Question:
Tube for drainage in old stomach for 3 weeks after surgery?

I just came home from my first consultation. The doctor said that since I am a revision he would have to place a drain tube in my old stomach and I would have to come home with it for 3 weeks...UGH...has any one had to do that and how bad was it? THANKS!    — Deborah L. (posted on June 16, 2003)

June 16, 2003
I had my drain tube in for 14 days and it's not that bad. My surgeon left mine in so it would be easier to check for leaks. As I understand it they want to see what is coming out of the tube, if they see food particles then there's trouble, if its semi clear, yellowish or pinkish then it's normal. It's just another safe guard that's worth it. When you take a shower, tie a ribbon around your neck and clip/fasten the drain to it and it's totally out of the way. Good luck.
   — Maggie M.

June 16, 2003
I am not a "revision" however, I had open RNY 3-25-03. They thought they had detected a leak in my new pouch so they left my "drainage" tube in for 4 weeks! It's called a G-tube. When I went home from the hospital, it was no longer for drainage. It became my way of getting nutrition. I could not have any food or water in my mouth (other than a small "swish" of water) for the entire 4 weeks! At night I would hook up to a bottle of Isocal which connected to the G-tube that would feed my nutrients to my old stomach while I slept. The tube it's self was a bit bothersome but wasn't something that I couldn't live with. (Not that I had much of a choice!) Anyway - don't let the tube situation hold you back. The outcome is well worth it. Good luck! I wish you the best.
   — Stacey M.

June 16, 2003
I had a revison and had a drain tube for 3 weeks also it was not so bad I taped it to my stomach with water proof tape just be ready when they take it out it goes like this 1 2 3 GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and he yakes it out.
   — Laura S.