Am curious. I see a lot of posts thAt mention their drain tubes being removed, etc. I never had a drain tube that I am aware of. Is this just a choice of method for each dr.

I think it's just the surgeon's preference.

I never had a drain either

I never had a drain either

Nope no drain for me either. Two friends in Edmonton who had surgery around the same time, one had a drain the other did not...no idea why

It's the surgeons choice. I had a drain until I left the hospital (48 hrs). No biggy. They diaper pinned it to my gown and emptied it 2x each shift. Feels a little weird coming out but not really painful

Had my surgery last thurs and had a drain until I left (sat). It was not a big deal. It hurt a little bit when it was removed but it was manageable.

No drain for me :-)

I had a drain for 8 days. It was a little weird having this tube coming out of my belly but not a big deal. Just had to empty it a few times a day and track the amount and the color of the liquid. But like others have said it didn't hurt coming out, just felt strange.

Ok interesting. I did not have a drain either . Why or what is the reason for the drain?

My surgeon said it gave him insight into how well I was healing. By day 6 or so the liquid was turning a yellowish pink (I know, TMI!) and he said that was a really good sign that all was well with my stomach closure.

No drain and no leak test. I was expecting both.

Mine also did not leak test either and I was expecting it after and 3 months out

Mine also did not leak test either and I was expecting it after and 3 months out

No leak test after your surgery, like to the next day?

No drain but did leak test

So If I have come to understand this procedure, it appears some doc have drains and some do not. Don't understand why or how that decision is made, but guess not all that vital to our recovery or all would do it. Leak tests appear to be random across the board also. Leak tests during surgery and the day after surgery appears to be fairly normal, but any leak testing after that is minimal from what I am understanding here. I would expect leak testing is so etching that is warranted later only if problems appear to exist.