHHHH the dreaded DRAIN!!!!!!

I am still trying to wrap my head around this one. My drain has to stay in for 10 days!!! Bathing was horrible at first because I had to hold the bag and try and bath with the other hand but last night I found the tube was long enough so I could attach it to my necklace while bathing to free up my hands. I know GROSS but these are hard times you kinda do what you have to…. I went to Mexico for surgery so my mother ex-nurse has to yank mine out on Saturday. Unless i want to pay 500.00 to fly back to CA (um not). I have so much anxiety about this occurring because I don’t even do well with paper cuts. I’m sure my neighbors will call 911 because I’m going to scream like I won the lotto.

I had the drain for 4 days and it was taken out at the dr office taking the stitch and glue hurt more than the actually drain coming out but i hated the drain i was always scared of pulling it out.