Differences in technique

I was just reading the day's latest post and was wondering about something. Someone stated she's 3 weeks out and just had her drains removed lately. I just had my last consultation and all my pre-op work finished. My surgeon says he removes drains before we leave the hospital. We don't go home with them. I'm sure that is adjusted if there is somehting out tof the ordinary but that is the routine procedure. Hoehn has done over 400 surgeries and had no deaths. I understand his complication rate is extremely low as well. His partner has been in bariatric surgery for 30 years as well. What was your experience with the drain thing? Were you about average from what you've heard from your surgeon's other patients? I wonder why surgeon's differ from person to person. Just curious. Thanks guys. (Just a little over a week left!!!!)

There are a lot of reasons why a drain tube could be left in for a longer period of time. I was told that I probably would not have a drain but because they nicked one of my organs I had to have one for 2 weeks just to drain of the liquid. The only time it bothered me was when it got pulled which happened twice and hurt like hell. The worst part of having it was having to be careful and not let the tube get pulled. As long as everything goes as planned the only people that usually go home with a drain are the ones who have had the procedure done Lap. Good luck with your surgery and don't sweat the drain. Wayne

Yes, Wayne that makes sense...I had my RNY done laproscopic and came home with the drain. (which is the only way my surgeon will do it..only has reverted to open one time I believe due to scar tissue issues).

Jennifer, I think every surgeon does what they feel is best for their patients and, I had my drain removed after I think 10 days. My surgeon said the reason he leaves drains in is so that the old stomach can drain. I wouldn't be too concerned about this...some surgeons leave the drains in and some take them out before the patient goes home. While my drain was a pain in rear I knew that it was just part of my WLS journey. Your date is creeping up on you...I'm sure everything will go just fine for you. Take care, Kelli

I guess it depends on your doc. I had lap rny and did not come home with any drains. I had to go back a week later to have my staples removed that was all.