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?

I had no drain. My surgeon does put drains in if needed. He said I had very little bleeding, so I did not need one. I think it would probably be uncomfortable coming out. If you do need a drain (I think you said your surgeon doens't use them), they usually keep them in until you have no more drainage from it. If you continue to have a lot of drainage, it needs to stay in. But it sounds like you won't have one. I don't see how they can tell you for sure you won't have one, but I am not a doctor!

The first thing I asked when I woke up was if I had a drain, LOL! I thought for sure I would. But, even if I would have had one, I would do it all over again!

Good luck!

I too have been very curious about the drain, I didn't have one, and went home the same day, 2weeks post op today, almost 30 pounds down, i am amazed..

Mine is coming out today at my one-week follow-up appointment. Whoo hoo!

Hey Cat lemme know if it hurt please Thanks

Mine is coming out today at my one-week follow-up appointment. Whoo hoo!

It's out! It wasn't painful at all, but there was a very weird 'tugging' sensation at the doctor pulled it out. The weirdness lasted only 2-3 seconds, though, and then it was done. Whew.

It is SO nice not to have that silly thing hanging off me anymore. My medical-phobic partner should now be able to hug me without obviously cringing.

Ok Cat another question... Was your drain still draining or had it completely stopped? Mine is still draining not a lot but not a little if that makes sense. Mine comes out Sunday and I am worried where all of this yucky Fluid will go after that? I really wonder where everyones fluid that does not have a drain goes because i have let go of a lot of fluid through this thing since its been in. That is why i wonder how this is an option..........

It's out! It wasn't painful at all, but there was a very weird 'tugging' sensation at the doctor pulled it out. The weirdness lasted only 2-3 seconds, though, and then it was done. Whew.

It is SO nice not to have that silly thing hanging off me anymore. My medical-phobic partner should now be able to hug me without obviously cringing.

There would be less than a cc or two of clear brownish fluid at the bottom of the bulb each day. One out, the fluid will be resorbed by the peritoneum as is normal. The drain really isn't critical for collecting the small amount of fluid it does, but as an 'early warning' system for infection or leaks, as my surgeon explained it.

Cool Thanks Cat

Was everyone notified pre-op that they would have one? I haven't heard anything thus far so is it safe to assume I wont have one?

I have my pre-surg appt tomorrow with the anesthesiologist etc...I guess I will try to find out.

Was everyone notified pre-op that they would have one? I haven't heard anything thus far so is it safe to assume I wont have one?

I have my pre-surg appt tomorrow with the anesthesiologist etc...I guess I will try to find out.

Sam, the booklet my Dr gave me (with pre and post diet, pre and post surgery routine, etc) gave directions on how to pull it out yourself :eek: I would much prefer the DR take it out at the 1 wk visit. You can contact your Nurse Manager and ask what are the SOP for drains. Good luck

Sam, the booklet my Dr gave me (with pre and post diet, pre and post surgery routine, etc) gave directions on how to pull it out yourself :eek: I would much prefer the DR take it out at the 1 wk visit. You can contact your Nurse Manager and ask what are the SOP for drains. Good luck

I too have a booklet and there have been no mentions of it. But I will ask.

Thanks

No drain here.

I don't know if they had one in during my surgery or not but when I woke up I did not have one. That was my biggest fear of all and I was surprised not to have one, but thankful

I too have a booklet and there have been no mentions of it. But I will ask.

Thanks

I ended up asking my doc, he said I won't have one but my literature did mention one because its for all bariatric surgeries and I think my doc does it for RNYs. So its probably best to ask and even then you may get a maybe because I think some docs will just see how the surgery goes and determine then if he/she wants to put the drain in.

why do you need a drain?