Question about removing the drains - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Livin' La Vida Lori · 04-01-2007, 09:58 PM

So this afternoon I'm resting comfortably when it dawns on me that these 2 drains are probably going to be coming out on Tuesday at my post op visit. For some reason, even after going thru 2 surgeries in 2 days, I am terrified at the thought of this. Please tell me what to expect! How much does it hurt? What do they do where the drain was - leave it open or give you stitches? I feel so silly worrying about this, but I am seriously panicked about it!

bridgetgirl · 04-01-2007, 10:10 PM

What kind of drains do you have?

Jeanie · 04-01-2007, 10:19 PM

When I had my TT I had 3 drains, and when they took them out they told me to take pain meds befor I got there, so I did that, and really the only thing I felt was a little pulling, and you can fill the tube moving but it didn't hurt at all it just felt a little wierd. I hope that's the way it is for you. Oh yeah for me they left the little hole open and it closes on it's own.

chilmoe · 04-01-2007, 10:29 PM

when i had my drain pulled out, same day i had staples removed, i got a bit short of breath and felt some pressure...no pain...as for the hole, you have to go lie down for a couple of hours afterwards, the hole will close on its own, mine took a few days though, so i kept it covered lightly while out of the house to keep it clean, but at home left it uncovered once it closed up a bit, you will be fine, its over quickly

Livin' La Vida Lori · 04-01-2007, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bridgetgirl

What kind of drains do you have?

I have a JP drain from the first surgery. Then 2 days later when they went in to correct the bowl obstruction, they put in a G tube.

Livin' La Vida Lori · 04-01-2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanie

When I had my TT I had 3 drains, and when they took them out they told me to take pain meds befor I got there, so I did that, and really the only thing I felt was a little pulling, and you can fill the tube moving but it didn't hurt at all it just felt a little wierd. I hope that's the way it is for you. Oh yeah for me they left the little hole open and it closes on it's own.

I REALLY hope that's the same for me too! Thanks so much for your response.

Dyann · 04-02-2007, 03:06 AM

The drains from the TT vs. drains from GBP feel different coming out. Sorry to tell you, but the ones from the GBP will sort of take your breath away for a moment when it comes out due to the location (especially the one up near the diaphragm). The ones sitting under the subcutaneous tissue after a TT are nothing to remove. The holes close on their own in a couple of days. You will need a gauze or something for a day or two over it. The drain was placed as a precaution incase of a leak. If the drainage is low enough, they will be removed and there is no need for them. Any small amount of fluid that was coming out can be reabsorbed by your body. Don't fret.

Tim · 04-02-2007, 09:31 AM

I also had two drains they were in for 18 days so maybe I healed some around them but, the first one they pulled out hurt as bad as I've ever hurt, the second one was like Dyann said just took my breath away. Now 2 months later if if lean into my desk at the drain site it will still hurt. Tim

Kevin · 04-02-2007, 09:39 AM

You got some great answers I just am glad I never had to deal with drains! I still am not clear on why some people get them and others dont.

Livin' La Vida Lori · 04-02-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin

You got some great answers I just am glad I never had to deal with drains! I still am not clear on why some people get them and others dont.

Ya, I have gotten some good answers! I'm so appreciative of everyone for sharing their experience with me! At least now I kind of know what to expect and brace myself for.