about this drain thing...

Can someone tell me how big the drain will be? Will is stick out far? Is it on the side of the stomach, or the middle? The whole thought of it kind of grosses me out! Does it hurt when they take it out?

OK the drain. It will stick out the side of your upper abdomen. Mine was on the left side, upper quadrant. It sticks out about a foot and half, if I remember. Long enough that I could put it in a pants pocket when I went to the Dr to get it out. When they take it out, it will feel weird. It is a hard sensation to discribe. But it did not hurt, just felt weird. Depending on the Dr, they will take it out within a week of surgery. Some Drs keep it in a week. Dr. Morgan, she did not do my surgery, Dr Byrne did, took mine out about 5 days after. The drain is what I dreaded the most but the build up to it was worse than the actual drain. Some people will start having some pain at the site the longer it is in. If this happens make sure you call them just to make sure. You do not want to mess around with any. But once you get it out, you will feel just about normal again. I went shopping afterwards. Good Luck Julie

Julie gave you the best description on the drain....but it isn't nearly as bad as it sounds and it is only for less than a week, so don't stress on it! Susann

Hey Jen, I cant give you any info on the drain thing sorry, I was very lucky because my surgeon doesnt believe in having a drain. I was so RELIEVED I didnt have one! My surgery was not bad at all and it was a breeze with out the drain but I heard from others its not that bad so I wouldnt worry too much about it. good luck to you Denise