Question:
Has anyone had complications w/their drain site? or other complications?

I had my surgery 12/22/04, and the day after surgery, my 'old' stomach became inflamed w/fluid due to swelling at the intestine. They had to put in a 2nd drain (on the left side) to releave this pressure- where they got approx 2- 2 litter bottles full of fluid. They say it happens to 1 in every 15 patients- and sometimes the stomach can actually burst! Also, I had developed an infection in the JP drain site (on the right) and they had to pull it out a week after surgery, and now have a home care nurse coming to visit once a day (after trying to have family take care of it and developed another complication/re-admission to the hospital due to the site healing over a fluid pocket the size of a baseball.) We have to pop the pocket everyday, and my belly is so sore!!! I feel like the only person who is regreting having this done. Feels like i will never be normal!!! Has anyone else gone through any of this?? :..-(    — Kristen1209 (posted on January 17, 2005)

January 17, 2005
Hi Kristen, I was just at support group last nite and there was a woman there talking about getting an infection at her drain site. she said she wasn't close to the hospital that did her surgery(she was about 2 hours away) and the hospital she went to didn't know what to do. so she came home right away and they admitted her. they removed the drain and replaced it and had to really do what you are doing. that was 5-7 months ago and she's doing great now. she said it was a slow start but she doesn't regret it. she has now lost 115lbs and is very happy with her decision and said it just made her more determined to do this. hope this helps you. Good luck Michelle
   — Michelle H.

January 17, 2005
Michelle, I had a start similiar to yours back in May. It was a hassle at first with the drains and infections etc., but I would do it again. You may feel like you regret it now (by the way, many of us do have that feeling within the first 3 months or so) but after this "bump" in the road is past you will be happy you did it. Gail Lap RNY 5/25/04 247/151/goal 130
   — revgail

January 18, 2005
yes there are those of us that have had complications but looking back on my own experience the main thing is try to keep a positive attitde and just be thankful your alive ive been in about the same situation you are going thru i had 3 surgerys to fix a leak and it was still leaking after the 3rd surgery i could not eat or drink for about 6 months until the leak healed its self home health had to come in and pack 4 big wounds in the incision site and where one drain got infected. i know its hard when you are going thru this but it will get better and i second guessed the surgery several times but now i know this surgery saved my life and im so happy to finaly have a quality life you take care and feel free to email me any time BRYAN
   — bryan

January 18, 2005
Hi there, I too went thru the "What did I get myself into phase" Read my profile, my complication was unusual but serious. I am down 150lbs now and would do it again in a minute. In fact my Dh just had a similar procedure last week and hopefully is now on the road to being a big loser! It will get better. good luck. Cathy
   — catleth