Drainage Question

Hey All, I'm almost one month post op and have started some draining from the incision site- and while the doctor says this is all normal (and I have gotten beyond the ewwwwwwwww factor) - my question is for anyone who has had this: how long does it last? While I am delighted my body is in high fat burn- I am running through gauze and bandages every few hours (I did try the pads and they weren't much better!) Since I have two more sites that look like they are ready to leak I am trying to feel out how long this might go on? Thanks! Jennifer

Jennifer, I had my WLS on July 19, 2005 and had no drainage problems with that, however it might be a small seroma you've developed and while the incision site is healing....it may drain. Once that area is closed up, it will cease draining. Check with your WLS to make sure. Don't hesitate to contact their offices with any questions. (Note: This is not intended to be medical advice, only personal experience-to cover my arse on this website....please ask your medical professional for more information).... However.........I am 9 weeks and 6 days post op from Abdominoplasty and I am leaking, draining and my PS said it is indeed NORMAL and also NOT TO WORRY that I am healing, and you are too healing.......... How long differs for all of us no doubt. I am a slow healer, always have been, you may be too. I do know that ice packs help the pressure around the drainage site, and also keeping your feet elevated when you sit will slow that draining down some. (again, please note, this is not intended to be medical advice just my personal opinion) Hope this helps. Call your WLS if you are truly concerned. ok? Stacey W

Hey Stacy, I'm not so much worried as curious about how much gauze to invest in I just wondered if anyone else had been through it so I could try to gauge how long I will leak Thanks for the advice I'll try to put my feet up - I wonder if they would object at work Jennifer I like this one !

Well if you have a Meijer there, or close by that's #1 choice in meijer brand products...otherwise a drug store will do. I use Surgical dressings, about 7 inches long, cut in half. Then I use 1 sterile gauze, applied with paper tape, because I can't use regular adhesives on my abdomen area. I got the surgical pads at Walgreens here (about 12 for 5-6 bucks) or Walmart has them too same brand And the sterile gauze pads are about 2 inches squared about 10 for 1.99. Time? Don't know........I would anticipate me another month. We all heal differently. However one perk, is if you have Flexible spending at work, these products are reimbursable so keep receipts!!!!!!!!! I found out by asking our company. Stacey

Hi Jennifer, Is there an odor to this drainage? What does it look like? Are you swelling in the site? I haven't personally experienced any drainage with any of my surgeries but, I know some have. Just as long as there isn't a foul odor or greenish color ***** stuff coming out it should be okay but I would insist on your doctor looking at it. I would think you would be past any drainage stage, but then again I usually heal very well. I hope you are seeing an end to this soon. Good luck and God Bless----Toni