Searching for encouragement

[Stranger 123 28]

Hello everyone! I'd like to start by saying thank you to everyone who provides usefull feedback for this site, it has been a major source of support for me throughout this journey.

I just got sleeved on January 8, and I cannot believe the pain I am still in. The hospital put a drain in that makes my entire side super sensitive I can't even sit or stand on my own.

I was just wondering if anyone else has had experience with a drain? Will it get better once they take it out? I don't know how much more of this I can take, please lend some words of wisdom and/or encouragement. I really want this, but the pain is effecting my motivation. Thank you very much guys!!

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

I didn't have a drain,except for the first few hours, so I can't relate to your experience. But even without the drain, I didn't feel good the first few days and found it difficult to move around much. I was in the hospital one night, then went home the next day. I basically moved from the recliner to the bed to the bathroom. Getting up from the bed or recliner was the hardest. Since you feel as bad as you describe, I would be on the phone with my doctor or nurse PRONTO! Do they have you on anything for the pain? When is the drain coming out?

[Randydec27 23]

You are only two days out , it will hurt but that will pass the things you have posted here sound some what normal the best advise I can give is to try to get up and walk around the house that in time will make you feel better, trust me it only gets better from here

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

I had a drain for 6 days after surgery, that's just how my surgeon does things. I was also in a lot of pain, but I really don't think it was the drain. My pain was from the incision where my stomach got pulled out. Also my surgeon said "I stabbed you 5 times, it's gonna hurt." lol. It will get better. Good luck!

[sarahec 18]

I was sleeved on Monday..released from the hospital the next day. The took my drain out before I left. Yes my stomach hurts when I move from lying down to sitting up..getting up from a chair or toilet too! It is getting a little betteer with time. It does seem that I have a bit more pain where thr drain was. The weird thing..and maybe its normal..but my whole gut growls so loud and if I have my mouth open its even louder! I was still on Clear Liquids til today. Now I get to have Protein Shakes again. Maybe that will help my healing. Good luck to you

[lilbearzmom 584]

I would love to know why some sleevers have a drain and some do not. If the surgeon could avoid it, wouldn't they? I did not have a drain, thank the Lord. It makes an invasive procedure even more so and jumps up the risk of infection. I don't get it.

-Kendra

[Stranger 123 28]

Thanks for all the positive words guys, I really needed the pick me up today. My drain will be removed this afternoon and then I am heading home!

and littlebearzmom; I asked my surgeon the same question. He said that they just put them in when a procedure becomes more bloody than usual, so your body doesn't have to absorb any extra "stuff". I'm not sure if that's a good answer, but I REALLY wish I didn't have one right now lol.

[mdonaldf 84]

Your doing great, sounds normal to me. The feeling you will get when drain is removed doesn't hurt but it's like a snake swimming in your insides when they pull it out. Weird experience, lol...didn't hurt though.....keep up the great job

[sarahec 18]

Your doing great' date=' sounds normal to me. The feeling you will get when drain is removed doesn't hurt but it's like a snake swimming in your insides when they pull it out. Weird experience, lol...didn't hurt though.....keep up the great job[/quote']

I agree...it didn't hurt but it was weird

[Southern Gal 20]

I work at a hospital and for those of you that have drains, you have a good doctor. This is how leaks are detected. I am having mine removed this week and can't wait! Personally, I would have to question a doctor who doesn't require a drain.

[hinportland 83]

I work at a hospital and for those of you that have drains' date=' you have a good doctor. This is how leaks are detected. I am having mine removed this week and can't wait! Personally, I would have to question a doctor who doesn't require a drain.[/quote']

Not sure I agree with that statement about Dr's who don't require drains. My Dr did such a fantastic job that I was at the gym on the treadmill 4 days post-op. And 5 wks out I'm eating carbs, salads, fruit, whatever I feel like (as long as I get my Protein and water), with no problem (and with the blessing of doctor and dietician). The surgeon has to make the decision in the moment to insert a drain or not based on the circumstances. Not everyone needs a drain, and since there can be complications with the drain (like increased risk of infection), what good doctor would put it in just to do it?

[Southern Gal 20]

I was making a factual statement. It is ok if you are not in the medical profession and don't understand the clinical implications of not being cautious. I would just consider yourself lucky.

[Wolfgirl1978 256]

My doc sent me home with a drain for 6 days after surgery. I was instructed to drink grape Kool aid and look for the color purple in the drain. If I saw purple I was to call his office immediately.

[lilbearzmom 584]

I was making a factual statement. It is ok if you are not in the medical profession and don't understand the clinical implications of not being cautious. I would just consider yourself lucky.

NOT a factual statement. OPINION only. Actually, a good doctor would also understand that a drain ups the risk of infection and is an extra invasive measure. I'm pretty sure my doctor weighed all of the risks and benefits during my surgery, but thanks for the advice.

And by the way, I AM in the medical profession.

[Southern Gal 20]

I was just responding to your post of "you just don't get it" regarding the drain. Just letting you know there is a valid medical reason for the drain. My family members have asked me to explain the whole drain thing because they aren't nurses so I am sure a lot of people have questions. The JP drain lays flush against the entire staple line of the stomach. You drink purple kool aid daily and if there is purple I the drain, then you know to go to the ER. I felt like it was a safety net. Didn't mean to offend....I thought you really didn't get the reason why.