Question:
What is the

For LAP RNY'ers or anyone else that might know..I just saw a post about a "JP drain" I didn't know there was such a thing used when having a LAP RNY. How does it work, where is it placed and how is it placed (if inside) and the LAP procedure is performed? Forgive me if this seems like a dumb question, I've just never heard of anything like this. Is this the only kind of drain I need to be concerned about or are there others?    — yourdivaness (posted on July 9, 2002)

July 9, 2002
I too had Lap surgery and I did have a drain tube. It is a small drain on your left side that helps keep the infection risk down. It does not hurt at all...it is more a pain than anything else. On day 3 the nurse simply slipped it out and sealed the opening with a bandaid. Don't worry about the drain....the rewards of this surgery are awesome. I am 5 weeks post op and 37 pounds gone. Good luck, you will do fine.
   — Cindy M.

July 9, 2002
Hi, I am 4 weeks post op from lap rny- and I am also a registered nurse. The JP drain is a drain they place in your side to drain out any excess drainage from the surgical site. The JP part is just the brand name of the inventor Jackson Pratt. This is the only drain I had and it was removed 5 days after surgery in the doctors office. Doesn't really hurt coming out or just being in - it is a pain to have to keep from pulling when you are moving about. It goes in pretty deep and feels a little strange when it is being pulled out. Don't worry about this drain - it is not a big problem.
   — Pam W.

July 9, 2002
Here's a helpful hint when it comes to JP drains. The other two posters are exactly right - the only bad thing about them is that they're a pain in the neck when you try to move around and you accidently pull on them. Take a fanny pack with you to the hospital. (Nowadays most fanny packs have straps long enough to accomodate anyone) If you have a drain just put on the fanny pack and put the bulb of the drain in the fanny pack. That way there's no risk of it falling off the bed or it coming unclipped from your gown if you're walking around. Sounds silly but it's a lifesaver and I recommend it for all my patients. Good Luck to you!!!
   — ronascott

July 9, 2002
Hey there. The drain doesn't hurt at all and is really nothing more than an inconvenience for a while. Keep it pinned to your clothes, that will help from it pulling. I tied a ribbon together and wore it like a necklace in the shower and just pinned the JP drain to it. It doesn't hurt coming out either....just a very weird feeling. Don't sweat it! Good Luck.
   — Leah H.