The drain??!~

Hi all, well I have been lurking these boards for the last few months and have yet to really start posting. I was just approved for my LAP RNY yesterday and my surgery is Tuesday!!! The stress has been incredible anywho you have all been an inspiration to me so far and I thank you! My question is about the drain. My doctor never mentioned one... is it something everyone has or only Open or LAP. And what does it do I am sure I don't want to hear the answer but I want to know what to expect. Thank you in advance for any response. Jodi

Hi Jodi, I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday as well, my doctor did not mention a drain either. Although, I viewed a procedure on disovery health channel and they did mention and show the tube. They said it was custom to put in the drain to remove fluids that were left behind from the procedure. Good luck with your surgery!!

Hi, Jodi - I had a lap Roux-n-y last Monday. I don't know about other dr.s or other procedures, but I have a J-P drain. It is a soft, flexible plastic tube that comes out of a tiny hole in my abdomen, is taped to me, and at the end there is a bulby thing that collects drainage from inside me. It is mostly saline and bloody stuff - kinda reddish/pinkish in color. I empty the bulby thing several times a day. It doesn't hurt unless something pulls on the tube. The trick is to keep the tube taped to you. It stays in about a week after surgery. Mine comes out next Monday. I saw them take out my husband's. It wasn't a big deal. It is held in place with one stitch. The nurse snipped the stitch, and gently pulled the tube out. My husband said it felt weird, but didn't really hurt coming out. I have had no problems with it except it gets in the way of my clothes - undies and bra. I will be glad to have it out. I suspect that not everyone gets a drain, and I have seen on the board that some have theirs removed before they leave the hospital. This is just my experience. Hope it helps. I wasn't looking forward to it, but it really is no big deal. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. May it be uneventful and your recovery quick and easy. Good luck on your new life journey!

I agree with Laura. It is not that bad. (Unless something bumps or pulls it.) My only difference was that it did hurt coming out, but it was over in 2 seconds. I would recommend taking a deep breath and exhaling as it comes out, but either way, you will be so relieved to be getting it taken OUT that any discomfort is soon forgotten! It's temporary, so I just kept remembering that and I got through the first week fine. Good Luck to you!

I had lap RNY and no drain. I'd call the surgeon's office and ask. I was told at my pre-op appt what I did or didn't have to do, and whether I would have a drain, leak test, etc.

Hi Jodi...ask at your surgeons office whether they do a drain or not>>i am 2 weeks post-op and I had 1 but they pulled it before I came home!!I didnt think it hurt just felt weird when she pulled it...a deep breath and it was over..i have a very small incision there where it was it is closing nicely but it does drain a lil bit each day still so I fig I needed it(would rather it drained then to think of that stuff still inside me)oh and mine was lap I feel great actually!!and since I started my liguid diet 2 weeks before my surgery I am down 20lbs forever!!!!!!Good Luck and keep in touch let us know how it goes (((BigHug))) you'll do just fine no matter if there is a drain or not!!! Lori