My Story... Good and Bad

[Pinky Green 260]

I didn't have a drain. My doctor says that he checks the seam thoroughly during the surgery and it's been 11 months and so far so good.

[Kindle 8,667]

Lolliq12, I'm so sorry you had to go through this. It's too bad you were stuck with such an inept nursing staff. As for having a drain put in during surgery, that is surgeon's preference. On the con side, from what I've read, the drain seems the most painful (at least uncomfortable) part of post-op, and it is a potential source of infection. The pros are it's an extra "alarm" for early leaks and in your case, internal bleeding. A friend just had VSG surgery at the University if Utah and she had a drain for like 10 days. She didn't have any problems, its just their SOP. I specifically chose a surgeon who does use a drain although he only leaves it in for 3 days post-op.