BMI too high for laproscopy??

I just got my call today. My surgery will be 2/25 in California. I am happy it is finally happening, but a little nervouse. I found out I have to have open surgery instead of laproscopy, because my BMI is too high (59.5). Has this been the case for everyone, or are there doctors who do laproscopy on patients my size? Anyone know??

I think it depends on several things. #1. How thick your abdominal wall is, because the tools are only so long, #2. How comfortable you dr. feels doing lap on patients with high BMI's. It will all work out in the end. Good Luck!

Jessica, From my research and since im just waiting for a surgery date, I do alot of it. I have found that the BMI does matter due to the instruments have an entry point in your side abdominal wall and if your more compact and your weight is carried more so in you middle then it presents too issues , the instruments length, and mobility in the tight areas. With people that are more stout the liver and stomach are all so compacted together it makes it difficult to preform the division of the stomach. Andie

Hello Jessica: I was told that I am too heavy for lap RNY and will have to have the open procedure. Dr. Kane said that it has been his experience that people over 325 lbs (or people with very heavy abdominal weight) generally have very fatty livers and it is too hard to get around the liver in a lap procedure, so open is recommended. I'm kinda nervous about that too, but I trust that my Dr. knows what is best (he has been performing WLS for over 30 years), and that seemed like a valid reason to choose open over lap for me. Good Luck! Elise F

Well this all just scares the heck out of me i weigh 400+ AND I Am having lapascopic on Feb.20th. this is making me nervous. icarry all my weight in my abdomin

My doctor won't operate on anyone whose BMI is above 60. In fact, he prefers the BMi to be closer to 50 - 53. I actually had to lose weight, to get the surgery. My BMI is about 50 now. It was 56. I am short, so it increases rapidly, with a few pounds. ~A