To Drain Or Not To Drain

[chaotica 96]

I was told by my doc that he does not place a drain. But I have read a lot about them being used after surgery. My question is, has anyone had the surgery without the drain? Is there swelling in your belly after from not having it drain out? Does it drain out even without the drain in place? Seems that it has to go someplace. I'm very close to my day on weds the 25th of April. And I just really want to know what to expect. I plan on going back to work the following Monday as I'm a nanny and the parents need me. Has anyone gotten back on their feet in less than a week? Thanks, I know it's a lot, but I just have so much on my mind.

[Panda 354]

I didn't have a drain....and have had no complications. I had surgery on a Wednesday and was back in class on Saturday. I was moving a little slow though. I started the exercising the day after I got out of the hospital of which I got out Thursday.

My understanding is that the drain is more or less to check for leaks? Not sure though but my surgeon said that I didn't need one....

[chaotica 96]

Oh that sounds great! I am happy to hear you were back on your feet so fast. I get mixed stories on how long I'll be down and off my feet, but I bounce back pretty fast and just don't see it being that long. I am glad to hear you are doing well. I go in on Weds! It seems to have not sunken in yet. It all feels a little surreal still. I remember going to the seminar and getting the check list and walking out thinking " crap! This is gonna take forever!" I guess I was wrong. It only took five months from start to surgery. Keep me updated on how you're doing. Thanks for the reply!

[Skinnyminded 21]

What's draining? New to this site bare with me?!!

[chaotica 96]

Well, I had surgery on weds and they didn't place a drain. I wish they had! A drain is a tube with a hollow bulb at the end that is placed in the largest insision. It is put there to cary the Fluid that builds up. Some docs don't use them. Mine didn't.

[Panda 354]

Well' date=' I had surgery on weds and they didn't place a drain. I wish they had! A drain is a tube with a hollow bulb at the end that is placed in the largest insision. It is put there to cary the Fluid that builds up. Some docs don't use them. Mine didn't.[/quote']

Congrats on your new life!!!!! If there is any Fluid build up you'll pass it naturally through your urine. You'll be fine!: )

[chaotica 96]

Thank you so much! The "food" in the hospital made my pouch close up it was so bad. The broth had no flavor or color. Looked like dish Water and I was not doing well. Was so scared to come home in all the pain I was still in, but I have been doing ten times better here! Nobody forgets to give me my pain meds and since they wear off kind of fast ( about two hours early) I just take them when I need them again. I had a bowl of chicken noodle Soup without the noodles, and my bf asked if I was okay, because I just sat there after the first spoons full with tears in my eyes. I told him it was the best thing I had tasted all week! I finnished the entire bowl and felt full for the first time. I then got worried about being able to have what was almost two cups of broth. My guess is it's liquid and went down faster than food will. I gained almost ten lbs in the hospital and tried really hard not to get upset reminding myself its just water. I weighed in today and found I went from 249 to 235 in just two days! I can't explain it and I don't much care, I really did need to see that after such a very rough week! I love how everyone on this page is so supportive!

[Panda 354]

So glad you're feeling better and not getting discouraged....also don't forget ur still swollen also so once that goes down you'll weigh even less! Yay!

[chaotica 96]

Oh I am looking forward to the swelling going down and feeling human again! This really was the most painful surgery I had. I wish I had know how hard this was going to be. I bounce back pretty fast, but this one puts me back on my butt even faster!

[beth423 33]

I had surgery on May 2 and they placed a drain but it was removed before I was released from the hospital.

[Nicki Leilani 12]

I had surgery Tuesday the 17th of July I had a bulb drainage.

[Lebim 381]

What's that

- Kaylee Ann ~ Surgiversary: 6/11/12

[Nicki Leilani 12]

It was a drain and the mess that came out went in there it almost look like a Granada. Lol feeling better today.

[Nicki Leilani 12]

So what is the best thing to eat post op nothing seems to taste good to go and stay down