Question:
I keep hearing about these drains...

do all patients have drains? How long do they stay in? I am having LAP RNY. I was under the impression that I could return to work in a week but if you have drains how does that work? Thanks so much for your answers.    — jeanfergus (posted on February 4, 2006)

February 3, 2006
Jean, Not all docs use drains for Lap RNY. I was scheduled for LAP, but ended up open, so I had to experience the drains, but they were removed before I left the hospital. You need to find out what your surgeons policy is on this. Hope this helps! ;-) GOOD LUCK! HUGS Kimberly
   — Southgrim

February 3, 2006
I also had Lap RNY and did not have any drains. I had 5 very small incisions and thats it. But at the office I went to there are three doctors and from what I've heard two do not use drains and one does so I would ask your doctor.
   — jengriggs01

February 3, 2006
For the most part, if your surgery is performed laparoscopically and you do not have significant scar tissue, you should not need drains. Also, although I didn't have drains from my RNY, I did have them when I had multiple hernias repaired and a panniculectomy; I just wore a slightly looser shirt than usual and clipped the drains to a t-whirt so that they were above my waist when going back to work a couple of days following that operation.
   — SteveColarossi

February 3, 2006
I had lap RNY and did not have any drains. I believe it depends on your surgeon.
   — *Malena* M.

February 4, 2006
It depends on the doctor and the patient. I had an open procedure but had no drains. The doctor told me to expect some oozing from my incision. Oddly enough, my incision did not drain -- instead, my draining was through my navel. The doctor's nurse was stunned and said she never heard of the navel as the outlet for the drainage.
   — itsirk301

February 4, 2006
Hi Jean, My doctor never uses drains, I was scared about them too. I don't know about you returning to work within a week though. I guess it depends on the kind of work you do, but I just don't see it happening. Perhaps you can, I am not saying you can't, but don't rush it. I wish you the best uncomplicated recovery there can be, but please don't forget this is MAJOR surgery... even if it is just a few small incisions. Good luck, Amber
   — septembergirl73

February 4, 2006
I had Lap Rny and My surgeon used a drain with me. My drain was in for about a week..
   — mzb2u

February 4, 2006
I had my drain in for two weeks!! what a pain in the butt! It was so great to get it out. It did feel weird when they removed it though.
   — mercedes53647

February 5, 2006
It depends on you and your Dr. I had lap RNY and had a drain until the time I was discharged. I had the surgery on Thursday morning and was discharged Saturday night. The drain is collecting excess fluids in the surgical area and from what I understand, the use of drains is a preventative for infection. The amount draining is also taken into consideration. My drain wasn't a pain, but I was glad not to go home with it. Removal was not pleasant, but necessary. Had I to do this over, I would have pumped up on pain relief prior to having the drain removed and going home. The ride was a bit bumpy and I felt every pot hole!
   — LauraA

February 5, 2006
I had OPEN RNY and had the drain, but it was removed before leaving the hospital. Just know that it does feel quite weird when they remove it.
   — mysaffireeyes

February 5, 2006
No drains are required with a LAP surgery. Drains are put in to remove any excess liquid that might accumulate at an incision site. They are not that big a deal. You will do fine if you need them for an open procedure, don't fret over that.
   — Missy H.

February 6, 2006
I had the Lap RNY 2 weeks ago ans didn't have drains.Didn't even know about them.I've only had a slight problem with one incision (out of 7) that is slightly infected...the one at my navel.Will have that checked out on Thursday.
   — JazzyNana

February 6, 2006
Hi I had lap rny and my doctor used two drains with me. I had the jp tube in for one week and the g tube for two weeks. The g tube was in my left opening and the jp tube was in the right opening. They were very uncomfortable and looked nasty when changing. I was to only wear the bag that hoocked up to the g tube at night and it was unhooked and plugged during the day. The liquid Loritab that my doctor gave me took care of the pain tho. When they were taken out I didn't feel a thing. I was really scared about it tho. He told me to take a deep breath and when I did he just pulled it out really fast and I promise I didn't feel a thing. It was worth every pain and discomfort that I felt. At first I didn't think so but now I would do it again if necessary. good luck Judy
   — Judy 52

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