I see a lot of threads where people talk about a drain as part of their surgery. I didn't have a drain.

Can someone explain what the drain does? And why some bariatric surgeons don't think it is needed?

Well, I approached this as letting the surgeon be the expert - I just picked one that has good results and a good reputation. I had no idea that I would be a lucky one to get TWO drains. it was merely a precaution as a band to sleeve revision I had a much higher risk of post surgical bleeding, leaks and other surgicaly related complications etc. I think the idea with the drains is that if there are issues they can monitor the stuff that comes out. It of course also gets the drainage out of your system.

Plenty of virgin sleevers don't get drains and i think it is the judgement of the surgeon. Again, I view that we "hire" them for their expertise - none of them have crystal balls but they exercise their best judgment.

I had no clue it was even a possibility! Ha ha.

The drain is there to remove the excess fluid/blood in your body cavity. It also serves a purpose when you do the leak test, drinking blue liquid; if it comes out in your drain, you are in trouble. I only had mine in for two days, no worries.

Mine was out within 24hrs, just felt a little weird coming out

5 days here. Just had it taken out and it hurt like hell! Felt like it had become attached to me cuz he had to pull really hard.. wth?

The surgical group that performed my surgery does not use drains. They have in the past but they no longer feel that it is medically necessary. Some surgeons like mine perform the leak test during the surgery and feel that is enough. I did not have a drain and I was fine after surgery. Every surgeon is different and will have varying schools of thought on this process.

Thanks for all the feedback! I am really glad I didn't have to have one (unless I develop a leak! )

Thak your lucky stars you didnt get one. Im struggling so much with mine.