Question...

Well I was kinda set on having my surgery done laproscopicly (sp?) but I just got a call from my surgeons office and they are not approved (FDA I think she said???) yet to preform the lap RNY. They are still offering the open but if I want to wait for their approval (maybe April) they will put me on the list.. What should I do.. I really want to do this as soon as possable but I also would like to be back on my feet ASAP HELP

Well LAP is less invasive but once you reach a certain weight they only do "open" so if it's the dr's office holding up the decision and not your weight then it's completely your choice.. Personally I think it would be better to wait it out and go LAP. less chance of infections and less time off your feet etc.... Would you rather have a staple line running down your front or a few holes covered by bandaids???? May be worth the wait but it's a hard choice to make.... LAP is harder for the Dr and you want one with EXPERIENCE.. Good Luck Kathy

I would not want to be my doctors first lap patient! I don't personally think there is all that much difference in recovery time or pain. Lap patients have trouble with the gas post op. There are various risks that are greater with open vs lap, but in my research, they balance out. Open (greater risk of infection and hernia); lap (greater risk of leaks or bleeding). I'd go with whatever your doctor is most experenced in (or change doctors if lap is important to you). That one thing, in my opinion, drives the risk of either procedure down. Joy

Wow, Mel...tough decision... There's pros/cons to both. Mine is being done lap. I was offered to have it done lap 'cuz I'm a "lightweight", 'cuz of the serious muscles in my stomach (original surgeon didn't want to sever them unless he absolutely had to I've got the female equivalent of a "six pack" under there that I never knew about...THAT'll be exicting to see!), because I live alone and HAVE to get up and around as quickly as possible, because the healing time is usually less (thus I can return to Proudly Serving My Corporate Masters quicker), and because it's less invasive. However, my current surgeon ALSO had me sign for it 'open' if he needs to do it that way. He, however, specializes in laps... Cheez...I don't even know what to tell ya. I would, however, be asking how much experience your surgeon HAS in laparoscopic surgery if he's not approved "yet" to do it lap. Experience is very high on my list of priorities... Wowzer. Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to all Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-19 and counting!

My current doctor only does open, but the first doctor I saw was only doing open also. I had thought I wanted Lap. When I went to the first consultation they explained it to me and I wasn't so sure I wanted lap after all anyway. I think I would rather have the open because they can 'see' things better. I am not really concerned about the scar. At my advanced age it is doubtful I will ever be seen in a 2 piece bathing suit, and I have seen the scars Dr S has left on some of his other patients and I must say, he has a very fine sewing hand. Now IF I only had a hairy chest, the scar wouldn't show up at all. I agree on the experience factor tho. I wouldn't want to be in the first group of Lap patients my doctor did. Hugs, Mo (and the happy Mo dancin' feet )

Hmmm - were it me, I'd go for the open. Couple of reasons for that: 1) You want to have it done as soon as possible. You will get a month or more head start on the weight loss, and by the time you go in for surgery for the lap, you will already be moving quite well and feeling pretty doggone good with the open. and.... 2) Open is just a little safer when dealing with things like leaks and such. It's much easier for the surgeon to work with his hands than with tongs. Just my humble opinion...Dina

Well, Mel, I agree, I wouldn't want to be one of the first lap patients. I think if your doc has a good reputation for open, go ahead with that. You can get it done ASAP and I have had previous Lap surgeries, they're not all they're cracked up to be. I had a lot of pain from the gas and there is just no relief from it, it just has to work itself out. But, ultimately, you have to do what you feel most comfortable with. Good Luck Whitney

Thank you all for your thoughts I spoke to my boyfriend and my other friend who had surgery in Dec. They both had pretty much the same thoughts that you all did so I think I will go with the open You guys are the best!!! Thanks for being there when I need you!!!