Is a drain used when having a gastric band and is it painful when being removed?

Question

Is a drain used with a Gastric Sleeve procedure and is it painful when being removed?.... Also feeling very anxious about the surgery, can they give me something to help me relax the morning of surgery?

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons do not use a drain.
The drain is used occasionally to monitor for bleeding or to control a leak if that happens.
Both of those complications are extremely rare, and if they happen, you need to go back to surgery or a drain can be placed under CT Scan guidance.
You can always get something before the Surgey, usually given by the anesthesiologists, to relax you before Surgey!
Best of luck :)

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Yes, a drain is often used during gastric sleeve surgery. The drain helps remove excess fluid or blood that may accumulate after the procedure. It's typically placed near the incision site and is removed a few days after surgery. The removal of the drain itself isn't usually painful, but you may feel a bit of discomfort or pressure when it's taken out. It's a quick process, and your surgeon or nurse will guide you through it to make sure you're as comfortable as possible.
Regarding anxiety before surgery, yes, you can usually receive something to help you relax on the morning of the procedure. This is commonly a mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication, which can help ease your nerves before the anesthesia kicks in. Be sure to discuss your anxiety with your surgical team so they can provide appropriate support.
For gastric band surgery, a drain is also commonly used, but not all surgeons use one. If a drain is used, the removal process is similar to that of gastric sleeve surgery&mdash;there may be some mild discomfort but it shouldn't be painful.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally a drain is not used after a gastric band or a gastric sleeve, the exceptions to that could be someone who is having a revision surgery (from band to sleeve) or a patient that has history that has a bleeding disorder, or is retaining fluids, but for most patients, a drain is not necessary.
And its very important for patients to feel at ease before surgery, so your surgeon should be able to give you something in your IV or once pre-op blood work has been completed.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hey! Thank you so much for your questionThe drain is only used when the doctor need to control the bleeding of the patient, and that doesn't happen occasionally, its rare, and yes, you can always have something before the surgery given by the anesthesiologists. Best wishes!

Is a drain used when having a gastric band and is it painful when being removed?

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Answer: Gastric Band

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Is a drain used when having a gastric band and is it painful when being removed?

Answers (4)

Answer: Gastric Band

Answer: Gastric Band

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.