Can anyone tell me if it is necessary to have a drain put in? I noticed that some of us didn't have one. Do we have a choice?

It is all up to your doctor. You will have to discuss it with your surgeon. My doctor requires it because he says it helps detect leaks and infection. Even though I HATED the drain, it is usually on there during your hospital stay. It is worth putting up with for the sleeve. Good luck!

Can anyone tell me if it is necessary to have a drain put in? I noticed that some of us didn't have one. Do we have a choice?

I agree with Becca, it's up to your surgeon. Just talk to him about it.

My doctor doesn't believe in any drains and I did just fine!!! Plus, was in the hospital only 24 hours. You always feel better when you are HOME!! LOL

My surgeon told me he doesn't like drains and only used one on the first VSG he did. He will only use it if it is absolutely necessary.

Well poo- I will need to talk to my doc- he puts one in and I stay two nights in the hospital and don't go in to get the drain out for a whole week!!

I had a drain just for the one nite hospital stay. No big deal!!!

Deb

I had my drain in the entire time I was in the hospital (2 nights). I think it helped with the gas because I never got those horrible gas pains in the shoulders a lot of people talk about. However, on the last day, it was really hard to walk and talk with it in. It really started to hurt. once they took it out, I was good to go! Even though it was annoying, i think I'd have it again if I ever had the option. Gas pains SUCK.

Thanks for the input! I am thinking that maybe he wants a drain in because I am having a revision from lapband to sleeve. I have had the lapband for 6 years, and I hope there isn't a problem. I know that 6 years is a long time, and there could be lots of scar tissue. I could use your prayers that everything goes ok. Thanks, guys. Tuesday is my day!

No drain for me. Agree with other posters...every surgeon chooses. What is important for you to know is that it is not mandatory nor standard practice with all experienced barriatric surgeons. I had no drain, no pain pump, no staples, no overnight stay and experienced no pain after surgery. Took pain meds only once and that was to sleep since acid was keeping me up.

Congrats on your Tuesday sleeve date!