Drains and things

I had lap RNY and had a drain in for a week post-op.  Every doctor is different and mine requires it. Personally I was really grossed out by the drain more than actually bothered by it.  I remember at the time I thought it was the worst thing in the world, but now looking back, it wasn't THAT bad.  :) I kept it "dressed" and taped in place and then also pinned it to my pant waist - I did NOT want that thing moving around!  HA HA.  It was located on my right side, which made it impossible for me to sleep on my right side like I normally do.  That was probably the hardest thing.  I had to sleep in a half sitting position on my back and it made for many a restless nights.  It took about two days after the drain was removed for me to be able to put full pressure on my right side to sleep normally.  I did heed the nurses advice and left it hanging at my side while bathing and it didn't pull or anything.  It is quite secure, not that I was tugging on it or anything.  I did have a bit of tenderness around the location but that went away quickly after the removal. Oh and hold onto your socks when it is removed.  It is a rather strange feeling - not painfull - just icky.  I remember saying "OOOoooooooo" real loud and the holding my breath, I didn't move a stitch, I think I was scared to move.  The nurse yelled to me "breathe!  breathe!"  It was quite funny looking back on it now.  It was like she pulled a really long noodle out of my insides.  YUCKY.  HA HA. In the long run, it's a small price to pay for a successful surgery.  :)  Just keep the little ones away from it, and stress prior to surgery that you will have "tender tummy" and they need to be careful.  :) 

Hi Pam,          I don't know how you did for your surgery but I was the one who "bled out" and had to be taken back to surgery after my laproscopic gastric was done. They found that everywhere they put a staple, I was oozing blood. They saved my life with the second surgery so when I came out of it all I had a jejunostomy tube, a foley cath, and a gastrostomy tube. The j-tube was taken out the night before I came home as well as the foley. I had to come home with the g-tube and it was pretty sore. They took it out 3 weeks and 2 days later. The dr said he wanted it to make a tract in my lower stoma*****ase he had to scope me again. All is well now, I am so happy it is out and I am almost a month post-op. This time will pass Pam.....and then only good things will happen! Hugs, Crystal

Hi Pam, I had lap  RNY and my dr removed my drain the morning i was released, like everyone else said, every surgeon is different. good luck to you. ♥Missy

HI pam! My sister had hers for about 3 wks . No need to worry it will be okay!  Take care  Bonny