Waking up from surgery

[Amy* 5]

Hi all,

I am seeing my surgeon in a couple of weeks to hopefully book in for a laparoscopic gastric bypass following the removal of my lap band 6 months ago.

I've been doing a lot of research about the procedure itself and I understand that I may have both a drainage tube and a feeding tube inserted during the surgery, which will stay in place while I'm in hospital.

I assume that both tubes will be inserted directly into the stomach rather that the feeding tube being nasal or through the mouth, but I was wondering what everyone else experienced? In particular, the following:

Did you have both a drain tube and a feeding tube?

If so, where were they inserted?

How long were they in for?

Did you have any discomfort or pain while they were in?

How were they removed? Was that painful?

I've had a drainage tube in before and that was no problem, but I have a very strong gag reflex and I'm worried about a feeding tube going down my throat, even though logically I know that, with this type of surgery, nasal and oral tubes aren't recommended.

If anyone could share their experience I would really appreciate it!

[foodfighter78 258]

I had no drainage or feeding tube

[blashlee 509]

My RNY was yesterday. I have a drain in my lower left side. This is the biggest incision I have. I did not have a feeding tube. I also have an OnQ pain pump apparatus that's in what looks like a fanny pack. It has tubes connected to all of my incisions to numb them.

[aelovelady 243]

I never had a drainage tube (after surgery), feeding tube or catheter. I am not sure where you are getting your info, but I would ask your surgeon. I also didn't have a pain pump, just liquid morphine (I think) while I was in the hospital and nothing at all once I was discharged (my surgeon's philosophy is that if you need pain meds you need to be in the hospital). I didn't even need to take a Tylenol once I got home. Good luck!

[kyrickchick64 468]

I had the sleeve so it's a bit different but I also had no Cath, no drain but had the pump but it's not really a pain pump it numbed the stomach area like novacaine. I had iv dalaudin but the second it hit my stomach I wretched every time after the 4th time and after trying different opiates I told them I didn't want any whatsoever. And I was okay. And believe me I'm not one of those bite the bullet types but pain or puking? I'll take a little pain. I really think the pump thing did a world of good in that respect.

Btw even if you do have to have a tube by mouth they put you out first. No one wants to fight a patient trying to put a tube down their throat without unless it's an emergency situation. And getting it out isn't that bad. Count to 3 and it's over with maybe a sore throat but it won't go down that way for this type of surgery.

Edited April 8, 2015 by kyrickchick64

[Crosby 303]

Never heard of anyone having a feeding tube. I had drainage tube on my right side that was in for the entire stay. Catheter for day of surgery.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I have never heard of the feeding tube either. I had only a drainage tube and it was removed prior to leaving the hospital. I was on oral pain meds within 24 hours post surgery and honestly they are more trouble than what they are worth. I took nothing for pain after leaving the hospital. Most of the pain is from the gas they use to inflate your tummy during surgery.

Pain meds don't help that gas. The only thing that works is: walking, heating pads, Gas X and drinking liquids.

Good luck and don't fret. It will all be ok.

[Prada-Savassi 13]

Hi,

I woke up from surgery just fine. I did though have a drainage tube on my left side though and this incision was very small and healed within a few days of the drain been taken out. When my doctor took the drain out I didn't even feel a thing.

[Kichi 9]

I had a breathing tube during surgery, I was out when they put it in and took it out though. I didn't have anything other than an IV after surgery though. I would ask your surgeon because the protocols seem to vary greatly.

[rte837 141]

JP drain and a feeding tube. Both were inserted abdominally. I had a slight infection with the JP drain and the pain when they removed it was TREMENDOUS!!! And I have a high tolerance. Subsequent surgeries with JP drain and no pain at all when it was removed. As far as the gastric/feeding tube, came out on its own during an X-ray!!! There are many different ways to do this surgery. Every surgeon has his/her prefenences and beliefs so your BEST source of information is from them.

[Healthybefore50 10]

No feeding tube. Did have the drain on my right side which they removed the day after surgery before I was discharged. There was no pain for me when they removed it, I could just feel it moving under the skin as they were removing it. It tool like 2 seconds to remove it. No big deal at all.

[Hiedie 24]

I had bypass and didn't have a drain or feeding tube.

[Amy* 5]

Thank you all so much for your replies, it sounds like the process varies depending on the surgery, surgeon and patient needs etc. I will ask my surgeon what he specifically intends to do in my procedure, but in the meantime you have all put my mind at ease. Thank you

[srayl61 12]

I just got home today from having surgery Monday. I didn't have a feeding tube (never heard of that?) or a drain. They put a catheter in after I was put to sleep and I had it in for a whole day. They also inserted a ventilator but that was put in and taken out while I was asleep. I had a pain pump with dilaudid, morphine didn't give me any relief whatsoever. The second day though they took away the pain pump and only gave me liquid lortab.

[turndown4what91 27]

I had surgery 3 days ago. Never had a drain or catheter or anything like that but I did wake up from surgery with a tube going in through my nose and down my throat. It wasn't a terrible experience but it also wasn't pleasant either. It was a very strange feeling when the nurse pulled it out. Not painful at all. Just weird.