Question:
Excessive drainage of open RNY incision

I was wondering if any other open RNY patients had problem with excessive drainage of your incision area? I had surgery Oct.31,02 left hospital Nov.2 but put back in due to pnuemonia on Nov.5th at that time my Dr. was concerned that I was having alot of drainage. He did a culture. I guess it turned out ok. I was released again Mon Nov.11th I have had to change bandage twice a day since my surgery. Has anyone else experienced this> Thank You All    — Debbie W. (posted on November 14, 2002)

November 14, 2002
I had the same situation. It's just extra fluid in your fat cells draining. It's a normal occurance and will slow down eventually. I was changing my dressing several times a day for a week or so and it eventually stopped. Just make sure you don't have any redness to the area and keep an eye on your temperature.
   — Laureen59

November 14, 2002
Debbie, I had open RNY on 8-15 and my incision opened up on 8/25 and leaked for 2 months.
   — heathercross

November 15, 2002
I had my open RNY on 10/31/02 too! I'm currently experiencing the drainage you're talking about. They told me to start peeling off the steri-strips covering my incision and when I took one off it started to drain. Now I have to change my bandage about three times a day. It's annoying but my surgeon's nurse practitioner says it's normal and should stop soon. I hope so! I guess it means that the scar will be wider in that area since it's opened about half an inch but I can live with that. The rest of my incision looks great.
   — Pamela R.

November 15, 2002
I don't think the drainage has any thing to do with the strips. Mine had been off several days when I had a drainage. I was setting in the recliner and suddenly it was like someone had dumped warm liquid all over my belly. It was discusting but didn't scare me because the same thing happened to me after my tummy tuck years ago. That time I was at a ball game when it happened. It was messy and very disturbing but when I called the dr he said it was nothing.
   — Tawnda C.