HI --

I'm hoping you guys will be able to shed some light on the drain that I keep reading about. What is the purpose of it? Does everyone who has VSG have one? How long does it stay in for?

Many thanks!

My Dr. left a drain in for 6 days post op. I had to drink sugarfree grape koolaid several times a day to make sure it didn't show up in the drain. It was to make sure there was no leaks. I was told if anything purple was in there to call them immediately.

I had my surgery with Dr Kelly in TJ and he took the drain out 24 hours after my surgery. Its not a big deal, though I wouldnt want it in for 6 days. Its to drain the fluid from the surgery site.

So it sounds like then it varies by doctor. I'm still waiting for my date, and when I had my consultation with my doctor at that point I wasn't sure which procedure I was having. Since then I've decided to go with the sleeve, so haven't talked specifics with my dr yet.

Thanks for your quick answers!

I had my sleeve done on Thursday and the surgeon pulled the JP drain on Tuesday. The length of time it is in is based on how much you are draining from it

My surgeon does not use a drain.

It definitely varies by doctor! My surgeon said he uses it because it helps prevent infections. He also joked that it made sure I came back to see him afterwards. I had it in for a week. It didn't hurt but it did get annoying. I kept it tucked into my bra to keep it out of the way. I was a bit nervous at first but it really isn't anything that should prevent you from getting this surgery. Coming out it is weird because you can feel it moving way up by your stomach, but it doesn't hurt and the small hole closes on it's own.

Good luck at your consult.

I didn't have a drain and have only heard about them on these boards. It never came up during all the info sessions and support groups I went to before the surgery, I don't think they are used by the surgeons in my medical group. Are these drains used with lapro. surgery or open surgery? My surgeon uses lapro. surgery and I didn't have a drain.

I had lapro surgery, and I had a drain for a week. It was attached just under my belly button, so I tucked it into my underwear. It allows Fluid to drain from the surgery site, so it helps prevent swelling and infection. I didn't have any uncomfortable swelling or bloating after my surgery.

The drain is a pain in the neck, and I was very happy to get it out after 7 days. It is gross and disgusting. I had to empty it twice a day at first and then once a day after that. I cleaned it daily and changed the bandages daily.

I didn't have to drink Kool-aid or anything, but I was told to pay attention to the color of what was draining. There were certain colors that I was to watch for and call my doctor immediately if I saw them.

How long were u in the hospital before u went home?

Two nights. Most people go home after one night with my surgeon but I was vomiting from the surgery and the medications.

I was in the hospital for three days and two nights. I went in Tuesday and came out Thursday. I was very happy to get home because the frequent night checks don't allow for a lot of restful sleeping.

I had surgery on Monday the 17th and still have the drain in. I am hoping it will be removed tomorrow. It's been a huge pain, but in the scheme of things, once I'm losing weight and feeling better I'm sure I won't even remember it

I had a drain, and it was removed 48 hrs after surgery and right before release from the hospital. It didn't bother me much and didn't hurt at all to be removed. Not all surgeons use a drain.

My doctor only uses the drain during surgery and if everything goes well he takes it out before you leave the operating room.

My doctor only uses the drain during surgery and if everything goes well he takes it out before you leave the operating room.