Hello

I'm waiting on Insurance approval to get a surgery date for gastric bypass. Right now my only fear is having to have a bag or tubes attached to me after surgery. Do they do this for every gastric bypass or does it vary?

It must vary because I did not have any bags or tubes anywhere unless you count the IV. The pre-op waiting period is prime time for all your fears and paranoia to come to the surface. I was a nervous wreck and the folks here were so kind, understanding and encouraging. I'm a planner, so I spent a ton of time combing through the boards trying to learn everything I could ahead of time. The great news is that this surgery is life changing in a really positive way. I hope you do really well and heal quickly. Keep us posted on your surgery date. Good luck!

IV drip yes. Drainage tube(s) not everyone.

Know that your surgeons team is going to take good care of you. The pain will be managed with fantastic medication by IV. You will care less about anything medical hanging off you. Blood pressure cuffs, heart monitors , IV bag etc.

I had a drain for two days. Annoying and grose, Sure. But, there are worse things in life.

The pain is temporary. Your results will be amazing.

Edited January 9, 20197 yr by Healthy_life

I woke up attached to a lot of different things. IVs, heart monitor thing, tube up nose, etc. I also had a drainage tube. It wasn't pleasant but it was definitely tolerable. I had it for about a week.

Thank you all so much, I have been watching videos, tv shows anything I can to prepare me. This site has definitely helped me everyone here is so helpful.

Than you

I have never heard of this before, but the hospital where I will have my bypass in February gives you a ball filled with lidocaine that has several very thin tubes leading into the abdominal area to directly target pain. You carry it in a sling around your shoulder and it stays 4-5 days. They expect patients to remove the tubes themselves at that point, which kind of freaks me out. Has anyone else had this?

I had VSG and I had a drain sticking out of my stomach for 24 hours. It was pretty gross but not a huge deal. Having out pulled out by the doctor was pretty nasty and it made a very gross noise as it slid out. Then the incision for the drain was closed and no big deal.