Question:
How common is it for doctors to have you wear a drainage tube post-op?

I know someone who had the Laproscopic RNY and did great with the healing after surgery. One thing that surprised me was that she never had to wear a drainage tube. She never had a problem with infection or anything after the surgery. I had thought drainage tubes were common practice. Ive heard a lot of people complain about wearing and wondered why some people have to wear them when others dont.    — [Anonymous] (posted on December 20, 1999)

December 20, 1999
I had the DS done on Dec 2nd and I woke up wearing 2 JP drains. ( I think they're called that..it's a tube with a ball at the end. When it fills, I would empty it, crush it to get the air out and close it. I wore them pinned to my gown or clothing) I left the hospital with them and had them removed a week later. To be honest, it hurt like hell to have them pulled out..there were like 8" of tubing inside my gut..a totally freaky feeling. I am 18 days post op with a tiny infected area at the very top of my incision..no biggie. Just to share...jackie
   — Jackie S.

December 20, 1999
Well it may be common but not universal. I only use a nasogastric tube for 2 days. Gastric tubes are protective if there is an anastomotic stricture but thankfully none of my patients have had that.
   — Bruce B.