I am curious if everyone gets a drain after surgery or do some people not and why would or wouldn't you need one?

It varies by surgeon, like a lot (seriously, a LOT) of things about WLS.

My surgeon used to use them but apparently doesn't use them much at all anymore, along with Foley catheters.

My dr doesn't do drains for laparoscopic not sure why he doesn't but I'm exactly one month out and my incisions are healed. I'm happy there wasn't a drain.

I have seen some people on this board that have had them, but my surgeon used no catheter no drain. Thank god!

No drains here. Catheters were used on an as needed basis, I didn't need one.

I just met with my surgeon today and forgot my list of questions, I think I'll call and ask just so I know. Thanks for the feedback!

I had a Jackson Pratt drain. I joked and said it was giving my sexy new stomach a hickey. It's funny my drain incision is almost completely invisible, while my others are still fairly dark pink, and raised up. My drain didn't hurt when it was removed, and actually was a relief to be able to move around without having to keep my new stalker PJ clean, and pinned to my gown. My drain stayed until my 3rd post-up day. It was the last thing that they removed before I was discharged.

No drain for me either...

I had one.

No drain for me... My dr said there not necessary anymore... He can get the juices during surgery n are something of the past... Thank god lol but I did have a catheter only till following morning n leak test past. Then catheter out n tray of liquids delivered!

What you hav is a Jackson Pratt drain. I it based on the use of gravity. Using the compressed bulb to pull enough to all the fluids to drain out. If you think about it is a very cool invention. The body always carries bacteria within itself. I bulb is just there to get the excess drainage out. Some surgeons believe that there is no need for it since the body already carries bacteria, other use it as a precaution incase the bacteria starts to grow out of control (very rare). It is usually taken out before you leave the hospital (mine was in for 3 months). This is also another way for them to tell if there is leaks from your surgery. Just keep it clean all will go well.

I have a drain, it has been in for a week and will be removed today at my first post op appt.

No drain here, and my surgery was also outpatient.

I have one, I am supposed to have it taken out Friday which will be one week for me. I can't WAIT to get it out. Worst part is when taking a shower there isn't anything to pin it to and it just hangs which feels weird. Thinking about getting something to hang around my neck to pin it to during shower time. Maybe I will make it cute and put it on Pinterst!

The reason my Doc used a drain was because I had the lapband first. It slipped and was removed in April. Upon removal he said I had lots of inflammation which would turn into scar tissue. I waited 10 wks to be sleeved. He removed so much scar tissue and as a precautions he gave me a drain. He wanted to check the fluid to ensure no leaks and because of all the extra cutting of course I had more drainage. Hope my explanation makes sense. I had my drain a week and home health came to check the drainage color and clean it.

It varies by surgeon, like a lot (seriously, a LOT) of things about WLS.

My surgeon used to use them but apparently doesn't use them much at all anymore, along with Foley catheters.