Tummy Tuck Fear

I have a question, I went to a plastic surgeon on 05/28 and was told to come back in 6 weeks, he said that he didn't know if he could do the surgery because of the way I was cut when I had my surgery done. I was cut in the middle of my stomach and have a scar about 5 inches across my stomach. I had open RNY. He said that the scar would keep good blood flow from happening to get to my new scar for healing and that my stomach could turn black and I could get a hole in my stomach. Can anyone tell me how they were cut or had any similar problems? Thanks

I had open RNY too as well as a large hernia repair and apendectomy. I am cut vertically from the top of my stomach (about from my bra line) down to just below my belly button. The scar curves around and under my belly button. It is quite a large incision. I'm not sure if it is common or not! I am sure that at some point I will want some cosmetic help with my tummy. I could use the help now but I still want to lose about 75 pounds. I hope things work out for you. I wish I knew more about it but it's all new to me. Best of luck. Linda L. -54

Sharon, Did you just have RNY or did you have RNY with gall bladder removal or hernia repair also? If more than RNY that might explain why the difference in the scar. My open gall bladder scar goes over my waist and runs at an 45 degree angle to the right of my belly button. My open RNY scar starts about 1 1/2 inches under the center of my breast area and goes about 6 inches straight down (ends about 4 inches above my belly button). My scar goes up and down, does yours go side to side? I had read once about a new incision for open RNY being done under the left breast area and going side to side because it was less pull/pain for the person as they healed. But this was not commonly done. Hope you find some answers soon. You might also want to get a 2nd opinion too. Mary

Thanks for the response, I did have my gall bladder removed but and it needed to be, but I was also told that was the norm with this surgery now. I have talked to other people that has used this same surgeon and she now does the cut vertifcally instead of horizontally. I just hope that I don't have to live with all this excess skin for the rest of my life now.

Sharon, Definitely let your RNY surgeon know the problems the plastic surgeon feels you may have with a tummy tuck and see what she says. She (your RNY surgeon) should be made aware. Also definitely seek a 2nd opinion. The first surgeon (less than 200 surgeries) I went to for my RNY felt that he might not be able to do the open RNY on be and wanted me to consider a temporary procedure then the RNY a year later. I refused. When I sought out my 2nd opinion at the same facility a few months later, the new surgeon who had done almost 600 surgeries said he was 99% sure he could do the RNY with no problem. I'm so glad I got the 2nd opinion. Mary

Hey You should post this on the main msg board!! I am sure since they are further along they might be more helpful! And I am sure many have all ready been tucked with an open rny. BTW many plastic guys wont even see you until your a year out. Good Luck Cindy